Mom grows this plant only for medical purposes. My sister has chronic sinusitis. As soon as she starts having breathing problems, her mother rubs the leaf on a grater, squeezes out the juice, drips it into her nose, and everything goes away. The plant was given to her by a nurse from the district clinic when she was still very young. It was peacefully greening itself on the windowsill ...
And suddenly it bloomed! It turned out that even the healing, but almost not decorative Kalanchoe of Degremona can please with such beauty. And there are even very flowering species - for example, Don Sergio (Kalanchoe Kalandiva variety). I bought it and also presented it to my mother, paired with her green "doctor".
Plant varieties
Throughout its history, the Kalanchoe has received many names - a room doctor, a tree of life, a healer at home ... This plant has always been on the windows of our grandmothers. Currently, there are many different types of this beautiful flower, among which there are flowering representatives. They are the most popular. In nature, there are a total of more than 200 varieties of Kalanchoe. Only a few of them are grown at home. All of them are easy to care for and reproduce.
Kalanchoe can be safely attributed to unpretentious flowers. Plants belong to the jumbo family. Its homeland is the tropics, so the flowers are accustomed to long-term exposure to humid and arid conditions. At favorable times, the leaves of the plant accumulate moisture, which is gradually used for survival. The flower takes root well in any home and does not require frequent transplants and fertilizing, which greatly facilitates its care. The plant is very resistant to pests and diseases. Even if you did something wrong and your flower began to die, it can always be divided into cuttings, which are very easy to root. Reproduction of Kalanchoe is a simple process. Almost every rooted plant turns into a healthy and full-fledged flower.
Pests and diseases of the garden Kalanchoe
As you know, garden vegetation is more susceptible to attacks by pests and is prone to disease. This also applies to outdoor-grown succulents. What can gardeners face and how to help exotic plants?
Ring spice virus
It is a foliage disease that is covered with light spots. Young leaves are lightened, old ones become coarse and disfigured. It will not be possible to cure the plant, the affected specimens are isolated and destroyed.
Multi-claw mites
These pests affect foliage and cuttings; it is covered with a brownish scab. Plant growth slows down, foliage hardens and bends. Small whitish parasites can be seen on the plates.
At the initial stages of infection, insects can be removed by treating the planting with a solution of laundry soap. If the parasites have significantly affected succulents, then the use of insecticides will be required - Lightning, Fitoverma, Akarina, Vermitika.
Powdery mildew (ash, linen)
With this disease, the foliage of the plant is covered with a white powdery bloom. The fungus also affects flowers, and the succulent itself turns brown.
You can cure a succulent with the help of biological fungicides, and the following remedies help with advanced forms: Strobi, Tiovit Jet, Topaz.
Gray rot
A dangerous disease leading to the softening of the affected areas, they become transparent. With high air humidity, the Kalanchoe becomes covered with a grayish bloom. To save the flower, you need to cut off the dying parts and take care of dryness, the succulent should not be covered with dew.
Mites
On the leaf plates of the flower, yellowish droplets are found, then the leaves lose their color and dry. But the deformation of young shoots also occurs. These pests grow on vegetation in hot weather, when the temperature is high and the air is dry.
With a slight defeat, the succulent is treated with a solution of soap, if there are many parasites, then the use of insecticides will be required.
Late blight
The causative agent of the disease is a mushroom-like microorganism that infects the flower, due to which the succulent withers and dies. Rotting starts from the stem and gradually spreads to the foliage.
Infected specimens are destroyed, and the rest are kept dry. Rainforests are where the Kalanchoe thrive.
Healing properties
The healing properties of Kalanchoe have long been known to people. It is for this reason that earlier it could be found in any home. For medicinal purposes, not only the leaves are used, but also the stems. Kalanchoe is one of the few plants that purify indoor air and destroy germs, disinfecting the room. The flower copes well with the flu virus. If now we are accustomed to using pharmacy products for colds and runny nose, then earlier the Kalanchoe was considered the first assistant. From it you can prepare drops for the common cold. The sap of the plant is also useful for wiping the nasal mucosa.
Kalanchoe has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It has antibacterial, hemostatic and bactericidal properties. The plant copes well with wound healing, it removes harmful substances from the body, cleanses the blood.
