Kalanchoe

Origin

Kalanchoe is a genus of plants in the Crassulaceae family, with approximately 150 species mainly distributed in southern Africa and Madagascar, but also found sporadically in the Arabian region, India, and East Asia. Kalanchoe are also called leaf-buds because some species form so-called leaf-buds on the edges of their leaves. These are small plantlets, i.e., fully formed small plants, which fall off upon contact and can be used to propagate the plant.

Appearance

Kalanchoes are mostly shrubs or subshrubs. Their leaves are fleshy and usually arranged oppositely. The flowers are bell-shaped, often hanging, and come in all possible colors. Important for flowering is that the plants are not kept in bright light for too long during winter.

Care

Location: Kalanchoe should be given a bright to sunny location all year round. A place by a south-facing window is therefore ideal.
Substrate: A mixture of cactus and succulent soil and mineral components is suitable as a substrate. The substrate should be loose and, above all, well-draining so that excess water can drain away.
Watering: Kalanchoes rarely need water and cope much better with too little than with too much. After watering, you should wait until the substrate is completely dry. Only when the soil has dried out can you water again. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, which is why excess water should drain away well.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, you can fertilize approximately once a month with cactus and succulent fertilizer. During the dormant phase, succulents no longer need fertilizer.
Summer/Winter: The Kalanchoe can spend the summer outdoors after it has been gradually acclimated to the sun. Otherwise, it can quickly get sunburned, which can be recognized by brown spots on the leaves. When it gets colder, the succulent should be brought back indoors, as it is not winter-hardy. A temperature of around 15°C is ideal in winter. Fertilizing is stopped, and watering is reduced.

Popular species

Kalanchoe tubiflora: Kalanchoe tubiflora has the typical plantlets of Kalanchoe. They grow at the end of the long, thin leaves. The leaves are grey and mottled.
Kalanchoe rotundifolia: This succulent has blue-green leaves arranged oppositely. Its flowers are yellow and arranged in panicles.

Note: Some Kalanchoe species are poisonous; no guarantee can be given regarding their compatibility with animals.