Succulents Care

The Crassula Ovata, also known as the jade plant, is a small succulent that grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. You don’t need luck in caring for the jade plant; they just require a little work and attention to keep them alive and attractive. 

A Crassula Ovata that is well taken care of is more attractive, especially if you place it in the garden or inside your home in a beautiful container. Let’s dive into how to grow, care and finally identify various types of crassula plants.

Planting Crassula Ovata

Are you looking to plant Crassula Ovata for the first time? Well, here are some things to note to ensure a healthy jade plant.

Choose a wide and sturdy pot with a moderate depth since jade plants may grow top-heavy and fall over.

Use soil that drains appropriately; excessive dampness might cause soft leaves and fungal diseases like root rot. However, if you want to grow succulents in a plastic pot, ensure it has adequate drainage. A 2:1 ratio of potting mix to perlite is ideal. Alternatively, use pre-made cacti or succulent planting mix.

Watering a jade plant too soon may lead to root rot. It’s critical to wait at least one week before watering after planting, allowing the roots to settle and heal from any damage.

ProTip: Keep the jade plant root-bound in a small container and restrict water to encourage it to blossom. In the winter, cooler temperatures promote bloom.

Growing Jade Plant From Stem or Leaf

Crassula Ovata is very easy to grow from a stem or its leaf. When grown outside and a leaf falls, the chances a new plant will grow from it are high.

Here is how you can grow a jade plant from leaf or stem:

1. Take a stem cutting or remove a leaf from a well-established plant. A good stem cut should be 2–3 inches long and have at least two pairs of leaves.
   
   Allow a stem cutting or leaf to sit in a warm location for several days, about four days. The cut area will form a callus, helping to prevent rot and promote rooting.
   
2. Get your pot and a good-draining potting mix. Ensure the soil is not wet but slightly moist to prevent leaf or stem cutting rot.
   
3. Take the leaf and set it on top of the soil. Cover the cut end with some soil. Make sure you don’t apply too much soil to it. For stem cutting, place it upright in the soil. If it does not stand by itself, prop it up with a few rocks or toothpicks.
   
4. Set the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Don’t water it.
   
5. After a few days, the leaf or cutting will start to develop roots. You can give the plant a slight poke or tug a week after to see if it has rooted itself in place. Suppose it hasn’t; wait a little longer before testing it gently every two days.
   
6. When the plant appears to be firmly rooted, water it thoroughly and gently. You may use a turkey baster to apply a fine water spray without disturbing the roots too much.
   
   Ensure that the top layer of soil is not only wet, as you want to promote the new jade plant roots to grow downward for water rather than up toward the surface.
   
7. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and keep the plant out of direct sunshine until at least eight weeks.

How to Care Crassula Ovata

Now let’s learn about how you can care for your jade plant and pass it down through generations. Some of the common factors to consider are light, type of soil, and watering.

Read on as we discuss each and every factor in detail.

Light

Jade plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunshine per day. Young plants should be exposed to bright, indirect sunlight; adult jade plants can withstand more direct sun exposure.

If jade plants are grown in low-light conditions, they may become leggy and top-heavy. This condition makes them vulnerable to damage if they fall over or can no longer support their own branches!

Water

It’s critical to water jade plants correctly! The most common problem that people have with their jades is improper watering. 

• In the spring and summer: When the plant grows, it will need more water than at other times of the year. Wait until the soil has dried out before watering it again. This ensures the soil is sufficiently wet throughout—not just at the surface. Because of this, you may end up watering it once a week or once a month—it all depends on how quickly its soil dries out.
  
• In the fall and winter: The plant may pause or experience slow growth during this period; it may go dormant. At this time, it will require less water. Water it less frequently than in the summer and spring. Fully grown jade plants might require watering only once or twice during this period.

When watering, try to avoid splashing water on the leaves, as this might cause them to decay in a humid atmosphere.

Water that contains too much salt can burn or kill jade plants. If your tap water isn’t ideal, use filtered or distilled water instead.

If the plant’s leaves begin to fall, become shriveled, or develop brown spots, it is an indication that it requires more water. Alternatively, if the plant is receiving too much water, the leaves may get squishy and waterlogged.

Soil

Crassula plants thrive in sandy, rocky blends created especially for succulents, and they require well-draining soil. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil, but even highly high pH levels seldom harm the plant. The roots of Crassula plants can rot easily in boggy, wet soils because of their sensitivity.

Temperature

Jade plants thrive at room temperature 65° to 75°F, but they like it a bit cooler at night and during the winter down to 55°F.