The healing properties of the flower are based on the fact that it gives a surge of strength and vigor. It is believed that the presence of Kalanchoe in the house contributes to a benevolent and supportive environment.
The healing properties of Kalanchoe are actively used in folk medicine. Leaves are mainly used, from which juice or gruel is obtained. The plant contains a large number of biologically active and healing substances, among them organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, mineral salts, vitamins, macro- and microelements should be distinguished. Kalanchoe juice is used for herpes, to raise immunity, and with physical fatigue. The plant is rich in vitamin C, and therefore is indispensable for vitamin deficiency. Kalanchoe juice is used as ear drops, for the treatment of warts, trophic ulcers, purulent wounds, and burns. With angina, it is diluted with water and the throat is rinsed with the resulting solution.
General information and description>
In total, the Kalanchoe genus has more than 200 species, but only some of them have become popular houseplants. And the most widespread is the street Kalanchoe - an unpretentious exot that reproduces in an unusual way. The height of such specimens reaches half a meter. They have heavy oval-shaped succulent foliage with jagged edges.
Brood buds are formed in the depressions of the notches, from which numerous babies appear. Falling to the ground, they take root on their own. Kalanchoe acquires its own roots growing from the trunk of the parent specimen. After a while, the leaves of the plant wither and fall off, the stem becomes bare.
It is interesting! In African tribes, Kalanchoe was used for rituals, this plant symbolized strength. In European countries, however, they learned about it only in the 18th century, and indoor floriculture began to be used only at the end of the 19th century.
Lighting
One of the most unpretentious indoor plants is Kalanchoe.Care after buying a flower is so simple that even a novice amateur florist can handle it. The plant can be placed almost anywhere in your home as it thrives in ambient light and partial shade. You can put the flower in direct sunlight. But at the same time, its leaves will slightly change the color. Ideally, you should choose western or eastern windows, where the lighting is moderate.
For flowering species, the southeast and east direction is more suitable. In winter, the plant will need additional lighting. If a flower lacks light, then it stretches and weakens. The upper leaves may fade, and the lower ones may die off.
Care features
The general principles of caring for all types of Kalanchoe are the same. But you should take into account the nuances when caring for flowering plants.
- Such plants need good lighting, they need up to 12 hours of light per day, especially during the flowering period, while avoiding direct rays.
- At the end of flowering, the plant needs "rest". It is removed to a cool, shaded (but not dark) place.
- Compliance with the watering regime. Water abundantly, but not often.
- The main secret of caring for flowering Kalanchoe species is radical pruning, immediately after the flowering period.
- Fertilized rarely.
To stimulate flowering, some growers recommend artificially shortening daylight hours. For a month before flowering, be on a lighted windowsill for 8 hours, and then hide it under a box.
Taking care of medicinal varieties is even easier, you don't need to worry about flowering and special lighting.
Watering Kalanchoe
Very often, beginners do not know how to properly water the Kalanchoe. The plant accumulates liquid in the foliage. Therefore, he is not afraid of a drought period. For example, the plant will not dry out if you leave for a while. But the overflow has a detrimental effect on the flower. In this case, the main role is played not by the amount of water, but by another factor. When watering, the earthen lump must be well moistened. But later, the excess water must be drained. In order not to overdo it with watering, it is worth working out the correct regime. To do this, it is necessary to moisten the soil after it dries completely in the pot. You can take part in water procedures only in the summer heat. In winter, on the contrary, it is necessary to water the plant no more than once every 10-14 days. If the soil moisture is excessive, then its roots will begin to rot. In addition, excessive moisture contributes to the development of fungal diseases and mold.
In principle, Kalanchoe can not be sprayed. In winter, high humidity is dangerous for the plant. But at the same time, the flower must be periodically removed from the dust accumulated on the foliage. To do this, the Kalanchoe can be bathed in the shower or wiped off the leaves with a damp sponge.
Possible difficulties
Climate change, pests, significant changes in conditions - all this can negatively affect the well-being of the succulent. You can plant a flower when the frost has passed, but in this case it can only be grown as an annual.
But in the following situations, the plant will not tolerate outdoor conditions:
- The onset of the rainy season - an abundance of rainfall combined with a lack of sun will lead to the death of the Kalanchoe.
- Lack of sufficient light - a succulent can grow in shade lighting, but in the absence of it, it withers and dies.
Otherwise, this plant is undemanding, it needs the same care as when kept in an apartment.
