The kalanchoe (k. blossfeldianais) has at least 125 species. Most kalanchoes grow as a shrub or as perennial herbaceous plants, but there are a few that grow as an annual or biannual. Throughout much of the United States, kalanchoes are grown as a houseplant. The flowers can last anywhere from seven days to a month. The prominent flower color is red, but they also come in orange, yellow, lavender, pink and white. In this article, you will find out how to take care of your kalanchoe if you happen to get one.
Choose the Right Location
If you receive your kalanchoe as a Thanksgiving or Christmas gift, place it in a room with a south-facing window, choose a cooler room where the temperature remains around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Early in the spring, move your kalanchoe to in an east or west-facing window. Then, when the weather turns warm late in the spring or early summer, take the kalanchoe outdoors to grow. Try to find a place that offers shade and wind protection.
Water Thoroughly and Fertilize
Thoroughly water the kalanchoe. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. If the soil is kept too moist and not allowed to dry out, the roots may rot. If your pot sits in a bowl or container, always pour out the excess water.
Feed the kalanchoe plants with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the spring, summer and early fall months, while it is actively growing. Mix and apply fertilizer once a month according to label directions. Do not apply fertilizer during the winter months, because this is when the kalanchoe enters dormancy.
Force The Kalanchoe to Bloom
If you want your kalanchoe to bloom during the winter months, begin around October 1 by making the nights longer and the days shorter for this to happen. Several hours before it becomes dark, stick the kalanchoe into a closet, a dark room or in a cardboard box. Leave it in darkness for 12 to 14 hours. The next morning, take the kalanchoe out and place it in a south-facing window. After doing this for 5 to 6 weeks, you should see an indication of flower buds. When flower buds appear, leave the kalanchoe in the window.
Deadhead Spent Flowers
Remove the flowers after they fade. This encourages the plant to put its energy into the root formation, instead of producing seeds. Cut off the entire flower stem to the second or third leaf below the old flowers. When you water, only give the plant a little bit of water. When the kalanchoe begins growing and you see new growth, water as usual.
Every spring, repot your kalanchoe. Use the same sized pot unless the roots are visible on the outside of the root ball. If the roots are visible, use the next sized pot. Do not bury the root ball any deeper than it was originally growing.
References:
The House Plant Expert; Dr. D. G. Hessayon
Ventura County Star: Calandiva Kalanchoe is Simply Irresistible
Super Floral Retailing: Foliage Plant of the Month Succulents
Online Gardener: Caring for Holiday Plants