Kalanchoe Blossfeld - flower under a cap

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Kalanchoe Blossfeld is a houseplant that is so unpretentious that it can be recommended not only to beginner growers, but even small children trying to take care of green pets on their own. Among the advantages of flowering Kalanchoe are its compact size (the plant rarely reaches 40 cm), a rich color palette (breeders have drawn many intermediate shades from the five primary colors), and healing properties of leaves (Kalanchoe juice has anti-inflammatory and healing properties).

Kalanchoe Blossfeld (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) - perennial herbaceous succulent flowering plant; a species of the genus Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) of the family Crassulaceae (Crassulaceae). It is found in the wild in Madagascar. Kalanchoe Blossfeld is a popular flowering indoor plant.

Blossfeld Kalanchoe Care at Home

Kalanchoe Blossfeld prefers moderate watering without overdrying an earthen coma, the substrate should be loose and moist, but stagnation of water is extremely undesirable. It can lead to waterlogging of the soil, decay of the roots and death of the plant.

Kalanchoe, being a tropical guest, prefers moist air and heat. In winter, the air temperature should not fall below 18 ºС. A decrease to 13-15 ºС is acceptable, but in this case, the development of Kalanchoe is completely inhibited.

During the period of active vegetation, the plant is fed with complex fertilizers. To strengthen branching, pinch the plant.

Why does not Blossfeld Kalanchoe bloom?

With proper care, Kalanchoe can bloom almost year-round. It is in him, in the lighting, that the secret of the successful cultivation of Kalanchoe lies. The fact is that the plant prefers bright sunny color, feels good on the southern windows, however, with a long daylight, the Kalanchoe does not bloom. In this case, the plant is artificially reduced daylight hours by placing it in a dark place or covering it with a paper cap. The latter is preferable, since by closing the plant from the light, you do not change the conditions of its habitual habitat.

The plant blooms mainly in winter and spring, therefore, even in the winter period, top dressing does not stop, they only reduce their number. Fertilizers with a high nitrogen content should not be used, this leads to a set of green mass. You can feed Kalanchoe with fertilizers for cacti and succulents. To enhance flowering, it is recommended to grow Kalanchoe in a tight pot. This not only stimulates abundant flowering, but also inhibits plant growth.

In spring, Kalanchoe is transplanted. The plant is not demanding on the substrate, the main thing is to provide high-quality drainage. Kalanchoe is propagated by apical cuttings. They are rooted in water, and then planted in a compact pot.

The plant does not need a long dormant period. To ensure repeated flowering, it is enough to maintain a reduced light regime for a month. A prolonged deficit of light leads to the appearance of elongated shapeless shoots of a pale green hue. They are cut off, giving the plant the desired shape. Even strong pruning with the living lower kidneys of Kalanchoe is not scary. The plant quickly gaining green mass and takes on an attractive appearance.

Diseases and pests of Kalanchoe Blossfeld

Kalanchoe Blossfeld is resistant to disease and pests. However, strong air humidity and an excess of nitrogen in the soil can lead to powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that is treated with fungicidal drugs. In contrast, with excessive dryness, mealybugs can attack the plant. They are removed mechanically, air humidity is increased, the plant is treated with insecticides.