The Kalanchoe is a common succulent that grows in many different climates. They come in a dazzling array of hues and require minimal maintenance. It might take two or three years for a Kalanchoe plant to reach full maturity.
They are remarkable because, unlike other plants, they do not keep water in their roots but rather in their leaves and stems. Kalanchoes are sensitive to overwatering, therefore it’s best to water them once a week, even under ideal conditions.
When Kalanchoe is overwatered, it loses its perky appearance and takes on a soft, mushy texture. Rot will quickly spread throughout the plant if it is not treated.
Kalanchoe Overwatering: What Are the Signs?
If you’re worried about whether or not your Kalanchoe is getting enough water, there are telltale indications you may watch for. When Kalanchoe plants are overwatered, the leaves become mushy and squishy.
- It’s possible that your Kalanchoe’s leaves will be a paler shade than usual or perhaps turn nearly transparent.
- The leaves of overwatered Kalanchoe plants are more delicate than those of normal plants.
- A diseased plant will look sick all around. If this is the case, either the plant is being overwatered, or the soil isn’t draining quickly enough for it.
- Kalanchoes may go for weeks without being watered. Repeatedly overwatering a plant will cause its leaves to bulge and finally burst open.
If your Kalanchoe shows the symptoms we listed above despite your best efforts to maintain a consistent watering schedule regardless of the plant’s appearance, it may be suffering from overwatering.
In contrast, Kalanchoe that has been submerged in water will have brown, withering leaves. The leaves will have a dull texture and a delicate feel.
You’ll notice that your Kalanchoe is looking generally droopy and dry. The leaves of a Kalanchoe in good health should be full and robust, without any signs of softness or dehydration.
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a Kalanchoe that’s been overwatered and one that’s been under. It’s easy to get the two mixed up and end up doing more harm to your plant than good.
Your watering schedule can be affected by the following factors
Plants vary greatly in their fragility and maintenance requirements. Read on to learn about some potential threats to your plants.
Light Exposure
Although kalanchoes thrive in strong light, the midday sun might be too intense for their delicate leaves. A short period of time in the early light is ideal.
Check the health of your Kalanchoe to see whether it receives adequate sunlight. If it seems to be elongating itself in an attempt to reach the nearest light, it is likely light-deprived.
Temperature
The ideal conditions for kalanchoes are high humidity and temperatures between warm and hot. They can’t stand the frigid winters. For this reason, it is better to bring them indoors during the colder months so as not to stunt their development.
In pots and soil
If you’re growing kalanchoes, you shouldn’t use a plastic pot since they need assistance maintaining the right humidity levels. Be sure there are adequate drainage holes in the plastic pot you choose to use to prevent overwatering.
Overwatering may be avoided by using containers made of terracotta, clay, or ceramic, which enable soil air and water to drain through their sides.
Adding a cactus mix will aerate the soil and make it more able to drain water. A soil mixture of 60% peat moss and 40% perlite is an alternative to that.
Overwatered Kalanchoes: Can They Be Saved?
If you take the time to carefully treat an overgrown Kalanchoe, it may generally be brought back to life. Plants may recover some of their health even if it has partially decayed.
Use the plant’s remaining leaves or a segment of the stem that made it through the ordeal to start a new plant. It all depends on how badly a Kalanchoe has been damaged. Root rot drastically reduces the plant’s chances of survival.
A Guide to Saving an Overwatered Kalanchoe
- Take the Kalanchoe out of its container.
- Get rid of all the soggy dirt.
- Plants need to be kept out of direct sunlight and in a dry, shady spot.
- You should check on it every day for the next three to eight days until it dries.
- Find a container with a hole on the bottom for drainage.
- The Kalanchoe has to be repotted into a new pot.
- Leave it dry! Let it air out for a few more days to ensure total dryness.
- A healthy indicator that your plant is healing is the appearance of fresh, small leaves all along the stems.
Conclusion
A Kalanchoe plant can’t handle either too much or too little water. Be mindful of your plants to prevent harm. You should give your plant the greatest care possible if you want it to bloom continuously throughout the year.
Always remember to water the plant regularly and repot it once a year to give it a fresh start. Overwatering manifests itself in a number of ways, including damp soil, high humidity, and cool temperatures. Your Kalanchoe needs quick attention.