Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri plants are known for their resilience and can tolerate a variety of care, making them great for beginner gardeners. With proper care and attention, a Kalanchoe can thrive for years. With its unique foliage and colorful blooms, this plant is an excellent choice for adding a touch of greenery to your home.
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri Care Basics
Proper Lighting
Succulents such as Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri like bright indirect sunlight. If possible, place it in a sunny spot, but don’t expose it to direct sunlight, as this may cause it to burn. It can tolerate low light as well, but it won’t produce its signature colorful flowers in these conditions. It prefers a few hours of direct sunlight a day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon.
Water Consumption
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri thrive in evenly moist soil that is never soggy. If it is dry in the top 1-2 inches of soil, it needs moderate water. Gravity or a pot with a drainage hole should be placed at the bottom of the container to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and other diseases. Root rot and other diseases can result from overwatering.
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri Soil Conditions
To thrive, the Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri does not require extremely 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 light organic fertilizer once every few weeks during the growing season to provide extra nutrients to the soil.
Temperature Needs
Although the Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri does well in a wide range of temperatures, it has some specific temperature requirements for it to thrive. It should not be kept in temperatures outside that range because it can cause plant stress. It should be kept at temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a minimum temperature of 55 degrees.
Pruning the Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri
Pruning a Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri 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 carefully cut off any dead or damaged leaves 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.
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri: The Secrets to Propagating Successfully
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 Gastonis Bonnieri. 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.
Selecting the Right Pot
When selecting a pot for a Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri, 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.
Common Problems associated with the Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri
Kalanchoe Gastonis Bonnieri 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 Gastonis Bonnieri 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalanchoe Plants
Is it possible to grow Kalanchoe plants outdoors?
Madagascar native Kalanchoes are usually grown indoors, but in warmer climates, like USDA hardiness zones 9-11, they can also be grown outdoors. Although they are native to Madagascar, they are typically grown as indoor plants. The plants can be grown in containers or in the ground in these warmer climates, but they must be brought indoors during the colder months to avoid frost damage.
How do I get my Kalanchoe plant to bloom again?
The best time to bloom your Kalanchoe is in the winter and early spring months. Make sure the soil is evenly moist and the light is bright, indirect, and even. To promote healthy growth and blooming, fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Do Kalanchoe plants cause harm to pets?
If ingested, some varieties of Kalanchoe plants can be toxic to pets. Ingestion of Kalanchoe plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems in pets. You should consult your veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet has ingested one. Keeping houseplants out of the reach of pets is always a good idea.
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.