Correct pruning
For some plant varieties, pruning is a must. This is especially true of flowering species. How to cut Kalanchoe? The pruning procedure should be cardinal. Peduncles are cut off completely, leaving no extra parts. Blooming very often weakens the plant.In this case, you will have to trim all the bad looking and old parts of the flower. At the same time, young and strong shoots can be cut off and used for propagation of Kalanchoe. Florists in the summer recommend pinching off the top so that new side shoots appear. If this is not done, the plant will stretch.
How to prune a Kalanchoe that does not bloom? Even non-flowering forms require periodic pruning. The plant usually grows in height quickly. A flower that is too huge clutters up the space, so it is necessary to cut off some of the branches and the crown so that the bush grows wide. The resulting cuttings can be used for rooting. Pruning helps rejuvenate the plant. Young bushes look more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful.
How to propagate Kalanchoe with axillary buds
In a succulent, old leaves are falling off. Often, in the place where the leaf was attached, an axillary bud is formed - a small head of cabbage, which quickly increases in size and becomes like a small bush-twig. Already with a stem length of only 2 cm, it can be used for reproduction.
To do this, carefully cut off the process with a disinfected knife and buried it in a small glass with a wet peat-sand mixture, made up in a 1: 1 ratio. Make sure that the soil mixture remains moist at all times. In about a week, the first roots will appear, and after another 7–8 days the plant will begin to grow - it will begin to release new leaves and increase in size. More often than other species, Kalanchoe paniculata reproduces by axillary buds.
Different breeding methods
Kalanchoe is a plant that reproduces very easily. You can get new flowers in a variety of ways. The very process of flower reproduction is so simple that any person can handle it. Reproduction of the plant is carried out by children, seeds, stem and leaf cuttings, offspring. Any method gives consistently good results. For propagation of Kalanchoe leaves, you can even use fallen off old leaves, which are incredibly easy to root.
Some plant species are propagated by children. Small daughter shoots form on the leaves of the Kalanchoe. Children outwardly very much resemble adult plants. They have small leaves and roots. Adult succulents most often shed such excretory buds themselves, which easily take root in the mother's pot. In the future, they can be transplanted into another container. If you find formed offspring on the leaves, they can be safely broken off and planted in fertile soil.
Reproduction by leaves can be carried out at any time of the year. The cut off adult leaf is planted in a pot with a damp substrate. Cover it with a jar or glass on top. The leaf takes root in just a few days. Soon it will become an independent plant. Sometimes part of the leaf is used for reproduction. It is buried in the ground and after a while a young plant develops from it.
Suitable period for breeding succulents
Perhaps every florist, without hesitation, will say - sowing, replanting, grafting and rooting is best in spring, when all living things start to grow. And the formation of roots will be faster, and new pagons with foliage will begin to form more actively.
However, the Kalanchoe takes root so easily that it can be vegetatively propagated at any time of the year, the result will be expected, as long as the conditions of maintenance and care are maintained. So, we will consider in detail the basic rules and recommendations for various methods of breeding succulents.
Propagation by cuttings
The simplest and most popular method for propagating Kalanchoe is by cuttings. It is relevant at any time of the year. For planting, you can use any twig that accidentally breaks off from the plant. This often happens during a flower transplant.It is necessary to choose strong shoots as cuttings. They can be of any length, but it is worth shortening them to 6-8 centimeters. Usually, the tops of the shoots are used for reproduction.
They are cut and placed in a jar of water until roots appear, after which young plants are planted in separate pots. Shoots can also be planted directly into a damp substrate. They take root quickly in the nutrient mixture. From the top cuttings, beautiful young plants are obtained.
Features of the reproduction of various varieties of a living tree
The breeding methods of Kalanchoe depend on the plant variety. Kalanchoe Degremona, Cirrus and Tubes easily reproduce in any way - by cuttings, leaf rooting, children and offspring.
The Blossfeld and Mangin varieties can be propagated by cuttings, offspring and seeds, and the resulting plants retain all the characteristics of the variety.
Kalanchoe Felt is easy to multiply with leaf and stem cuttings, seeds. Panicle-flowered Kalanchoe well increases its number with axillary buds formed after flowering.
