This Kalanchoe is a particularly attractive cultivated form of the “Flamming Käthchen”. It is characterized by its colorful inflorescences, which stand like a small crown above the bushy foliage. Caring for the grateful plant is extremely easy for beginners.
How do I properly care for my Kalanchoe Calandiva?
Kalanchoe Calandiva care includes moderate watering, fortnightly fertilizing, occasional repotting and pruning for irregular growth. Protect the plant from waterlogging and pests. In winter, care for the Kalanchoe at room temperature and allow a short period of daylight to promote flowering.
How to water?
The succulent evaporates relatively little water through its thick, fleshy leaves, so it doesn't need to be watered too often. Water whenever the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry (thumb test). Tip out any excess liquid in the saucer after a few minutes, as the Kalanchoe Calandiva doesn't like wet feet.
How to fertilize?
The succulent also proves to be extremely frugal when it comes to nutrient requirements. Fertilization is carried out every 14 days during the growth period with a commercially available fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon).
What should you consider when repotting?
Repotting is always done when the old planter has obviously become too small. The right time for this care measure is early spring.
- Planting bowls and pots that are not too deep are well suited for shallow roots.
- Low-nutrient soil with mineral components is suitable as a substrate.
- Ensure good drainage and add a drainage layer of expanded clay.
When and how do you cut?
It only needs to be shortened if the Kalanchoe Calandiva grows sparsely and gets a little out of shape. You can then either remove the large, annoying leaves or cut the plant back completely.
What diseases and pests are threatening?
Young plants are sometimes attacked by aphids, mealybugs or mealybugs. The pests can be easily treated with commercially available sprays.
The Kalanchoe is very sensitive to waterlogging, which inevitably leads to root rot and the plant dying. Therefore, water only moderately but regularly.
How should the Kalanchoe Calandiva be overwintered?
In the winter months you can continue to care for the plant at room temperature between 18 and 24 degrees.
Tip
Kalanchoe Calandiva is a short-day plant, which means it only produces flowers when daylight reaches the plant for no longer than nine hours for a few weeks. This is difficult in rooms with artificial light and the succulent often stops blooming. Darkening with a cardboard cut to size helps here.
