Wondering why Kalanchoes are said to be absolute all-round plants? Well, there's no shortage of reasons, so you could pick any one that sounds most convincing to you. Low-maintenance, high adaptability, stunning foliage and flowers, extended blooming periods, medicinal benefits, and air purification qualities - take your pick!
There are way too many types of kalanchoe plants, so in this blog we'll tell you about the top 8 types of Kalanchoe, along with tips for growing and caring for these hardy, beloved succulents.
Let's first talk about
• The Benefits of Kalanchoe Plants
1. Attractive Flowers:
Kalanchoe plants are known for their colorful and vibrant flowers. The flowers come in various colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow, thus adding aesthetic appeal to indoor and outdoor spaces.
2. Low Maintenance:
Kalanchoe plants are generally easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand some periods of neglect, making them suitable for individuals who may not have a green thumb or have limited time for plant care.
3. Indoor Air Purification:
Like many houseplants, Kalanchoe has the ability improve indoor air quality by removing certain pollutants from the air. Plants, in general, can help improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis.
4. Adaptability:
Kalanchoe plants are adaptable to various growing conditions. They can thrive in different light levels making them versatile for indoor and outdoor environments.
5. Medicinal Uses:
Some species of Kalanchoe, such as Kalanchoe pinnata (also known as "air plant" or "life plant"), are used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The leaves of this species are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
6. Propagation:
Kalanchoe plants are often easy to propagate, either through leaf cuttings or offsets. This makes them a great choice for individuals who enjoy expanding their plant collection or sharing plants with others.
• Kalanchoe Plant Care
Kalanchoe care is relatively easy because, as mentioned before, it is generally a very adaptable and low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips to remember:
a. Light:
To grow Kalanchoe successfully, you should know that it prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but its leaves may get sunburned with intense, prolonged exposure.
Place your plant near a south or west-facing window for optimal light conditions.
b. Watering your Kalanchoe:
Allow the top inch of the soil to dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining in order to avoid waterlogging.
Water sparingly during the dormant winter period so that you can grow Kalanchoe under the circumstances it needs.
c. Best Potting Soil for Kalanchoe:
Use a well-draining potting mix. A cactus or succulent mix works well for Kalanchoe succulents.
Consider adding perlite to improve drainage.
d. Temperature:
Kalanchoe prefers warm environments, so keep the plant in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Protect it from drafts and extreme weather changes, as it can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
e. Best Fertilizer for Kalanchoe Plants:
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). The flowering Kalanchoe needs a good amount of fertilizer to be able to grow and develop well, allowing its flowers to bloom and stay for extended periods.
Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply every 4-6 weeks.
f. Pruning:
Deadhead spent flowers in flowering Kalanchoe regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Prune any leggy growth to maintain good shape.
g. Propagation:
You can propagate Kalanchoe from offsets or leaf cuttings. It is easy, even for gardening beginners, to propagate different types of kalanchoe plants from their pups and leaves. Remember to allow cuttings to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
h. Pests and Diseases:
Monitor for pests like aphids or mealybugs. Other pests are also common on many different types of kalanchoe succulents, such as spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and fungus gnats.
These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap if necessary, and other pest control products that won't be too harsh on the plant. Another thing that can be done to prevent fungal diseases is ensuring good air circulation.
• Different Types of Kalanchoe Plants
1. Flower Dust Plant (Kalanchoe pumila):
The Flower Dust Plant, scientifically called Kalanchoe pumila, is a low-growing succulent with small, silvery-green leaves. It is often used as ground cover and produces small, star-shaped pink to lavender flowers.
It hails from Madagascar and grows like a spreading shrub, capable of growing up to 45 cm wide.
2. Kalanchoe Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana):
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as Flaming Katy, is one of the most popular and widely cultivated species of Kalanchoe.
It is known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms in various colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow. It is often used as a potted plant for indoor or outdoor decorations.
Some of the other names of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are Christmas Kalanchoe and Madagascar Widow's-Thrill.
3. Beach Bells (Kalanchoe manginii):
Beach Bells - scientifically Kalanchoe manginii - is one of the Kalanchoe succulent types with attractive, fleshy leaves that have a bluish tint.
It produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink or blue. Beach bells variety is well-suited for container gardening.
4. Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe delagoensis):
Kalanchoe delagoensis, also known as the Chandelier Plant or Mother of Thousands, is one of the Kalanchoe succulent types known for its unique method of reproducing.
It produces plantlets along the edges of its leaves, giving it a chandelier-like appearance. It produces tubular, orange-red flowers that give it its undeniable aesthetic appeal.
5. Coral Bells (Kalanchoe uniflora):
Kalanchoe uniflora, otherwise called Coral Bells, has elongated, spoon-shaped leaves and produces clusters of tubular orange-red flowers, much like the Chandelier plant.
It is a compact and attractive succulent, suitable for both indoor and outdoor ornamental gardens.
6. Kalanchoe 'Wendy':
Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is a cultivated variety known for its striking, variegated foliage. It often has green leaves with creamy-white or yellow edges.
While its specific characteristics can vary, it adds a decorative touch to gardens or indoor spaces, like all other different types of kalanchoe plants.
7. Mealy Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe scapigera):
Mealy Kalanchoe, called Kalanchoe scapigera scientifically, is also recognized for its unique method of reproduction.
It produces plantlets on the tips of its leaves, giving the appearance of miniature versions of the parent plant. It has oval-shaped, grayish-green leaves.
8. Red Pancakes (Kalanchoe luciae):
Kalanchoe luciae, also known as Red Pancake Plant or Paddle Plant, is characterized by its thick, paddle-shaped leaves that turn into a bright red along the edges when exposed to bright sunlight.
It produces yellow flowers on beautiful, tall, and sturdy stems.
Whichever types of kalanchoe you choose to grow in your gardens, their benefits and their aesthetic appeal never dwindles. Which means that they keep your garden looking fresh and vibrant, always.
So, have you found your reason to love the Kalanchoe? We sure have!
