The Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis is a beautiful and widely popular succulent that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Madagascar. This plant is a popular choice for indoor gardens, providing an exotic and elegant look to any home. While not especially difficult to care for, there are some considerations to be made when it comes to health and long-term success. In this article, we will explore the basics of caring for this Kalanchoe plant, ensuring that it will thrive in your indoor garden.
Essential Tips for Keeping Your Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Plant Healthy
The Right Amount of Sunlight for the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
Typically grown in warm, sunny environments, Kalanchoe plants thrive in Madagascan soil. They prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day but should not be exposed to the intense, hot midday sun, which can scorch and wilt their leaves. If you want your Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis to thrive throughout the day, they should be placed in a window facing south or west. Alternatively, if adequate natural light isn’t available, they can be grown under grow lights or in greenhouses. To ensure your Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis plant receives the sunlight they need to thrive, it is important to adjust its placement of them according to the light conditions in your home.
Watering Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis: The Basics
When it comes to the water requirements of the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis, the soil should be kept evenly moist but never soggy. This plant prefers a moderate amount of water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. Over-watering can cause root rot and other diseases. To ensure proper drainage, it is recommended to use a pot with a drainage hole or add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the container.
The Ideal Soil Conditions for Growing Healthy Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Plants
The Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis is a resilient succulent and does not require particularly fertile soil to grow well. The soil should be well-draining and composed of a mixture of equal parts quality potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. To ensure the soil is not too acidic, some gardeners add a layer of charcoal to the base of the pot before adding the soil mix. A thin layer of organic fertilizer can be added to the soil every few weeks during the growing period for extra nutrition.
Understanding Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Temperature Requirements
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis. Although this plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, it does not do well in temperatures that are too extreme. This means that it should be kept away from drafts and air conditioning units and should never be exposed to temperatures below 45°F or above 85°F. This plant prefers humidity levels to be between 40-50%.
Simple Tips for Pruning Your Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis plants are pruned to get rid of dead and damaged leaves and stems as well as overgrown or leggy growth. The pruned plant will look neat and tidy and encourage new, healthy growth. To prune, you should use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut off any dead or damaged leaves or stems from the bottom. Do not cut off more than a third of the plant’s foliage at one time since this can cause it stress.
How to Fertilize Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
You need to fertilize the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis during the spring season when they are not flowering to provide the plant with the best possible nutrition. In order to use an organic liquid fertilizer every two weeks, you should use an organic liquid fertilizer. It is possible to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy if you mix a little fertilizer with water and pour it around its base.
Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Propagation – A Beginner’s Guide
Taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant and including two or three leaves in the cutting are the most popular ways to propagate the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis. Stem cutting is one of the most common ways to propagate the plant. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in moist potting soil. They need to be kept in a sunny, warm place and watered frequently.
How to Choose the Best Pot for Your Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Plant
When selecting a pot for a Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis, choose one that is slightly larger than the original pot to accommodate the plant’s growth. Pots made of plastic or clay are ideal, as they allow for good drainage and aeration. Additionally, ensure that the pot has drainage holes, as a lack of drainage can lead to excessive moisture inside the pot, which can cause root rot.
Is it possible to move my Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis outside in the summer?
Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis can be moved outdoors during the summer if the nighttime temperature stays above 17°C (60°F). To acclimate the plant to the outdoors, place it in an area of indirect sunlight for a few hours each day for 7 to 10 days. Afterward, it can stay out overnight. However, if your area is prone to rain, you may want to keep it indoors or in a spot that is covered during rainstorms. Additionally, remember to bring your Kalanchoe back indoors before the first frost.
Common Problems with the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
There are several fungal diseases, pests, and problems that can affect plants, such as the Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis, which are generally low-maintenance plants. These include root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spots. Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs are among the pests that can infest these plants. The plants should receive adequate sunlight and should not be overwatered to prevent these problems.
Final Thoughts
The Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent that is sure to bring life to any home or garden. Not only does it require minimal care, but it also produces a variety of benefits, like providing oxygen and purifying the air to give you a source of beauty and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalanchoe Plants
Can Kalanchoe plants be grown outdoors?
Most places in the world grow Kalanchoe plants as indoor plants, but in warmer climates, they can also be grown outdoors, such as USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Kalanchoe plants are native to Madagascar and are typically grown indoors. This type of plant can be grown in a container or in the ground, but it must be brought indoors during the colder months in order to protect it from frost.
What can I do to get my Kalanchoe plant to bloom again?
Kalanchoe plants typically bloom in the winter and early spring months. To encourage your plant to bloom again, it is important to provide it with plenty of bright, indirect light and to keep the soil evenly moist. You can also fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to help promote healthy growth and blooming.
Do Kalanchoe plants cause harm to pets?
Some varieties of Kalanchoe plants are toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a Kalanchoe plant, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. It is always a good idea to keep houseplants out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Kalanchoe plants grow to what size?
Kalanchoe plants grow in various sizes depending on their species and cultivars. Some species, like Kalanchoe beharensis, can grow up to 6 feet in height and width. While other species, like Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana, grow to only a few feet in height and width. They generally grow 1 to 3 feet tall.
How Long Does A Kalanchoe Plant Live?
As houseplants or annuals in outdoor gardens, Kalanchoe plants are widely known for their long-lasting blooms. The lifespans of Kalanchoe plants can vary depending on their variety and the way they are cared for. Many Kalanchoe varieties, such as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, only bloom for a few months before they need to be replaced. If cared for properly, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora may continue to bloom for several years and have a longer lifespan.
Kalanchoe Blooms: How to Prolong Them
To prolong the blooms of a Kalanchoe plant and encourage it to rebloom, it is important to provide the plant with the right care. First, make sure the plant is getting enough sunlight. Kalanchoes prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun.
Second, water the plant regularly, but be careful not to over-water it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and make sure the plant has proper drainage. Third, fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Fourth, deadhead the plant by removing spent blooms to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing new flowers.