Photo gallery: Kalanchoe varieties
Felted Kalanchoe propagates well by seeds, leaf and stem cuttings Kalanchoe pinnate can be propagated by cuttings, leaf rooting, children, offspring of Kalanchoe Degremona offspring can be easily obtained by offspring and cuttings, by children and by rooting a leaf Kalanchoe Blossefeliwai kalanchoe is propagated by chernosefeld Blosssefeld) are propagated by stem cuttings Propagation by offspring, cuttings, seeds - any of these methods is suitable for Kalanchoe Mangina, the resulting plants will retain all the characteristics of the variety At home, Kalanchoe Rosalina can actually be propagated using leaf and stem cuttings, which are rooted in water or moistened Kalanchoe sand special labor is propagated by cuttings, offspring, leaf rooting, Kalanchoe babies are best propagated by axillary buds
Other breeding methods
Sometimes Kalanchoe is propagated by the offspring of the mother plant. To stimulate the process, it is necessary to pinch the tops of the stems, after which young offspring appear next to the old flower. This method can be used only after flowering. After the young plants have grown a little, they can be transplanted into another pot.
Some varieties of the flower shed their leaves after flowering, after which buds of new shoots appear in the axils. In appearance, they resemble cabbage heads. After they have a trunk of 1-2 centimeters, they can be cut off with a blade and planted in the substrate. The buds take root within a week, after which the plant begins to grow actively.
Kalanchoe can be propagated by seeds. In early spring, they are sown in moist soil and pressed down by hand. The soil is sprayed on top and covered with glass. Periodically, the soil must be ventilated and sprayed with a spray bottle. After the first shoots appear, the film or glass is removed for good. After a while, the grown seedlings dive. Young plants are planted in separate pots.
Sowing seeds
Kalanchoe is unpretentious in everything - the seeds of this flower sprout quickly and grow together, so if you wish, you can always try to grow a young bush by sowing. Planting work includes the following stages:
- A substrate for succulents is being prepared with the addition of coarse sand.
- A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of a wide bowl or tray, and the container itself is filled with earth.
- The soil is slightly compacted and well moistened with a spray bottle.
- The seeds are laid out in several rows along the container, lightly pressed with a finger or a spoon.
- The tray is covered with glass or transparent film and placed in a warm, well-lit place.
It is worth noting that the optimal temperature for seedling Kalanchoe seeds is considered to be 20 degrees Celsius. When the top layer of the soil dries out, it must be watered on time, and when condensation forms, ventilate the greenhouse. When the seedlings grow up, they are seated in separate small pots.
Kalanchoe transplant
How to transplant Kalanchoe into another pot? This question arises sooner or later before every grower. It is recommended to replant young plants annually. Older people - once every two to three years. The procedure must be carried out after flowering.
For transplantation, it is necessary to purchase soil for the Kalanchoe. At home, you can prepare the soil yourself, but the finished substrate contains all the nutrients necessary for the plant. The flower is removed from the container so as not to damage the root system. To facilitate the procedure, the plant must first be watered. The earthen ball along with the root system is placed on the drainage layer in a new pot. The voids around are filled with a substrate. The planted plant is watered and then mulched with small pebbles. This will help reduce moisture loss.
Reproduction of Kalanchoe at home in winter and summer
Carrying out the breeding procedure will not be difficult even at home. Kalanchoe reproduce in such ways as cuttings, leaves, seeds, babies, buds and offspring.
Children, or brood buds
This breeding method is suitable for species such as Kalanchoe pinnate or Kalanchoe daigremontiana. It is not difficult to propagate and then plant a flowering bush in another pot.
On the outer edge of the leaf, small independent plants appear, with their own roots and leaves. Over time, separating from the leaf, they fall into the ground and take root in the ground. Then the children can be planted in a pot, as independent copies.
How can you propagate by cuttings?
Cuttings - developed strong vegetative shoots 8-12 cm long. It is better to use apical shoots. Rooting of a stem cutting can be done in two ways:
- Into the ground. In this case, the cutting must be dried within 24 hours. Then, the leaf blades must be removed from the lower part of the shoot. Place the cutting in a hole 3-5 cm deep in a container with pre-moistened soil. The rooting period is 2-3 weeks;
- In water. The preparation of the cuttings follows the same principle, it is only necessary to place them up to the middle in the water, avoiding excessive immersion and direct sunlight. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings are ready for planting.