Keep in mind that jade is not frost tolerant, so if you keep it outside during the summer, bring it inside as soon as temperatures drop below 50°F in late fall.

When caring for Jade plants during winter, move jade plants away from chilly windows and out of drafty rooms. Jade plants’ leaves may fall as a result of cold temperatures.

Maintain Shape

Pruning is quite bearable, and you should do it in the early spring. Start by cutting off any deformed or sick branches. Then imagine the look you want for your tree and go until you’re 1/3 of the way through its development, taking thin, clean cuts just above a branching point or node. 

When you cut back a node, two new branches will grow from that point, so cut where you want to see more fullness.

Add Some Fertilizer

Jade plants don’t need high levels of nutrients, so feed them sparingly. A diluted combination of a regular liquid houseplant fertilizer or a fertilizer designed for succulents and cacti should suffice. Also, make sure you read how to apply the fertilizer on the package.

Repotting

In a tiny pot, jade plants don’t mind being root-bound. Keeping them root bound will make a Crassula Ovata smaller and easier to handle.

Repot young jade succulents every 2 to 3 years to stimulate growth if they have overgrown the current pot. For older jade plants, 4 to 5 years repotting is okay or as needed for overly grown jade plants.

The ideal time to transplant is in the early spring, just as the growing season begins. Wait a week or two after repotting before watering the plant. 

Diseases and Pests

Although pests and diseases may vary between species, most Crassula plants are plagued by aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and other typical insect pests—mainly when cultivated indoors. 

Pest problems are best addressed with non-chemical techniques that may not kill the plant, such as neem oil or other horticultural oils.

Looking for Different Types of Crassula Plants?

Jade plants come in a variety of hues, shapes, and sizes. Many different types of jade plants are available, ranging from the common green-leafed jade to several variegated types. Here are some interesting crassula plants you might plant:

• Crassula pellucida variegata: This plant’s leaves are heart-shaped and variegated in pink, greens, and ivory white.
• Crassula erosula ‘Campfire’: In winter, the distinctive red-leaved variety of this plant has lime leaves that grow long and branched. It’s a clumping plant that grows to be about 4 to 8 inches tall and 2 feet broad when mature.
• Crassula ‘Morgan’s beauty’: The pretty pink late spring flowers of this half-hybrid cultivar are dusted in white. It reaches a height of about 4 inches.
• Crassula perforata: The common name for this plant, also known as the stacked Crassula, comes from its unique leaves around its central stem.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Crassula is a great plant to have in your garden or home! It adds a unique texture and color to any environment. They’re also an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant. 

In addition to their resilience and low maintenance, they’re ideal for both novices and experts alike since they are easy to grow from leaf or start from cuttings.

Succulents mainly comprise cactuses and fleshy-leaved plants. Gardeners love these plants because they are difficult to kill. However, there might be instances where your succulents’ plants appear less healthy.

It might be because of pests and diseases, regardless of how well you water them. Pests trigger different diseases, some of which are difficult to deal with. 

Learning how to deal with these diseases ensures your succulents’ plants look healthy. Succulents’ pests and diseases have different symptoms. Understanding these symptoms may help detect pests and conditions before they spread to the entire plant.

The below tips help prevent pests on your succulent collections:

• Using fertilizer during the growing season: Fertilizer makes succulents healthy and strong. This reduces the chances of your plants succumbing to pests.
• Dead leaves are one of the breeding grounds for pests and molds. Therefore, remove dead leaves that might be near your succulent garden. 
• Don’t reuse dead leaves or soil from a previously used infected plant. Some eggs might have survived to infect your plants.
• Using pesticides is another popular technique for preventing pest infestation. Consider pesticides made from natural products. There are two types of pesticides to choose from, namely systematic and contact pesticides. Systematic pesticides get absorbed on the roots and poison pests when they feed on them. On the other hand, contact pesticides require physical contact to kill pests. 
• Keeping your succulent plants and soil dry: Pests like gnats and mealybugs are some animals that breed in wet conditions.

Common Pests Infestations in Succulents Plants 

Pest infestations are prevalent, especially if you love gardening. Therefore, don’t be shocked if pests infest your succulents, despite your gardening experience. Some pests develop resistance to pesticides, which is a common problem.

Luckily, pesticides are regularly enhanced to deal with mutating pests and diseases. Tiny pests also hide in unseen places, making it difficult to spot them. Some common pests in succulent plants include:

Mealybugs 

It is considered among the most dangerous succulent pests. These pets are small in size, generally between 1/3 to 1/5 inches in length. Mealybugs appear white with both a cotton and waxy appearance if you keenly look.

