Kalanchoe succulent is currently a very popular succulent plant, but its overwintering problem has always troubled many enthusiasts. In the cold winter, will the Kalanchoe succulent freeze to death? This is a question that many people are concerned about.
Understand the growth habits of Kalanchoe succulent
Before protecting the Kalanchoe succulent in winter, it is first necessary to understand its growth habits. The Kalanchoe succulent is a warm-loving, cold-sensitive plant, and the most suitable temperature for its growth is around 20°C.
Move indoors in a timely manner
When the outdoor temperature drops below 5°C, the Kalanchoe succulent should be moved indoors in a timely manner. This can prevent it from being directly affected by cold air, thus avoiding the risk of freezing to death.
Reasonable placement
After moving the Kalanchoe succulent indoors, you also need to pay attention to its placement. Choose a location with plenty of sunlight, good ventilation, and a relatively high room temperature. It can be placed near a window to fully absorb sunlight and maintain room temperature.
Reduce watering frequency
In winter, the growth rate of Kalanchoe succulent is slower, and its water demand is also reduced accordingly. Therefore, the watering frequency should be reduced, and overwatering that leads to damp roots should be avoided.
Pay attention to moisture retention
Although the temperature is lower in winter, indoor air is often relatively dry, which can easily cause the Kalanchoe succulent to lose water. Therefore, it is important to maintain moisture. You can spray an appropriate amount of water on the surface of the potting soil, or place some plants with higher humidity around it.
Appropriate fertilization
In winter, the growth rate of Kalanchoe succulent is slower, but it still needs appropriate fertilization to provide nutrients. You can choose some fertilizers rich in organic matter and apply them once a month.
Pay attention to pest and disease prevention and control
Winter is a period prone to pests and diseases for Kalanchoe succulent, so prevention and control should be strengthened. You can use some biological pesticides or manually remove pests to prevent harm to the plant.
Appropriate pruning
In winter, the growth rate of Kalanchoe succulent is slow, but it still needs appropriate pruning to maintain its good growth condition. Diseased leaves, dead branches, and overgrown parts can be removed to make the plant healthier.
Avoid sudden temperature changes
During the indoor transition season, pay attention to avoiding the impact of sudden temperature changes on the Kalanchoe succulent. You can gradually lower or raise the indoor temperature to prevent it from experiencing too sudden temperature changes.
Pay attention to repotting
Kalanchoe succulent is a plant that likes good air permeability and drainage, so repotting also needs attention in winter. You can replace it with new soil that is breathable and nutrient-rich, and add materials like river sand and leaf mold appropriately.
Avoid direct heating exposure to the plant
In winter, the heating is often turned up high, but it is not recommended to expose the Kalanchoe succulent directly to the heating. This can easily lead to the plant drying out, losing water, or even getting burned.
Prevent gray mold disease
Gray mold is one of the common diseases of Kalanchoe succulent and is easy to breed in a humid environment. Therefore, it is important to keep the environment dry and ventilate appropriately to avoid the growth of pathogens.
Adjust the temperature appropriately
In winter, the room temperature also needs to be adjusted appropriately to avoid the effects of too low or too high temperatures on the Kalanchoe succulent. Generally, a room temperature of 18°C to 25°C is suitable.
Choose a suitable cover
When protecting Kalanchoe succulent in winter, you can also choose a suitable cover to keep it warm. For example, you can cover the surface of the potting soil with a layer of foam particles or flower soil to enhance the insulation effect.
How to protect Kalanchoe succulent for winter
To protect Kalanchoe succulent during winter, it is necessary to pay attention to multiple aspects, such as moving it indoors, placement, reducing watering frequency, moisture retention, fertilization, and pest and disease prevention. By taking the above measures, you can effectively protect the growth and health of the Kalanchoe succulent, allowing it to remain beautiful and vibrant even in the cold winter.