Kalanchoe is a fairly common indoor plant. There are various types of it: succulent plants, herbaceous perennials, shrubs. To date, about 200 species of Kalanchoe are isolated worldwide. This genus belongs to the family Crassulaceae. In nature, can be found in Asia, Australia and America. We decided to grow it at home. Let's learn in detail about how to organize proper home care for Kalanchoe Mix and its various varieties.
Short description
Types of Kalanchoe do not differ too much from each other in appearance and in the characteristics of care. Basically, the difference lies in the shape of the leaves, which, depending on the variety, can be thick, dissected, sessile, and can be located on the petiole. In this article, we consider the varieties of Kalanchoe Mix, home care and cultivation features.
As already mentioned, Kalanchoe Mix has several subspecies that differ in appearance. The most common is Mini Mix, or a variety of Blossfeld. This is a fairly compact plant that fits perfectly on the windowsill. It differs in a magnificent blossoming crown. Flowers have a variety of shades: red, white, lilac, pink. It is also worth noting Kalanchoe Kalandiva mix, home care is very simple, so many people choose this variety and not only because of the ease of cultivation, but also for its bewitching flowering. Kalandiva has large fleshy velvety leaves, a rather thick stem and small double flowers that form a lush red, pink or yellow flowering. It should be noted Kalanchoe Rosalina mix, care at home for this species also does not cause much trouble. From the name itself, it becomes clear that Rosalina has pink flowers, and is also famous for its healing properties.
Lighting
If you grow Kalanchoe at home, then first of all you should pay attention to lighting. For this flower, daylight hours should last at least twelve hours. That is why in the period from spring to autumn, the pot with the plant should be located on a window that overlooks the east or west side. In winter, it is better to rearrange it to the south side. If you live in a region where the daylight hours in winter are too short, you will need to take care of the artificial lighting.
Temperature mode
Kalanchoe is not among the capricious plants and feels absolutely normal at any temperature in the room. But this does not mean that you can put it on the balcony in winter. In summer, the air temperature in the room should not fall below 18 degrees and rise above +28 ° C. In winter, the flower will quite calmly endure a drop in temperature to +14 ° C. It is worth considering that if the air temperature in the room is below ten degrees with a plus sign, then the probability is high that the plant will become very sick, and possibly even die. Also note that at low temperatures, buds begin to appear on the plant.
How to water Kalanchoe Mix
Kalanchoe Mix at home should be watered only with soft, settled water at room temperature. It is not necessary to fill the plant too much, as decay can begin. It is recommended to moisten the soil only when its top layer is completely dry. Moreover, Kalanchoe belongs to the Crassulaceae plants, which means that its fleshy leaves always have a small supply of water. But at the same time, it is impossible to bring the situation to the point where the earthen lump is completely dry. This situation often leads to the fact that leaves begin to crumble from the plant. In winter, irrigation technology consists in moistening the substrate three or four days after it dries. You can water the plant under the root, or you can just pour water into the pan. Then Kalanchoe will be able to "drink" as much water as he needs.
Spraying
In general, it is not necessary to spray Kalanchoe, since the plant feels quite normal without it. However, in hot summer weather, this procedure can be carried out. From this, the plant will only get better. The unnecessary spraying is explained by the fact that this flower has fleshy, sometimes pubescent leaves, from which moisture evaporates quite slowly.
Top dressing
Kalanchoe does not need to be fertilized too often. It will be enough to fertilize in the summer, as well as at the moment when the buds begin to form. The plant blooms most often in the fall. As for fertilizers, it is best to choose those that are designed for cacti. In the summer, opt for mineral top dressing, which should be applied four times a month, that is, it is most convenient only once a week. And you will also need organic fertilizers, but they are brought in half as often.
Do you need pruning
Pruning for Kalanchoe is worthwhile, since many of its species drop leaves, and the stems remain “bare”. It is these shoots that can be cut and planted again in a new container or next to an old plant. There are species where the shoots cross over the edge of the pot. They can also be cut and planted again, or you can leave it hanging. It all depends on your imagination and desire.
Flowering features
The article already mentioned that daylight hours for Kalanchoe should last at least twelve hours. The flowering of a plant depends on this. Also pay attention to the fact that the lighting must be bright. An interesting fact is that some flowers fade very quickly on the plant, but if they are cut off and put in a vase, then they can stand for about three weeks. When flowering stops, a certain part of the stems must be cut to give the plant a beautiful appearance. Cut off shoots can be thrown away, but if you want as many plants as possible in your house, then use them as cuttings.