This pest is common in succulent spines and veins. At times, mealybugs hide on the underside of leaves and joints. This pest sucks juices from succulent plants, hence the wrinkled and shriveled leaves.

Sometimes, the infestation can be severe, resulting in the death of the plant. Black mold is one of the common symptoms of Mealybugs infestation. You should also be on the lookout for Mold growth.

Mealybugs secrete a substance that promotes mold growth. Separate any succulent plant that displays these symptoms from the rest. Regularly inspect your plants because this pest can destroy them.

A systemic pesticide is recommended when it comes to treatment, significantly when your succulent plant is growing. However, those using contact insecticides should use high concentrations because of the protective covering on this pest. 

Fungus Gnats 

This pest looks like mosquitoes and usually is black. Their length can be 1/6 to 1/8 inches and mostly attack the succulent plant’s roots. Root damage slows down the growth rate of a plant or withers to death. 

Soil with a lot of moisture is the breeding ground for fungus gnats. Therefore, choose only well-draining soil when planting your succulent collections. Avoid overwatering by giving soil enough time to dry out. 

Use pumice to drain any excess water and also regulate moisture. In addition, cinnamon powder contains anti-fungal properties, reducing the chances of fungus gnats’ infestation. So, sprinkle some cinnamon powder where you have planted your succulent plants.

Spider mites mostly attack succulent plants because of their sweet sap. They suck juices out of plants. Additionally, their length is 1/50 inch, one of the reasons it can go undetected when it attacks plants. 

Spider Mites 

Watch out for Brown dots and webbing in your succulent plants. These are among the warning symptoms of spider mites infestation. Eventually, the succulent plant might turn lighter and finally white. 

Quarantine your plant if you notice the above symptoms. This preventative measure ensures an infestation doesn’t spread to other plants. Cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol can remove spider mites from your plant.

Systemic pesticides are also used to prevent spider mites infestation. Place your plant away from direct light after using systemic pesticides. 

Aphids 

The common aphids are green in color. This pest is mainly found on the leaves or the soft tissues of succulent plants. Aphids excrete a white substance when feeding on plants, which promotes the growth of black mold. 

Misshaped leaves and slow growth are the common symptoms of Aphids infestation. Systematic insecticides are recommended for severe infestation, but only during the growing season. Soapy mixture and high-pressure water are other popular ways of getting rid of aphids before spreading to the entire plant.

Scale

The scale pest mainly attacks the leaves and stems of a plant. It makes plants have wrinkled leaves because they suck out plant juices. Small brown bumps are the most common symptom of scale infestation.

Act when you see brown bumps on your plant because this plant multiplies quickly. Also, separate it from other plants so that this pest doesn’t spread. Apart from physical removal, systematic insecticide is another popular way of removing this pest from your succulent plants. 

Common Disease in Succulent Plants 

Like other plants, succulent plants are also prone to diseases. However, most of these diseases are unpredictable and appear when we least expect them. These diseases are divided into four main categories, namely:

Fungal Diseases

Succulents growing in humidity and cool temperatures areas are prone to fungal diseases. Black spot, Rhizoctonia rot, black spot, Anthracnose, pythium, and Epiphyllum mosaic disease are examples of fungal diseases. 

Succulent plants infected with fungal diseases exhibit spots. Webbing on the soil around the infected plant is also common. 

Almost nothing can be done when a plant is infected with a fungal disease. Therefore, uproot it from the soil so that it doesn’t infect other plants. 

Viral Diseases

Viral infections are very popular in succulent plants. Mainly, insects spread viruses when feeding on the plant’s sap. Therefore, controlling insects that cause viral infections is the best preservative method. 

Common symptoms of viral diseases are quick shoots’ growth and stunted growth. Discard any plant with viral infection since there is no remedy. 

Conditions Diseases

These diseases arise due to poor care of your plants. Desiccation, etiolation, over-watering, pot-bound roots, and sunburn are examples of these conditions. Over-watering is the top condition succulent plants encounter. It causes splitting or rots. 

Etiolation occurs when your succulent collections require more sunlight. In such situations, additional growth might be necessary.

Unfortunately, such growth is mostly deformed and sickly. Under-watering plants results in drying up or desiccation. 

Excessive sun can also trigger sunburn in your plants. Usually, the side facing the sun turns either brown or white. Crowded roots are another common problem for succulents planted in pots.

It prevents moisture from adequately moving from roots to other parts of the plant. 

Deficiencies

Just like humans, succulents also require nutrients to survive. Lack of nutrients is one of the common diseases in succulent plants. Turning yellow is one of the symptoms your plant lacks some nutrients.