Rooting by cuttings of Kalanchoe
Axillary kidneys
They appear in certain types of Kalanchoe near the scar, which remains after the old leaf has fallen off. The axillary bud looks like a micro-cabbage. Once the bud is 1 to 2 cm tall, it should be carefully cut and planted in a pot of sandy soil. In such conditions, the shoot takes root quickly and grows well.
Leaves
The procedure for propagating Kalanchoe with leaves is very simple. The cut sheet should be placed in a container with well-moistened soil. High humidity conditions should be created by covering the sheet, for example, with a glass beaker. Rooting of the leaf occurs within a few days, the young flower is quite fast.
Seeds
Since the seeds of the Kalanchoe are small, they are sown, pressing a little, on a previously prepared light soil. Then the resulting rows of seeds must be immediately watered with a stream of water, which provides the necessary depth. For seeds, it is necessary to maintain greenhouse conditions of temperature and humidity. We dive the grown seedlings into boxes for several days, covering them with foil.
When the seedlings take root, you need to pinch the tops 2 times at intervals of 1-2 months. This will help form a good shrub, which can then be transferred to a new pot by transferring.The flowering period usually begins one year after planting.
Offspring
For the appearance of offspring, after the end of the flowering period, the apical part of the shoot must be pinched. Soon young offspring grow out of the ground next to the mother plant. As the offspring reach the third part of the size of the mother, it is separated and placed in a container with suitable soil. The plant obtained from the offspring grows well and quickly.
In winter, the process of caring for Kalanchoe has a number of features. Most often, the flowering period occurs in winter and spring. The plant should be getting enough sunshine. Watering the plant in winter should be limited, once every 2 weeks is enough.
Any manipulation of the flower can cause the dropping of buds and a long illness of the plant.
Kalanchoe sprouts
Pot selection
When transplanting, a new pot is taken several centimeters more than the previous one. Typically, containers are used from 12 to 18 centimeters in diameter. The size of the pot depends on the type of Kalanchoe. You should not purchase too large containers, since they will have a lot of space for the root system, which will grow, but the plant will not bloom. Whole compositions can be created from blooming Kalanchoe. Ceramic pots are ideal for planting, flowers breathe in them. And moisture leaves the soil naturally. Before planting the Kalanchoe in a new flowerpot, it is necessary to process its walls and bottom with hot water and a solution of potassium permanganate.
Let's summarize
- There are many types of domestic Kalanchoe. Among them there are decorative flowering succulents (Kalanchoe Kalandiva, Blossfeld, Mangini), and there are decorative deciduous plants famous for their beneficial properties (Degremona). The most popular variety of such a plant is probably Don Sergio (pictured above).
- Kalanchoe reproduce depending on the species. For example, the Degremona plant grows babies that can take root in the parental pot. Cutting leaves of other types can be rooted in a glass of water. You can also buy and germinate the seeds of many popular Kalanchoe varieties.
- The basic principles of caring for both a young and an adult plant: moderate lighting (but not a thick shade), no spraying, accurate watering, fertilizing with fertilizer for succulents.
Not everyone knows, but besides useful qualities, Kalanchoe also has mystical power. Signs and superstitions associated with this flower, as well as the opinion of esotericists about buying and choosing a place in the house for a flowerpot, you will hear in this video:
Possible problems
Why do Kalanchoe leaves turn yellow? This problem occurs for various reasons:
- Insufficient lighting can cause yellowing of the foliage. If the flower is illuminated for less than 12 hours a day, it may start to wilt.
- Kalanchoe is an unpretentious flower. It can grow in a wide temperature range. But when the temperature drops to +10 degrees, yellowing of the foliage begins.
- Kalanchoe dries out most often due to insufficient moisture level. Heating devices in winter may be the reason. In this case, the plant must be sprayed daily with a spray bottle.
- Overflow can be the cause of the wilting of the flower. The flower must be watered with settled water. In winter, the amount of moisture should be kept to a minimum.
If you still did not manage to find out why the plant dries and turns yellow, then it will have to be transplanted into a new container by adding fresh soil. During transplanting, it is necessary to check the roots and remove the rotten parts. Pay attention to the pests on the plant. The root system can be treated with charcoal or other protective agents. Kalanchoe is an unpretentious plant that does not require special conditions. The flower can be safely called a long-liver.
