Hello, and happy Fourth of July weekend! Are you spending time doing family stuff? Fireworks? Festivals? BBQ’s? Or, are you planning to enjoy some quiet time and catch up on a few movies and tv!? (Or…are you one of those folks who has to work the weekend away?) We are closing the doors tomorrow evening, at 5, and will not be re-opening again until Tuesday morning at 8. So, if you need anything delivered–let us know by early in the day. Today though, on the blog, we’re talking all about Kalanchoe care. We’ve had some gorgeous plants in lately–and they’ve been flying off the shelves for Graduation gifts, housewarming and birthday presents and to, simply, brighten up our customer’s homes. Getting a new plant, especially a beautiful flowering plant, is exciting; however, knowing how to keep it beautiful can be difficult. We hope to help you out with that today. 🙂
First…a few facts about the plant:
-It’s a member of the Succulent Family.
-Originally found in Madagascar.
-The original colors are red, and orange.
-It wasn’t until 1980 that this plant was able to be cultivated by Dutch, and Danish, growers to be suitable for pots.
-The plant has long lasting blooms and meaty leaves.
On to their care (It’s pretty easy…really. 🙂 ) :
-They prefer temps between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
-They are very sensitive to cold. Even a few hours at 40 degrees can be enough to kill them. Because of that, don’t place them in drafty areas or too near to your windows in the winter.
-They have sensitive roots. Keeping them in a clay pot helps to keep the roots aerated.
-They require good drainage. Pebbles, or rocks at the bottom of their pot and a good, light, soil keeps them healthy. (A mix of sand, perlite, peat moss and dirt is perfect.) When you water, don’t allow excess water to collect.
-Over watering will cause the roots to rot and try not to get the leaves wet when watering. They can sustain dry conditions for a bit–but, it will inhibit their growth.
-They are slow growing plants that prefer to be in their own pot. (Not sharing it with other plants.)
-Kalanchoe plants love light! From Fall, to early Spring, direct light is fine. In the summer months, direct sun light is too harsh and can burn the plants leaves.
-When the flowers start to die–cut them back. This will induce a resting period before the plant starts to create new blooms.
-A little fertilizer, when you start to see new blooms, is really all you need to add.
-Important: These plants can make cats sick. If you’re planning to give one to someone with a cat, you might want to go a different route. If you own one, and have a cat…keep it away from them. (If that’s possible. We know cats. 😉 )
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