How to grow Kalanchoe so that it grows lush and full of life?

The maintenance of Kalanchoe is simple, and the plant is not very large. Many people like to grow it. Its flowering period is also very long. It can bloom from autumn and winter to the spring of the following year. There are many varieties, with different flower shapes and colors. Some are double-petaled, which are very beautiful and bright. So how do you grow Kalanchoe so that it will flourish? Let’s take a look below.

1. Watering

Kalanchoe is relatively drought-resistant, so do not water it too much during its growth period. Generally speaking, it is sufficient to water thoroughly every 3 to 4 days. When watering, make sure the water can penetrate into the soil evenly to avoid water accumulation, and try to water the soil when it is dry and wet when it is wet.

2. Soil

Kalanchoe grows best in loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil. For home potted plants, you can mix equal amounts of leaf mold and garden soil, and then add an appropriate amount of sand. Such soil structure is conducive to the root growth and nutrient absorption of Kalanchoe.

3. Breathable

During the entire growth process of Kalanchoe, you must pay attention to ventilation. If you do not pay attention to ventilation, the Kalanchoe will easily become black and water-rotten if it grows densely.

4. Lighting

During the growing period of Kalanchoe, it is necessary to ensure sufficient light, but it needs proper shade in the hot summer. It can be exposed to direct sunlight at the rest of the time. It needs at least 4 hours of light a day to grow healthily. You can use full-spectrum or LED lights to provide the proper light quality and ensure that the light reaches all plants evenly.

5. Fertilization

Fertilization of Kalanchoe should be carried out during the peak growing season in spring and autumn and after flowering. You can apply fertilizer once every 15 to 20 days, or apply long-acting slow-release fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil, which can make the plants grow strong and bloom profusely. But it should be noted that when applying liquid fertilizer, do not apply the liquid fertilizer to the leaves, otherwise it will easily cause the leaves to wither. In the hot summer, less fertilizer should be applied, and fertilization is generally stopped in winter.

6. Pruning

The Kalanchoe should be topped and pinched in the early stages of germination to control the height and encourage more side branches to sprout. The topping method is very simple, just remove the small young shoots on the top. During the growth period, it is also necessary to promptly prune dense branches, weak branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and dry branches to reduce nutrient consumption and promote better ventilation and light transmission inside. After each flowering, the withered flowers should be pruned in time to promote secondary flowering.

In addition, the growth of Kalanchoe is also affected by temperature. During the maintenance process, the ambient temperature should be ensured to be appropriate to avoid adverse effects of excessively high or low temperatures on the Kalanchoe. At the same time, pay attention to changing the soil and pots regularly to ensure soil fertility and plant health.