Subtleties of care before rooting
Until the planted cuttings or leaves acquire their own root system, comfortable conditions must be maintained:
- provide young plants with plenty of light, but protect them from burns;
- keep them warm - at an ambient temperature of about 23-25º C;
- do not allow the soil to become waterlogged and completely dry out;
- protect the Kalanchoe cuttings from drafts, temperature stresses;
- for irrigation, use settled water warmed up to ambient temperature;
- it is better to moisten the soil from a household sprayer, so as not to disturb the young plant once again.
An important point: it is better to underfill Kalanchoe water than pour it over. Therefore, start watering only after checking the moisture content of the planting mixture.
Instead of an afterword
Kalanchoe – a versatile plant that can be grown in any apartment. Simplicity of reproduction and uncomplicated care make it very popular. If earlier our grandmothers grew non-flowering species, now flowering forms are incredibly popular. Abundant bright flowering in the cold season can delight flower growers for a long time. Due to the simplicity of reproduction and rapid growth, the plant can be planted even in open ground in the warm season. In the garden, you can root cuttings or plant a mother plant. Over the summer, young flowers will turn into beautiful bushes. And the mother plant will delight you with lush greenery and good growth.
Preparation
Many types of house flowers are recommended to be propagated in the spring. However, this rule is not necessary for the Kalanchoe.
The plant adapts easily after vegetative propagation at any time of the year.
As for seed breeding, then for this method, the beginning of spring will be the most suitable time.
Before proceeding with the reproduction of Kalanchoe, you must choose the appropriate method. In this case, you need to focus on the plant variety. The Kalanchoe does not need any special preparation before transplanting, provided that the plant is properly cared for and does not get sick.
Fertilizing and fertilizing a flower
This houseplant is fertilized only in the spring, unless the Kalanchoe begins to suffer from a lack of nutrients. But even then this can be done only in summer and autumn, but in no case in winter.
Use only fertilizers for succulents, while the concentration is made half as much as indicated in the instructions. Kalanchoe poorly absorbs minerals. In order for them to be absorbed completely, it is necessary to dilute the fertilizers in warm water, make sure that they are completely dissolved, and let the solution cool. And only then water the plant. Liquid fertilizers are ideal.
The main characteristics of a plant of the genus succulents
The roots of the Kalanchoe are thickened and fibrous. The stem of the plant is fleshy, sometimes lignified, covered with succulent thick leaves arranged in a spiral-opposite manner. The type of leaf plates depends on the variety and happens:
- Edged.
- Feathery.
- Simple.
- Have a scalloped edge.
In the same way, the size of the leaves can be different, so you can see a flower of this species with large, like a burdock, or, conversely, with small leaves. Peduncles are located either at the top or on the stems next to it. Flowers have four petals, which can be bright red, pink, white, orange or purple in color.
The most common mistakes
A persistent and unpretentious Kalanchoe may not take root only in a few cases:
- the soil is incorrectly selected. In dense, poorly permeable soil, if also too moist, thin delicate roots will simply rot. The structure should be light and loose, not retain excess moisture;
- the vegetative parts rotted away - the slices were not allowed to dry out. It is necessary to dry the cut material for several hours, or even days, until the juice stops flowing, and the cut site is tightened with a film, only such a seedling will give roots.
Another oversight is made by beginners when choosing a cutting. Old lignified shoots are not suitable for renewal. They will give roots, but the bush itself will grow unevenly, the crown will become bare over time and the plant will lose its decorative effect.
Pay special attention to the planting material. Choose young soft, fragile twigs with luscious foliage, then the Kalanchoe will grow fluffy, with perfect shapes.
Easy even for a beginner
Reproduction of Kalanchoe is a completely uncomplicated activity and accessible even to an inexperienced grower. The plant is also undemanding to care for, so you should not worry about how to propagate Kalanchoe quickly and easily at home. Even if the plant is not watered for a long period, it will not wither thanks to the juicy, fleshy leaves.
It will be more comfortable for a room pet not in spacious flower lawns, but in small, cramped pots. For a bright color of flowers and leaves, Kalanchoe is best kept on a light windowsill.
Recommendations of professional florists
- Professionals recommend flowering Kalanchoe, the reproduction of which allows you to get many beautiful bushes, to be placed in bright places without direct sun exposure. This will help to form a uniform crown without burns on the leaf plates.
