How to propagate the leaves of Kalanchoe
If you want to know how to propagate Kalanchoe leaves and the explanation of Kalanchoe breeding in the field of green plants and flowers, let's learn about it together.
Kalanchoe is native to Madagascar in Africa, with the original species having orange-red flowers. Now, horticultural varieties come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and rose red. Although the flowers are small, they are closely and neatly arranged, slightly higher than the leaves. The natural blooming period is from December to the following May, named for its long blooming period. It prefers warm winters and cool summers, fearing extreme heat and severe cold. It enjoys sufficient light but can tolerate semi-shade, is drought-resistant but害怕 flooding, and grows best at temperatures between 15-25°C. Growth stops below 10°C and slows down above 30°C, and it can easily freeze at temperatures below 0°C. It is not strict about soil requirements, preferring loose and fertile sandy loam.
Kalanchoe is propagated by cutting, which is very easy to root. Both stem and leaf cuttings can be used, as long as the temperature can be maintained above 10°C. This is usually done more frequently in spring and autumn. For stem cuttings, take a 5-10 cm long tender shoot as the cutting, remove the lower leaves, retain the top two leaves, and insert it into sand or rice hull ash. It can also be directly planted in a pot, with 3 plants per pot, placed in a semi-shaded area, watered to keep the substrate moist. About 20% can root in 7-10 days. After rooting, gradually increase light exposure and apply a thin fertilizer to promote healthy seedling growth. Leaves with petioles can also be used for propagation. In September, take a complete leaf with a petiole from the middle of the plant and insert it into vermiculite. Keep the substrate moist and shaded, and about 20 days later, roots and buds can grow at the cut end of the petiole. When the new buds grow larger, they can be transplanted into a pot.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is adaptable and easy to cultivate. Every year, after the old flowering plants have survived the summer, they are generally discarded, and new shoots are propagated in September. After the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted into a pot for enhanced care. The potting soil can be mixed with 2 parts garden soil, 3 parts sawdust (or peat), 1 part coal cinder, and a small amount of soybean cake. The flower pot can be made of plastic or purple sand, with a diameter of about 12 cm, not too large.
How to propagate the leaves of Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe
According to its light-loving nature, after potting and acclimatizing, it should be placed in a sunny area. If there is insufficient light, the branches will be thin and weak, and the leaves will be small and thin. Although it is drought-resistant, excessive dryness will inhibit its normal growth. Keep the soil moist, alternating between dry and wet. Generally, in October, water once every 3 days, and after moving indoors in November, water every 3-5 days depending on the room temperature. During flowering, keep the potting soil moist. As long as the substrate is loose, it generally will not cause waterlogging in the pot. To make the pot plant lush, pinch the young plants 2-3 times during the growing period to promote branching and regularly turn the pot to ensure even light exposure and uniform growth of the branches, preventing the branches from growing in one direction, which affects the appearance. After flowering, cut off the spent flowers to promote the next batch of flowers to develop and bloom.
Adequate fertilization is essential for the vigorous growth of Kalanchoe. Apply organic fertilizer twice a month during the growing season and apply long-acting granular flower fertilizer on the pot surface. After the flower buds form in November, apply 0.2% to 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every half month to ensure bright and long-lasting flowers. As Kalanchoe is a typical short-day plant, as long as the temperature is suitable, it will bud and bloom by New Year's Day or the Spring Festival, regardless of the size of the plant.