Measure the soil you will use for planting to determine if there are sufficient nutrient levels. 

 Effective Pests and Diseases Management Tips 

As earlier stated, pests and diseases may attack your plants when you least expect them. Understanding some management tips gives an idea of what to do when you notice your succulent plants are ailing. Below are proven management tips worth trying out:

• Succulent plants have different climatic requirements. Growing your plants in the right region makes them healthy. A healthy plant can easily fight off disease and pests. Therefore, understand the water requirements, sun exposure requirements, and temperature requirements of a plant. It helps determine if a plant can grow in your region or not. 

• Keep the pots and containers clean. Some pests hide on dead flowers and leaves. Therefore, get rid of flowers and leaves that might be around containers. 

• Always quarantine any new succulent before mixing it with your plant collection. During this time, watch out for signs of diseases or pests. Treat your plant if there are pests or diseases before setting it next to your plants. 

• Using insecticides and pesticides. This is one of the recommended techniques, especially when preventing the infestation of different pesticides and insecticides. 

• Regularly inspect your plants for pests or diseases symptoms. It helps detect an infestation on time before it spreads to the entire plant or your garden. 

• Correctly identify the problem in case of an infestation. Always be keen on the symptoms displayed by a plant. It helps detect the correct infestation and come up with the proper treatment. ‘The right treatment controls the infestation and prevents it from occurring again. Therefore, confirm the infestation before administering any treatment on your plants. 

• When it comes to deficiency diseases, choose healthy soil when planting your succulent plants. Healthy soil promotes the healthy growth of plants, which can comfortably fight off infections and pests.

Fighting Succulent Diseases and Pests 

Generally, there are two common ways of fighting pests and diseases, namely chemical and biological. These methods have effectively fought off pests and diseases. Understand these two methods and choose the best.

Chemical technique 

The chemical method helps fight succulent pests and diseases. However, this technique is all about administering poisonous substances to the pests. On the other hand, chemical pesticides serve to purpose, namely preventing and treating. 

Overall, no one can predict pests or disease infestation. However, protection pesticides minimize the chances of your succulent plants being attacked when you least expect. 

Pesticides treat different infestations. Detecting an infestation on time determines if the pesticide will be effective or not. In addition, pests and diseases require different pesticides. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential before administering any treatment. 

Pros about Chemical method

There are numerous advantages why this technique is commonly used across the globe. Below are some pros worth checking out:

• They are affordable, making it pocket-friendly to treat or protect your succulent collections. 

• Pesticides are available for different pests and diseases. In short, there is a solution for different kinds of infestations.

• This technique has a positive track record. The effectiveness and stability of the chemical method are practically witnessed across the globe. Therefore, administer the right pesticide to your plants and slowly witness your plants regaining their health.

• Pesticides are effective for a long time. Hence, you don’t have to administer a pesticide to your succulent plants regularly.

Natural Method

As the name suggests, this technique uses natural methods to both prevent and treat infestations. This technique traces its origin to the 4th century. Start by setting a suitable environment for your succulent plants. This entails healthy soil, the correct water levels, enough sunlight, and nutrients.

Also, remove dry leaves or dirt that might be around your plants. This is an excellent breeding place for some pests and viruses. Finally, regularly boost the nutrient levels in your soil so that your plants can absorb different nutrients. Test your soil to determine which nutrients should be boosted. A healthy plant efficiently fights off both diseases and pests. 

Another natural method is draining off excess water in the plants. Excess moisture is an invitation to pests and different diseases. When watering your succulent plants, focus on the roots, not leaves. It determines when the water is enough for your plant. 

Regularly observe your plants. This natural technique helps detect infected parts of your plant. Then, use clippers to cut off infected parts in your plants and throw them away.

Soapy water is also another natural ingredient you can use to protect your succulent collections.

Pros about Natural Method

• You don’t have to worry about health hazards attributed to chemicals.

• It is always effective, especially if diseases and pests can b discovered early before spreading to the entire plant.

• At any given time, you won’t use any amount. This makes it cost-effective at any given time. 

• You can easily monitor results then determine if it’s working or not. 

How to Safely Use Pesticides on Your Succulent Plants 

Pesticides come in different forms. Safely is paramount at all times, especially when administering to your plants. Below is a step by step guide on how to handle pesticides:

• Read the instructions on your pesticide. A lot of people ignore the instructions accompanied by a pesticide. Always read the instructions before consuming a product. You will learn how the pesticide should be used, the amounts to use, and how it should be administered, among others.

