The Kalanchoe Serrata is a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant that has become extremely popular in recent years. With their unique foliage, bright colors, and easy-care requirements, these plants make for a great addition to any home. But, like any plant, there are certain things you should know in order to keep your Kalanchoe healthy and thriving. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to care for your Kalanchoe Serrata successfully.
Kalanchoe Serrata Care Basics
How Much Sun Does a Kalanchoe Serrata Plant Need?
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 Serrata 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 Serrata 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 Your Kalanchoe Serrata the Right Way
The Kalanchoe Serrata 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.
Understanding Kalanchoe Serrata Soil Requirements
To thrive, the Kalanchoe Serrata 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 thin layer of organic fertilizer once every few weeks during the growing season to provide extra nutrients to the soil.
Understanding Kalanchoe Serrata Temperature Requirements
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the Kalanchoe Serrata. 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 Serrata
Pruning of the Kalanchoe Serrata is a great way to maintain the health of the plant. Pruning helps to remove dead or damaged leaves and encourages new growth. Pruning also helps to reduce the size of the plant and keep it from becoming too large or unruly. It is important to prune the plant properly so that it doesn’t become stressed. Pruning should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
How to Use Fertilizer for Kalanchoe Serrata Plants
The best way to care for a Kalanchoe Serrata 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 Serrata: Make More of Your Favorite Plant!
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 Serrata. 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 Serrata Plant
When selecting a pot for a Kalanchoe Serrata, 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 safe to move my Kalanchoe Serrata outside during the summer?
Kalanchoe Serrata 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 associated with the Kalanchoe Serrata
Kalanchoe Serrata 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 would benefit from the beautiful and easy-to-care-for Kalanchoe Serrata succulent plant. It has a variety of benefits, such as providing oxygen and purifying the air, which makes it an excellent choice for beauty and relaxation. Not only does it require little care, but it also produces a variety of benefits.
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?
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.
Are Kalanchoe plants toxic to pets?
Pets can become poisonous when they ingest certain varieties of Kalanchoe plants. The symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. It is important to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet has consumed a Kalanchoe plant. Houseplants should always be kept out of pets’ reach to prevent accidental consumption.
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.
Kalanchoe Plant Lifespan: How Long Can It Last?
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.
Best Practices for Extending Kalanchoe Blooms
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.