Kalanchoe plants are some of the most popular houseplants around. Not only do they bring a pop of color and life to any room, but they are also incredibly easy to care for. In this post, we’ll discuss the basics of caring for your Kalanchoe Laetivirens and how to keep it healthy. From watering schedules and soil types to light requirements and fertilization, you’ll have all the information you need to help your new plant thrive.
Kalanchoe Laetivirens Care Basics
How Much Sun Does a Kalanchoe Laetivirens Plant Need?
Originally from Madagascar, kalanchoe plants thrive in warm, sunny climates. Direct sunlight can be tolerated for a few hours each day, but they prefer bright, indirect light. Their leaves can be scorched and wilted by the hot afternoon sun, but they should be protected from it. Ideally, Kalanchoe Laetivirens plants should be placed in a sunny room that receives plenty of indirect light throughout the day, such as a south- or west-facing window. It is also possible to grow them under grow lights or in a greenhouse if natural light is not sufficient. Make sure your Kalanchoe receives sufficient sunlight by paying attention to your home’s light conditions and placing them accordingly.
How to Properly Water Your Kalanchoe Laetivirens
When it comes to the water requirements of the Kalanchoe Laetivirens, 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 Laetivirens Plants
The Kalanchoe Laetivirens is a hardy 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 small amount of organic fertilizer can be added to the soil every few weeks during the growing season for extra nutrition.
Temperature Requirements for Kalanchoe Laetivirens
Although Kalanchoe Laetivirens 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.
How to Prune Your Kalanchoe Laetivirens
Pruning a Kalanchoe Laetivirens 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.
How to Fertilize Kalanchoe Laetivirens
The best way to care for a Kalanchoe Laetivirens plant is to fertilize it during the spring months when it is not flowering. It is recommended to use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks to ensure the plant is receiving the best nutrition. In order to keep a plant healthy, mix a small amount of fertilizer and water and pour it around the plant’s base.
Propagating Kalanchoe Laetivirens: Make More of Your Favorite Plant!
One of the best methods for propagating the Kalanchoe Laetivirens 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.
A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Pot for Growing Kalanchoe Laetivirens
When choosing a pot for your Kalanchoe Laetivirens, 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.
Can I move my Kalanchoe Laetivirens outside in the summer?
Kalanchoe Laetivirens 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.
Kalanchoe Laetivirens problems that are commonly encountered
Plants such as Kalanchoe Laetivirens are generally low maintenance, but they can still be affected by common diseases, pests, and problems. Root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot can be common fungal diseases. Several pests can infest these plants, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. The plants should not be overwatered, and they should receive adequate sunlight in order to prevent these issues.
Conclusion
The Kalanchoe Laetivirens 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
Are Kalanchoe plants capable of growing 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?
You can encourage your Kalanchoe plant to bloom again by providing plenty of bright, indirect light and by maintaining a moist environment. Kalanchoes usually bloom in the winter and early spring. To promote healthy growth and blooming, you can also fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
How toxic are Kalanchoe plants 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.
How big do Kalanchoe Plants get?
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?
There are several varieties of Kalanchoe plants available, ranging from the popular blossfeldiana to the less common varieties. Kalanchoe plants usually bloom for a few months before they need to be replaced. They are often grown as houseplants or as annuals in outdoor gardens. Kalanchoe plants can have shorter lifespans and only bloom for a few months before they need to be replaced. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, for example, can thrive for several years with proper care and have a longer lifespan.
Keeping Kalanchoe Blooms Longer
The right care is vital to prolonging Kalanchoe blooms and ensuring that they rebloom. Firstly, ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight. Kalanchoes prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sunlight as well.
Second, water the plant regularly, but don’t overwater it. When watering, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, and make sure the soil drains properly. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be used every few weeks during the growing season, along with deadheading to encourage new blooms.