Rabbit Ear Plant
Today's focus is to introduce you to the knowledge of the succulent plant Kalanchoe eriophylla, its care methods. Let's get to know more about it.
Kalanchoe eriophylla, also known as锦毛伽蓝, is native to the highland regions of Namibia. The plant has opposite leaves that are oblong in shape, with the entire leaf and stem densely covered in white绒毛. The leaf tips are slightly golden yellow, with rounded tips. It blooms in early summer with compound corymbs, the inflorescences are tall, the small flowers are tubular and face upwards, blooming in pinkish white with 4 petals, and the flowering period is relatively long.
Kalanchoe eriophylla requires a sunny and cool, dry environment, tolerant of partial shade but dislikes waterlogging and avoids hot and humid conditions. It has the habit of growing in cool seasons and dormant in high summer temperatures. The growing period is from September to June of the following year (the growth period varies depending on the environment of the plant friends). Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch, with longer distances between leaves, making the plant loose and the stems fragile, and the leaves will also stretch. Plants growing in full sun, however, have a shorter, sturdier shape with relatively compact leaf arrangement, and Kalanchoe eriophylla grows relatively slowly.
The author's Kalanchoe eriophylla is kept in a sunroom with full sunlight. During the growing period, the soil should be kept slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging. The soil mixture used includes coal slag, peat, and a small amount of perlite, in a ratio of approximately 6:3:1, with river sand spread on the surface. Kalanchoe eriophylla can tolerate temperatures as low as -2℃ when the potting soil is dry, which is the indoor temperature, not outdoors. Watering is basically stopped during the entire winter, and should be gradually reduced when temperatures drop below 5 degrees.
When the temperature exceeds 35℃ in summer, the plant's growth basically stops. At this time, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot due to overly wet soil. Ventilation should be enhanced, and appropriate shading is necessary to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. This is the basic care throughout the summer. It is worth noting that during the summer, the author does not completely stop watering but gives a small amount of water, on the side of the pot, about twice a month, between 7-9 pm when the sun has already set, which does not affect the plant's roots.
In cultivation, it is important to avoid prolonged rain, as it can cause rot and the white hair is not easy to dry. Since Kalanchoe eriophylla grows relatively slowly, repotting every 2-4 years is sufficient, typically done before the first watering in early spring.
Kalanchoe eriophylla has a moderate size with branching. Propagation can be done by cutting the top and dividing the plant. Stem cutting is simple: take healthy old stems, let them dry, and plant them in slightly moist sandy soil. The cuttings will generally root in 15 to 30 days in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Cuttings should be done in spring and autumn.
This article shares the detailed introduction of the care methods for Kalanchoe eriophylla, hoping to bring some flower knowledge to flower enthusiasts.