• Pay attention to the warning label. Some pesticides are harmful to plants, pets, and humans. Reading the warning label helps avoid accidents. Some pesticides are highly flammable, whereas others irritate when they come into contact with skin.

• Always measure the right amounts of pesticides. The quantities you measure determine if the pesticide will be effective or not. Low amounts might prove ineffective against pests or diseases. On the other hand, high doses might affect your plants.

• Mix only the amount you intend on using. Pesticides are reusable anytime, provided they have not expired.

• Use safety equipment, especially if you are spraying the entire plant. Some pesticides cause a lot of irritation if they come into contact with skin. 

Bottom line

As you start your journey of taking care of your succulent plants, be prepared to fight off pests and diseases. Some plants might be treated, whereas others might have to be plucked or thrown away. It depends on when the condition was detected. Unfortunately, there are instances when pests and diseases spread to the entire plant, and nothing can be done.

Try your level best to keep the environment clean. It minimizes the chances of pests or viruses breading around your plants. Get rid of any dirt that might be a breeding ground for pests. This applies to succulent plants in gardens or containers. 

Ensure your plants grow in the recommended conditions. Research the succulent plants that grow well in your region, and choose from the list. Water, sunlight, and the type of soil should also be kept in mind. They contribute to the healthy growth of your plants.

Don’t allow pests or diseases to spread before you take action. Separate the infected plant from other plants. Determine the pests or disease as soon as possible and the infection level. It determines if treatment is necessary or it’s too late. Ensure your plant is free from pests and disease before integrating it back with your succulent collections. 

Lastly, understand the symptoms of different pests and diseases. You should also know how your plants look like when healthy. This makes it easy to detect if something isn’t okay. Follow this guide and have a happy time growing and maintaining your succulent plants. Remember, early detection increases the chances of the selected treatment working. 

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a vast group of succulents native to Madagascar; this plant has distinct foliage with stunning blooms in some species. 

Some develop into a towering bush, while others creep along the ground, and still, there are those kalanchoes primarily used as houseplants.

Like any other succulent, the kalanchoe is easy to plant, maintain and look after until it blooms. If you are looking to plant one, stick around and find out how to get yourself one for decorating your home.

How to Propagate a Piece of Kalanchoe and Nature It?

You can plant kalanchoes from the stem, leaves, or offshoots. Ensure you cut the stem or offshoot appropriately for it to root and grow.

How to Cut a Piece of Kalanchoe for Growing

To remove a kalanchoe vegetative part, use a clean knife or small pruning shears to cut it cleanly away.  The vegetative part is a stem or offshoot that has no flower growing on it. Ensure the cutting is at least three inches long.

Before making the cutting, always sterilize the gardening tools for use. Doing this prevents any diseases or pests from spreading onto the new plant. You can use chlorine, household disinfectant, or isopropyl alcohol for sterilizing the tools.

How to cut kalanchoe:

Step 1: Wait until the kalanchoe has finished blooming or in the spring to make a cutting. 

Step 2: Sterilize your gardening tools.

Step 3: Make a sharp straight cut on the stem close to the main stem using a gardening shear or knife. A rugged cut may invite pests and diseases to attack.

Now you have your cutting with you. How do you go about planting your new Kalanchoe plant? 

How to Plant Kalanchoe Plant From Cuttings

Here is a step-by-step guide to planting your stem cutting for a new kalanchoe plant.

Step 1: Let Your Cutting Dry

After you’ve cut the stem away, it’s important to let it dry out. The cut on the stem will form a callous, keeping the cutting clean and disease-free. Depending on the thickness of the stem, this process might take anywhere from 1 to 3 days.

Dip the end of your cutting in a rooting hormone powder to promote rapid and healthy root development. Dipping into the rooting hormone should be done after the wound has healed.

Step 2: Plant Kalanchoe Cutting

Kalanchoe needs a soil mix that drains fast and well. Like every other succulents, they despise sitting in water, which is often the cause of root decay. Because of this, you can purchase soil specially mixed for growing succulents or cactus soil.

Alternatively, you can create a 2:1 soil mixed with peat moss and sand (you can use perlite. Adjust the proportion so that when watered, the soil is wet rather than soggy.

Plant the kalanchoe cutting on a big enough pot. However, keep in mind that once the plants sprout, they will require additional room.

Fill the pot you’ve chosen with moist soil and gently press each cutting into the soil in an upright position.

The available humidity content determines how fast the plant will sprout. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to increase the amount of moisture available to your plant.

Make a few slits or holes on the bag to allow for air circulation. Once the plants start growing, remove the bag.

