Kalanchoe DELAGOENSIS

Kalanchoe DELAGOENSIS - Chandelier plant, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Bryophyllum delagoense, Mother of millions.

Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). There are more than 200 species in nature. The natural habitat for this plant is the tropics and subtropics. For example, it can be encountered in Africa, New Guinea, Asia, Australia, as well as in Madagascar. In Russia, the plant appeared very long ago; it is grown as an ornamental-flowering and medicinal plant. Among kalanchoes there are herbaceous plants (perennials), succulents, and subshrubs.

Leaves in almost all species of this plant are thick and fleshy, while stems can be either prostrate or erect. The height that an adult plant can reach varies by species. Thus, there are representatives that can grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, while there are also those whose size does not exceed 20 cm (8 in). Flowering in them is quite prolonged and abundant. Their multiflowered umbel-like inflorescences come in various colors, for example, white, red, yellow, or light pink.

This plant is very unpretentious and very simple to care for. It also adapts to indoor conditions very quickly. And considering that it grows fast and propagates easily, one can understand why Kalanchoe has achieved such popularity among plant growers. Kalanchoe has many common folk names: tree of life, indoor doctor, indoor ginseng, and people call it "the surgeon without a scalpel". Its great virtue is that it is completely safe. When it comes to choosing flowers for a child, for a children's room, Kalanchoe is as suitable as can be.

Kalanchoe delagoensis is externally the most exotic representative of the genus. It is interesting for its tubular leaves of light grey color with thin stripes of pink or burgundy. The tubular leaves are up to 10 cm (4 in) long, oppositely arranged on a bare stem. Plantlet buds give it a completely incredible, cosmic look. Orange bell-shaped flowers consist of four unfused petals and are gathered into inflorescences on drooping pedicels.

Seeds are sown on the surface into a light, loose substrate mix diluted half-and-half with sand (a mix of cactus soil with sand in equal parts can be used), pressed lightly without covering from above. Sowing is moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a small greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

Seeds have a low germination rate; usually the first sprouts appear after 2-3 weeks, although they may emerge after 1 week under very favorable conditions, and conversely, in the event of less optimal conditions may take up to 7 weeks to germinate. After the first shoots appear, the covering is removed, and about a month later, when the young plants strengthen, grow up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in height, and develop several true leaves, they are transplanted into individual pots.

The next repotting is carried out by gentle potting-on after 1-2 months, when seedlings become cramped in the pots. A substrate of humus or sod soil, peat or compost, sand, and leaf mold is preferred.

To form lush bushiness, the tips of grown plants are carefully pinched. After 4-5 well-rooted shoots form, stems are trimmed again. Plants grown from seed begin blooming after one year.

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Almost all Kalanchoe species can be grown in a wide temperature range. In summer - within 18-28 °C (64-82 °F), in winter - not lower than 10-12 °C (50-54 °F), best of all - at 16-18 °C (61-64 °F). At high temperatures in autumn and winter, flower buds are not set. In spring and summer, kalanchoes are watered moderately; if the plant is kept in the sun, watering is abundant as the top layer of substrate dries out; in winter - much less frequently, with soft settled water, but watering is not stopped completely, as upon excessive drying plants heavily shed leaves. Water can be poured not from above, but into the tray. Thanks to fleshy leaves covered with a waxy coating or numerous hairs, all Kalanchoe plants tolerate dry air of city apartments well. Air humidity does not play a significant role for the plant. Kalanchoe does not require spraying, but on a hot summer day this can bring only benefit to the plant.

In summer, mineral fertilizers are applied weekly and organic ones once every 2 weeks. In autumn, when buds are setting, feeding can be repeated. Feeding can be done with cactus fertilizer. Repotting is carried out as needed (overly overgrown plants). Soil for repotting is neutral or slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Plants grow well in a standard succulent mix, with the exception of epiphytic species, for which adding humus soil and applying fertilizer feedings is desirable for abundant flowering. Young plants are repotted into a mixture of 4 parts sod soil, 2 parts leaf mold, and 1 part each decayed peat and sand. Instead of peat, pine needle mold can be used.