Transfer
Speaking about how to provide home care for Kalanchoe Mini Mix, one cannot but mention the transplant. This type of plant is transplanted quite rarely. This is only necessary if the flower grows very much and no longer fits in the pot. The bottom of the new pot must be laid out with expanded clay or broken brick. This is a very good drainage that will remove all excess fluid from the tank. For young specimens, it is recommended to use a special substrate, which should include: four parts of turfy land, two parts of deciduous land and one part of peat and sand. If you do not want to spend time preparing a home substrate, you can simply purchase soil for succulent plants in a special store. It is worth noting that epiphytic Kalanchoe love when a small proportion of humus is present in the substrate. All other species are not required. The same applies to the organization of home care for Kalanchoe Kalandiva Mix and its other varieties.
Breeding
Kalanchoe propagates quite simply. This can be done by rooting a leaf or a stalk. This procedure is quite simple. It is enough only at the beginning of summer to separate the shoot or leaf from the mother plant and immediately plant it in the prepared nutrient soil. If you decided to choose a leaf for propagation, then it should be covered with a jar after planting to create a greenhouse effect. Watering it is not necessary often, but it is better to spray it from time to time. Quite quickly, the leaf should let the roots go and grow.
Seed propagation
In addition to grafting, when breeding Kalanchoe Mix, home care also provides for seed reproduction. Sowing of seeds is carried out closer to the end of winter, and preferably in early spring. For this, deciduous soil is taken. You do not need to deepen the seeds. It is enough to sprinkle them on the surface of the substrate and slightly press down with your fingers. After that, it is not necessary to sprinkle with earth on top. After planting, the container must be covered with a transparent film or glass to create a greenhouse effect. Airing is required twice a day: morning and evening. You should also control the air temperature, which should not fall below sixteen degrees and do not rise above twenty. It is imperative to perform regular watering so that the soil does not dry out. Water for irrigation should be warm, settled. With the advent of the first sprouts, the glass can be safely removed. After three to four weeks, you can carry out the first pick. The container should be a little larger. The second time the seedlings dive when they appear on them three or four real leaves.
There must be a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, and four parts of peat, two parts of sod land and one part of sand must be poured on top. When you see that your seedlings are already well rooted, you should pinch the top. This is necessary so that the branching is more magnificent. The next transplant should be carried out only after the entire pot is filled with roots. The new soil will have to consist of four parts of compost, two parts of humus, one part of deciduous land and one part of sand. The very next year, Kalanchoe will delight with its flowering.
Healing properties
If you were able to provide good care at home, Kalanchoe Mix, then it will certainly become an excellent assistant for you.
Kalanchoe is not only a beautiful, but also a very useful houseplant. Kalanchoe juice is used in many areas of medicine. It is used to treat various gynecological diseases, as well as in dentistry. Juice perfectly heals various wounds, ulcers, eliminates the effects of frostbite and is especially often used to treat serious burns. It can also be useful for tonsillitis and stomatitis. Kalanchoe can safely be called a home medicine cabinet, since it can help out in various situations in the absence of the necessary drugs.
Diseases and Pests
As already mentioned, although Kalanchoe normally tolerates a decrease in temperature, but still too small indicators can adversely affect the condition of the plant. If the flower is too abundantly watered, and even at low temperatures, there is a risk that mold will appear on it. Also, the plant can get powdery mildew. But abundant watering leads to this even at too high air temperature in the room.
Many worry when the stalk stretches too far in the Kalanchoe or is completely exposed. This is a completely natural process that you should not be afraid of. Often, such shoots are simply cut off and used as cuttings for propagation.
Brief conclusions
In the article, we examined the characteristics of many varieties of plants, including the Blossfeld Kalanchoe mix, home care, transplantation, reproduction, and much more. It is worth noting a few of the most important points:
- Kalanchoe needs a long daylight (at least 12 hours);
- likes high temperatures, but normally tolerates and drops;
- watering the flower too often is not recommended, as there is a risk of developing various diseases;
- This plant is widely applicable in various areas of medicine, so it is simply necessary to have it in the house.
If you organize the right care at home for Kalanchoe Mix, then he will certainly please you with his flowering, and can also help in the treatment of various diseases.