Step 3: Wait for Kalanchoe to Grow

Immediately your kalanchoe starts growing, expose it to bright but indirect light. If in the house, place it on a south-facing window.

For outdoor kalanchoes, do not expose them to direct sunlight as this will cause their young leaves to suffer burns. Their growing temperature conditions should be above 50° F.

You should not water them while young but keep the soil moist. have a spray bottle or light water the plants during the early stages. When the soil becomes dry, it is the only time you can water your kalanchoe plant.

When your cutting starts to have new stems and leaves begin to grow, you may begin caring for it as if it were a fully grown kalanchoe.

Grow Kalanchoe From Seeds

Kalanchoe seeds are very tiny, dust-like for every ounce you collect. You can purchase the seeds from a gardening store near you or crossbreed kalanchoe plants if you already have them and have a hybrid plant.

While propagating succulents from seeds is not an everyday thing, yes, you can grow a kalanchoe plant from seeds.

Here is how you can grow the plant from seeds:

Step 1: Sow the seeds

Sow the seeds preferably during spring because of the good conditions for the seed to grow. You can initiate an artificial climate if you plant the seeds during winter; planting during winter is only conducive for indoor kalanchoes.

Have the seeds about an inch deep into a cactus mix soil or succulent soil. Secondly, offer warm temperature and moist conditions to enhance growth.

Step 3: Wait for the seeds to germinate

Have the seed pot or tray sit on an indirect light when the seeds start to germinate. If growing the seedlings outside, make sure to provide shade to the bed.

Immediately the seedlings sprout, make them accustomed to light. Expose the plants in the early morning or evening sun for a few minutes for indoor plants. Outdoor-grown seedlings, always uncover them to receive sunlight before covering them again with the shade.

Caring for Kalanchoe

The Kalanchoe plant requires care for it to grow and bloom. There are some conditions you should meet for the plant to thrive.

Feed the plant with fertilizer

During growth periods for new plants, fertilize kalanchoe. Every two weeks, use one-half to one-quarter of the manufacturer’s suggested amount of 20-8-20 fertilizer. 

Fertilize only when necessary and use it sparingly. Also, fertilize just during the early growth stages of your plants.

Pests and Diseases

Outdoor Kalanchoes are more vulnerable to pests. Spider mites, nematodes, aphids, and scale insects can all attack the plant.

Signs of pests infestation include torn or bitten leaves, honeydew on leaves, or faded leaves.

To treat kalanchoe for insects and avoid harming the plant, use non-toxic pesticides or other remedies available such as neem oil.

Watering

Kalanchoe has low water needs, most so outdoor kalanchoes. Only water those grown outside if the topsoil is dry.

The plants can withstand drought, although this will impact their growth.

For indoor kalanchoes, a clay pot is the best medium for planting them. Clay pots help keep the soil moist while draining excess water from the soil.

What is the right temperature for Kalanchoe?

Kalanchoes thrive well in temperatures between 65 to 85° F as they are tropical and subtropical plants. 

During winter, the plants require frost protection as they are sensitive to cold. However, in summer, prolonged sunlight exposure will damage the leaves. Plant them under a shade if outdoor-grown.

Pro Tip: To bloom the next season, kalanchoe requires 14-16 hours of total darkness for six weeks during the fall and winter.

Pruning

Some Kalanchoe plants may require pruning but often ensure your gardening tools are clean before you can begin.  

You should prune your kalanchoe plant when:

• At the onset of the blooming period, and 
• After the blooming period

Pruning during the blooming phase is to encourage new growth. This period is when you can also get yourself new cuttings for planting. Lastly, after the blooming period, pruning is to remove the flower stalks and extra stems to conserve energy for the plant.

Always be on the lookout for dead leaves or brown leaves. In case of any, remove them first as they might die and spread disease to the main plant.

After pruning, you should water less your plant.

Potting and Repotting

Kalanchoe plants love their space and spread a lot. You can always repot the plants once a year. Also, when repotting, always remove the offshoots and pot them separately; this will help make the plant thrive with less competition for nutrients.

Always care and attend to the plants, especially when grown in your garden. If left unattended, they will grow and cover the whole garden.

Various Kalanchoe to Plant in Your Home

Kalanchoe plants have bright colors when blooming, and there are various colors you might want for your home. Here are various options to choose from for propagating:

• Orange Varieties
• Red and Magenta
• White
• Pink 
• Yellow

Final Thoughts

Now you can easily cut a piece of kalanchoe and plant it. If you have the plant already and looking to grow more, reduce the cost of purchasing new plants. Good for you!