Breeding Kalanchoe is not difficult at all. The plant almost never rots and takes root in just 10-20 days. And by providing him with proper care, you can enjoy abundant flowering every year.
Seeds
Reproduction at home by Kalanchoe seeds is less common than other methods. Seeds obtained in early spring should be used here. They give excellent germination. Before planting seeds, the following manipulations should be carried out:
- we prepare the soil with good drainage;
- the temperature regime in the room should be within 20 ° C.
Then the seeds need to be evenly scattered over the entire surface of the moistened earth and pressed down with your finger. After that, cover the pot with foil or glass. Remember that periodically glass or film must be removed and ventilated. Seeds are watered from a spray bottle.
The water should be at room temperature. The substrate must be constantly moistened. When the first shoots appear, the glass / film can be removed. As you can see, Kalanchoe has different breeding methods that are easily reproduced at home.
Category: "Questions and Answers"
- What branches are best to cut off for propagation?
Too old twigs, which have already managed to become a little lignified, are not suitable, so they will take root for a long time. But young Kalanchoe twigs will very quickly get used to the new soil, therefore the best option for reproduction is young Kalanchoe sprouts.
- Why isn't my Kalanchoe blooming?
In fact, there can be a huge variety of reasons. But the most popular ones are: too large a pot volume, poorly chosen place for a plant, improper care. Most often, people plant Kalanchoe in large pots. Try to change the container, perhaps after that the plant will bloom after a while.
- Can Kalanchoe be propagated in water?
Sure you may! This is one of the most popular and easiest ways. the main thing is to choose the most suitable shoot and monitor its maturation in water. For faster results, you can use special root growth stimulants.
How to root?
- It is necessary to prepare the right soil, it must be loose and pass water and oxygen well, it is very good if the composition contains perlite, sand or coconut fiber.
- At the bottom of the pot (it is best to take an unglazed clay) pour a good layer of drainage, you can fill the pot with it by one third.
- Further, the rooting process itself is similar for all species and varieties - both flowering and non-flowering Kalanchoe. Root the stalk (leaf or stem) in prepared light soil (we slightly deepen the leaf stalk into the ground, and deepen the stem stalk by about 4 - 6 cm) and wait for new plants.
Photo
Correct pot for Kalanchoe Photo:
Frequently asked Questions
- Kalanchoe is not growing - what to do?
If the Kalanchoe stops growing, but you do not observe external signs of diseases, then the reason may lie in the wrong soil or lack of nutrients. In this case, try to transplant the plant into another pot and follow all the rules for caring for the Kalanchoe, which we talked about earlier.
- Kalanchoe does not bloom - what to do?
If your home beauty does not give the long-awaited flowers, despite proper maintenance and proper care, then reduce the amount of fertilizer in the soil. The most common reason for the lack of bright flowers on the Kalanchoe is the hyper-high fertilizer content in the soil. Top dressing should be stopped gradually, just reduce the amount of fertilizer each time, bringing it to zero.
- Kalanchoe leaves turn yellow - what to do?
If the upper leaves turn yellow, and the lower ones begin to fall off at this time, then there is only one reason - the lack of the proper amount of sunlight. If the leaves began to turn yellow evenly throughout the stem, then there may be too much direct sunlight falling on the pot. Move to a more neutral location. It is also undesirable to keep the Kalanchoe near the window, since glass increases the effect of the rays several times, burning the leaves.
- Kalanchoe dries up - what to do?
The plant can dry out for various reasons. The first is the absence of water in the soil for a very long period. The second is the presence of parasites in the root system, which absorb moisture from the main stem. The third is the wrong soil composition.
Also, your Kalanchoe may dry out due to the fact that the rays hit the pot throughout the day, too much affecting the growth of the plant.
What kind of soil is used for rooting?
In order for the planting material to take root well, you need to use a special soil mixture. You can cook it yourself. For this purpose, they take humus and leafy soil, peat and sand. The proportions should be 1: 1: 1: 0.5. If you do not want to do the soil with your own hands, you can purchase a ready-made mixture, which is sold in a specialized store. The main thing, regardless of whether home or commercial soil is used, is to make a good drainage layer from clay shards or expanded clay.
