Kalanchoe
Crasulaceae
The Kalanchoe is a very easy care, beautiful flowering houseplant. A member of the succulent family, and a relative of the Jade plant, it's growing needs are simple, yet it provides continuous flowering for up to six months with proper care. The foliage is fleshy, succulent, oval shaped, and dark green. Flower color ranges from red to shades of pink, as well as yellow, orange and white, appearing in tight clusters atop the foliage.
Indoors, these plants prefer bright to sunny windowsills, with room temperatures 55F or warmer. They are quite sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't allow them to be up against a cold window. Being a succulent, over watering can be a problem. Only water these plants when the surface is dry to the touch, and in winter, let them dry even deeper. The best soil is a well draining cactus/succulent soil, and a simple houseplant fertilizer every other week during the growing season is more than adequate. If placing outdoors in the summer, be sure they are protected from direct afternoon sun or the foliage will become sunburned.
When flowers are finished, cut off the flower heads and let the plant rest for six to eight weeks in a lower light situation and reduce water. After this rest period, replace the plant back in the high light area and begin to water more frequently, but only as noted above when needed. Within a few weeks, flower buds should begin to appear. This plant flowers naturally in spring and summer, but is forced into bloom at all times of year for indoor color.
For an easy care, colorful, long blooming houseplant, the Kalanchoe is just the right choice.
Indoors, these plants prefer bright to sunny windowsills, with room temperatures 55F or warmer. They are quite sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't allow them to be up against a cold window. Being a succulent, over watering can be a problem. Only water these plants when the surface is dry to the touch, and in winter, let them dry even deeper. The best soil is a well draining cactus/succulent soil, and a simple houseplant fertilizer every other week during the growing season is more than adequate. If placing outdoors in the summer, be sure they are protected from direct afternoon sun or the foliage will become sunburned.
When flowers are finished, cut off the flower heads and let the plant rest for six to eight weeks in a lower light situation and reduce water. After this rest period, replace the plant back in the high light area and begin to water more frequently, but only as noted above when needed. Within a few weeks, flower buds should begin to appear. This plant flowers naturally in spring and summer, but is forced into bloom at all times of year for indoor color.
For an easy care, colorful, long blooming houseplant, the Kalanchoe is just the right choice.
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