You can propagate many other succulents other than kalanchoe, and you can also try out different varieties of kalanchoe and decorate your home with this plant. Add some color and vitality to your home with this succulent.

A terrarium is any glass or container vessel with soil and plants. These types of gardens require low maintenance. Therefore, it can easily be incorporated in an office or home setting. Terrariums create an ecosystem that supports plant growth. You can come up with any environment, be it rainforest or desert, among others. Besides, terrariums allow you to be as creative as possible.

Succulent plants are examples of plants you can grow in your terrarium. These plants grow well in soil or arid conditions. Succulent terrariums are popular because they give you numerous planting options. In addition, a lot of people prefer open succulent terrariums because they allow plants better airflow. Open terrariums also reduce the risks of molds and condensation, which can shorten the lifespan of your succulent plants.

At the same time, some people prefer closed succulent terrariums since they require zero maintenance. However, this is limited to specific succulent plants since not all can survive in such an environment.

Succulent terrariums are an excellent choice, especially for those new to terrariums. You will have an easy time growing your collections. Furthermore, any succulent terrarium setting looks good.

The Different Succulent Plants

Thousands of plant species are categorized under succulents. However, each plant has its particular requirements in terms of water, light, and lifespan. Therefore, carefully choose plants with the same conditions when setting up your succulent terrariums.

Succulent plants can be categorized as follows:

• Low light: These succulent plants can survive in areas with low or dim light. Mood moss, sheet moss and pillow moss are example of succulent plants that can survive under low light.
• Bright light: There are plenty of succulent plants to choose from under this category. Such plants thrive in open terrariums. Haworthia, Sempervivum, and Echeveria are examples of succulent plants that thrive well in bright light.
• Medium light: These plants grow well in close terrariums. Examples of these plants are Nerve plant and Oxalis triangularis.

Keep in mind the following things before making a succulent terrarium:

• Determine the size of the terrarium you intend on setting up. The size of the plants influence the size you will come up with.
• Choose the plants you will plant in your terrarium. You can choose a single plant species or mixture. The plants you choose determine the environment you will set in your terrarium.
• Available materials when setting up your succulent terrarium. Ensure all the necessary materials are readily available before setting up your portable garden.
• Decide where you are going to place your terrarium. Plants in a terrarium should receive the required sunlight or humidity levels to properly grow.

Setting up a Succulent terrarium

Materials needed to set up succulent terrariums vary, depending on the type of terrarium. You can either set up an open or closed terrarium. Setting up a succulent terrarium requires specific items, namely:

• Succulent plants
• A glass or plastic container
• Soil
• Sheet moss
• Rocks
• Charcoal or perlite
• Garden trowel

Step by step guide for making Succulent terrariums

You can set up either an open or closed terrarium. An open terrarium is recommended for succulent plants because of low humidity levels. Choose a transparent container or glass for an excellent view of your portable kitchen. Ensure the selected glass or container is clean. Determine the size of plants for an idea of how long the terrarium should be. Remember, plants shouldn’t be so squeezed inside the terrarium.

Now, pick some rocks and place them at the bottom of your glass or plastic container. Rocks help with aeration and drainage. Be reasonable when arranging rocks inside your container. For the next layer, you can use either charcoal or perlite. Perlite or charcoal reduces condensation, attributed to foul odors and fungus growth. 

Set up the next layer using sheet moss. Soak Sheet moss in water for a minute. Remove from water, squeeze and place on top of the rocks. Generally, sheet moss ensures soil or charcoal doesn’t sift into the rocks.

Finally, the soil is at the top of the succulent terrarium. It is advisable to have at least 3 inches of ground for your terrarium. Use a garden trowel and dig a small hole inside your terrarium. Plant your succulent collections and pack the soil around the plants.

Now lightly water your terrarium. Avoid overwatering your plants at any given time. Place different decorative materials at the top of the soil. Now, place your terrarium in a visible spot, either in your house or office.

 How to Properly Take Care of Your Succulent Terrariums

Succulent terrariums, like any terrariums, require care. People prefer succulent terrariums because of their low maintenance. Caring for plants is paramount if you want them to be healthy.

Below are effective ways of taking care of your succulent terrariums:

• Pruning: Terrariums have limited space and soil. This why pruning is vital for plants growing in terrariums. It ensures your succulent plants don’t outgrow your terrariums at any time. Also, pruning gives plant a neat look. Unhealthy or infested parts should also be trimmed off before they spread to the entire succulent plant.
• Watering: The type of succulent plants grown in your terrarium determines the watering frequency. Avoid overwatering your plants, since it is a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and different diseases. You should also give soil time for moisture to dry out before watering your plants.

