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Care and Growth of
Kalanchoe Plants
Kalanchoes are dependable bloomers with
bright colorful flowers. They're great succulent plants for dry
landscapes or container
gardens. They are perennial and evergreen.
The most common form of kalanchoe species grown is kalanchoe
blossfeldiana and its hybrids.
These plants grow up to 2 feet tall and as wide. The have large,
leathery leaves about 2 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.
The leaf edges are usually lightly scalloped and may have a slight tint
of red or other color.
Flowers are borne in upright, large clusters with flowers of 5
petals. The stamens are usually yellow and can stand out brightly
depending on the flower color.
Flower colors can range from white, yellow, orange, red, pink and
everything in between. Flowers can also be creamy, dreamy
pastels, or have flowers with more than one color, but kalanchoes are
mainly known for neon bright colors.
They make a bold statement in the garden with
their glowing, bold flower colors. Bloom is heaviest in spring,
but these can bloom all year.
Seeds saved from hybrid plants will not grow out to be the same as the
parent plants. It is much easier to propigate them with cuttings.
Water requirements are low. They can take average garden water,
but will also grow well with much less. In my garden a few plants
are out in a section with the natives and other drought tolerant plants
and they do quite well.
Kalanchoe plants also do well in container gardens. They are a
bit more forgiving if you forget to water them! They look great
on the patio or as a focal point on your table.
These plants can take full sun indoors or out. Outdoors, if it
gets over 100 degrees for very long, or your plants develop brown spots
it may be getting too much sun. Indoors they prefer a bright
windowsill with lots of light. I've also had luck growing them in
part shade.
Kalanchoe plants are easy to propigate with leaf or stem
cuttings! Find our how to expand your collection on our Plant Propigation
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