The Kalanchoe Kewensis is a unique type of succulent that adds beauty and life to any home or office. They are easy to care for, requiring only minimal attention and maintenance. With their colorful foliage and vibrant flowers, Kalanchoe plants can light up a room in no time. In this post, we will explore all the basics you need to know about caring for the Kalanchoe Kewensis so that you can have them flourishing in your home for years to come.
Kalanchoe Kewensis Care Basics
Ideal Sunlight Conditions for Kalanchoe Kewensis
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 Kewensis 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 Kewensis 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.
Proper Watering for Maximum Kalanchoe Kewensis Health
The Kalanchoe Kewensis needs a moderate amount of water to stay healthy and thrive. During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered every 7-10 days. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, water should be reduced to every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to water from the bottom by soaking the entire pot in a tray of water for approximately two hours. This allows the soil to absorb the water it needs without the risk of over-watering.
Choosing the Right Soil Type for Kalanchoe Kewensis
To thrive, the Kalanchoe Kewensis does not require excepitional fertile soil. It does, however, require well-draining soil that is made up of quality potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. Some gardeners add charcoal to the base of the pot before adding the soil mix to ensure it is not too acidic. You can add a thin layer of organic fertilizer once every few weeks during the growing period to provide extra nutrients to the soil.
What Are the Temperature Needs of Kalanchoe Kewensis?
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the Kalanchoe Kewensis. 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%.
How to Prune Your Kalanchoe Kewensis
Pruning a Kalanchoe Kewensis involves removing dead or damaged leaves and stems, as well as any overgrown or leggy growth. This helps to promote new, healthy growth and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off any dead or damaged leaves carefully or stems at the base. Avoid cutting off more than a third of the plant’s foliage at one time, as this can stress the plant.
Tips for Fertilizing Kalanchoe Kewensis
You need to fertilize the Kalanchoe Kewensis 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.
A Guide to Propagating Kalanchoe Kewensis for Maximum Results
One of the best methods for propagating the Kalanchoe Kewensis is through stem cuttings. To do this, you will need a healthy stem with several leaves and nodes. Cut the stem at an angle just below a node and remove any extra leaves. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone, then stick it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Place the pot in an area with bright indirect light and keep the soil moist. After several weeks, you should begin to see new growth, at which point you can transfer the cutting to its own pot.
How to Choose the Best Pot for Your Kalanchoe Kewensis Plant
When choosing a pot for your Kalanchoe Kewensis, make sure to select one that has adequate drainage holes. This species prefers having their roots slightly cramped, so opt for a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current pot your Kalanchoe is in. Make sure the material is breathable, such as terracotta, ceramic, or plastic. Avoid selecting a pot made of metal or wood, as they do not provide adequate aeration and drainage.
Is it possible to move my Kalanchoe Kewensis outside in the summer?
If you’re wondering if you can move your Kalanchoe Kewensis outdoors during the summer, the answer is yes, as long as the temperature stays above 17℃ (60℉). However, be sure to acclimate it over 7 to 10 days and bring it back indoors before the first frost. Try to keep your Kalanchoe in an area with indirect sunlight and, if you live in an area prone to rain, place your Kalanchoe in a spot that’s covered during the rain.
Common Problems with the Kalanchoe Kewensis
Kalanchoe Kewensis plants are generally low maintenance, but they can still be susceptible to common problems, diseases, and pests. These plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot. Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can be common pests that infest these plants. To help prevent these issues, it is important to ensure the plants are not overwatered and they receive the proper amount of sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Any home or garden will benefit from the beauty and simplicity of the Kalanchoe Kewensis plant. As well as providing oxygen and purifying the air, it provides a variety of benefits that will make it a source of beauty and relaxation without requiring a lot of maintenance.
FAQs About Kalanchoe Plants
Can Kalanchoe plants be grown outdoors?
Kalanchoe plants are native to Madagascar and are typically grown as indoor plants in most parts of the world. However, they can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates, such as in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In these warmer climates, the plants can be grown in containers or in the ground, but they will need to be brought indoors during the colder months to protect them from frost.
My Kalanchoe plant has stopped blooming. What should I do?
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 Plant Size: How Big Do They Get?
Depending on the species and cultivar, Kalanchoe plants can grow very large, reaching a height of up to 6 feet and a width up to 3 feet. Some species, such as Kalanchoe beharensis, can grow quite large, reaching up to 6 feet. The most common species of Kalanchoe are around 1 to 3 feet in height and width. Other species, such as Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana, grow to only a few feet in height and width.
How Long Does A Kalanchoe Plant Live?
Kalanchoe plants are known for their long-lasting blooms and are often grown as houseplants or annuals in outdoor gardens. The lifespan of a Kalanchoe plant can vary depending on the specific variety and how it is cared for. Some Kalanchoe varieties, such as the popular Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, have a shorter lifespan and may only bloom for a few months before they need to be replaced. Other varieties, such as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, can have a longer lifespan and may continue to bloom for several years with proper care.
Kalanchoe Blooms: How to Prolong Them
Kalanchoe plants need the right care in order to prolong their blooms and encourage them to rebloom. First of all, ensure the plant gets sufficient sunlight. Kalanchoes prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight as well.
Second, water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Water the plant well, but ensure the soil dries out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks. Finally, deadhead the plant to encourage new blooms so that the plant can focus its energy on producing more blooms.