Its easy-care properties undoubtedly make the Kalanchoe a classic on the windowsill. The pretty succulent, which is not only available in the well-known flowering version, also thrives extremely well on the balcony in the summer months, provided you pay attention to a few basic things.
How to care for Kalanchoe on the balcony?
Kalanchoe plants thrive on the balcony in warm temperatures, protected from direct midday sun, in well-drained substrate and a drainage layer. Water them regularly on hot days, fertilize them every 14 days with liquid fertilizer and keep them bright but cool over the winter.
In this article you will learn:
- Which location on the balcony does the Kalanchoe need.
- How to water and fertilize.
- How to properly overwinter the plant.
The site conditions
The Kalanchoe likes it warm. While it does not tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees well and is also not winter hardy, summer heat does not harm the succulent. You should only protect the plant by shading it from direct midday sun, such as that found on a south-facing balcony.
The Kalanchoe also copes well with rainy days, provided that the water drains well and does not accumulate in the root area. A drainage layer and a water outlet covered by a clay shard ensure that these conditions are met.
The same applies to the balcony: Don’t forget to water
Even if the succulent copes well with temporary drought, the Kalanchoe needs regular watering, especially on hot summer days. Check daily with a thumb test whether the substrate feels dry. Excess water that collects in the saucer after watering will be removed after a few minutes.
Fertilize for strong growth
The Kalanchoe is undemanding, but it still needs regular fertilizer during the summer growth period on the balcony. It is sufficient to administer a commercially available liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) every 14 days.
The wintering of the balcony Kalanchoe
As soon as the nights get cooler in autumn and the temperature drops below fifteen degrees, you should bring the Kalanchoe back into the house. The winter is spent in a not too cold, bright place.
It is important here that the short-day plant is not exposed to light for longer than eight hours, because then it will no longer bloom. Therefore, cover the plant with a cardboard box in the evening and only remove it the next morning.
Tip
It is a shame that the Kalanchoe is often cultivated as an annual plant. It is extremely grateful, can be wonderfully rejuvenated by pruning, blooms every year if treated correctly and enchants the balcony with its attractive leaves and pretty flowers.