Modeling
Lovers of large massive leaves should resort to a little trick on how to grow a lush Kalanchoe. What is it? In the correct pruning of the plant. If a person wants it to look like a tree, then only the tops of the Kalanchoe should be dived. Then young shoots will come from these places, and as a result, your plant will have a lush crown. When the owner wants to give the plant a bushy shape, it is necessary to dive as close as possible to the base of the Kalanchoe. Pruning like this will help give the flower a lush, bushy look.
Growing difficulties. Useful lights for the florist
- Kalanchoe pinnate does not have to be kept on the southern windowsill. Both western and southern are suitable for him. It does not need to be covered from light in the afternoon.
- In order for Kalanchoe paniculata to gain strength for the concentration of medicinal juice, it is necessary to remove the children that have fallen to the surface of the soil.It is best if the medicinal plant grows alone in a pot.
- Kalanchoe paniculata and Kalanchoe Daigremont can be placed near computers and televisions. They absorb radiation.
- Kalanchoe grows well in hydroponics.
Flower transplants during reproduction
You can update the old plant by transplanting, separating the young offspring that have appeared. The plant is taken out of the pot, carefully freed the roots from the ground, straightened. With a sharp knife, young shoots are separated along with the roots. This will be the planting material.
They change the soil to an old plant (if they want to preserve it). Individual pots are prepared for new seedlings.
This renewal method is considered to be very productive. It turns out immediately a new bush that can soon bloom.
How to propagate by cuttings and leaves
Reproduction of Kalanchoe by cuttings is not only possible to do, but also necessary. During flowering, the stems stretch out, when the Kalanchoe fades, the flowers fall off and the plant becomes somehow bald and inconspicuous.
Therefore, they cut off this elongated part of the shoot, placed in the ground and watered abundantly or you can first germinate the roots in a container of water. You should carefully approach the choice of the cutting, since the further type of plant and its shape will depend on the cutting that you are germinating.
You need to choose escaping straight about 8 centimeters long with beautiful and even leaves and short internodes. The stalk is planted in such a way that the leaves seem to lie straight on the surface of the soil.
When the cutting has roots, then you need pinch a seedling - this stimulates him to grow and further develop a lush Kalanchoe bush. Reproduction by cuttings renews the plant itself and stimulates it to further growth and development.
Kalanchoe, which have fleshy leaves can be propagated by leaves... Any leaf is suitable for reproduction, even the old one, which itself fell off the trunk.
In order for the roots to appear, it is necessary dig in the stem of a leaf in wet sand and cover with a transparent cap and put in a bright place to create greenhouse conditions. Reproduction of Kalanchoe leaf takes place best in late May and early June.
Seed propagation method
Seeds are mainly grown for those types of Kalanchoe that are considered exotic and difficult to get.
To begin with, prepare the soil, this substrate should mainly consist of peat-sandy soil. Seeds scattered on the surface of the substrate and cover with glass. This is best done in late winter or early spring.
A container covered with glass is placed in a bright place and the temperature is maintained at 20 degrees, this temperature is optimal for seed germination. Seedlings need to water on time and air out the seeds. After the seedlings get stronger, they are transplanted to a permanent place of growth.
Leaves or cuttings: which is more convenient?
Usually, novice florists, for fear of making any serious mistakes, try to choose the simplest breeding option. The information given in the table will help you to choose a suitable breeding option for Kalanchoe.
| Cuttings | Leaves | |
| Desired breeding time | Spring Summer | All year round, but the most favorable period is May-June |
| Complexity of the procedure | Medium-light | Easy |
| Feature material | We need strong beautiful young branches | Any leaves will do, including fallen leaves. |
| Duration of rooting | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Time to bloom | After rooting, the planted plants bloom in six months. | From planting a leaf to the appearance of flowers on an already adult plant, it can take about a year. |
Breeding
First, let's talk about the most proven method, which is often used in greenhouses and flower gardens. This method ensures a healthy, lush blooming plant. What is its essence? The most important thing is to find a good shoot with roots.Where can I get it? It is best to ask or buy such a sprout from those who have been breeding flowering Kalanchoe for a long time. Professionals in this field usually have several plants for just such a purpose.
If you do not have the opportunity to find such a shoot, then you will have to be patient and start breeding yourself. You will need a flowering Kalanchoe and scissors. For such a procedure, the optimal time of the year is June-August. It is important that the weather is hot and dry.