• Light: Succulent plants require different amounts of light. Some require plenty of light, whereas others can thrive in medium or low light. Therefore, give your succulent plants sufficient light since it plays a crucial role in their growth.
• Cleaning your terrariums: Condensation and dust are two maintenance issues for terrarium owners. Regularly clean your terrariums, especially moisture reduce the chances of fungus breeding in your portable garden. Dust interferes with the appearance of your terrarium.
• Nutrients: Plants require nutrients to thrive under any condition. Add fertilizer on your terrarium at least twice a year, preferably organic fertilizer.
• Quarantine: Always quarantine your plants before planting them in your terrarium with other plants. It helps confirm if they are disease and pest free. Therefore, keep an eye for symptoms of infestation.

Warning signs to watch out on your Succulent Terrariums

Pests and diseases might attack your succulent terrariums. In most instances, pests and diseases attack your plant when you least expect them. Understanding these problems helps determine the quickest ways of reviving your succulent plants. Examples of these problems include:

• Leaves turning yellow: Are your succulent plants turning yellow? This is most likely caused by overwatering your plants. This is the leading cause of succulent plants’ death. Succulents can’t survive in soil with excess water for long.  Consequently, these plants don’t thrive well in wet areas. Therefore, limit how you water your terrarium and understand the water requirements of your plants. Replant your plant in a dry soil if it exhibits yellow leaves. Now, give your plants a few weeks to recover.
• Brown spots: In most instances, brown spots indicate pest infestation. These brown spots spoil the color of your succulent plants. Isolate your terrarium if you notice brown spots on your plants. Afterward, spray pesticides on plants in your terrarium. Observe your terrarium for a week or so until the brown spots start disappearing.
• Wrinkling leaves: Overall, succulents can stay for long without water. However, don’t completely ignore them. Regularly water your plants or the leaves will start wrinkling and eventually drop off. Wrinkled leaves are a sign plants in your terrariums are receiving less water.
• Stretched leaves: Your succulent plants in terrariums require enough sunlight. If kept in darkness for long, the leaves can stretch to the sunlight direction. This is referred to etiolation. Ensure your succulent plants get enough sunlight.

The Best Succulent Plants for Terrariums

Not all succulent plants can be planted in terrariums. Therefore, research the best succulent plants before making a decision. Some of the recommended succulent plants for terrariums include:

• Jade plant: This is among the easy to care succulent plants.  Jade plant is recommended for indoor since it blends with any decision. An open terrarium is the best option for this plant. Unlike most succulent plants, this plant requires regular watering. Watch out for leaf spots or lose leaves on your terrarium. It’s an indication this plant isn’t receiving enough water.

With its relatively large, glossy leaves, the kalanchoe remains one of the most attractive and easy-to-grow plants ideal for your indoor or outdoor garden. It produces beautiful flowers in the shades of magenta, orange, red, pink, and yellow, which forms a spectacular view. The foliage is also attractive. Since the plant is easy to care for and highly resistant to some of the common plant diseases, it is one of the best low-maintenance indoor/outdoor plants for your home.

So, how do you care for kalanchoe? Kalanchoe plants require relatively sunny and bright locations with moderate to warm temperatures. Your indoor kalanchoe will do well if positioned near a window, receiving plenty of indirect sunlight. It will thrive in a well-draining potting mix complemented with the right pot size. Typically, you should only water your kalanchoe when the soil is completely dry and only feed it with fertilizer when it is almost bloom time. You should also watch out for dead stalks or foliage once your plant has bloomed and prune them off.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about taking care of and growing kalanchoe in your home. So, let us get started.

A Brief Overview of Kalanchoe

The genus Kalanchoe comprises more than 100 different species of plants, but only a few are known and cultivated at home. The most famous one is the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana that has acquired the title “Kalanchoe” over time.

Native to Madagascar’s tropical and sub-tropical climate, the plant tends to thrive in a relatively arid environment, making it one of the best and most popular succulents to have in your home. Plant lovers are usually attracted to kalanchoe thanks to its beautiful leaves and flowers that bloom consistently throughout the year.

Kalanchoe is a slow-growing succulent and will take between two to five years to mature and reach its maximum height, which can be up to 45cm tall. Younger plants in nurseries and flower shops are usually available in yellow, white, pink, and red shades.

Kalanchoe is readily available in most plant nurseries, florist shops, and even grocery stores, especially during the holiday season.  While this is one of the best succulents to have in your home, you need to be careful if you own curious pets because almost all parts of the plant are toxic to both dogs and cats.

Taking Care of Kalanchoe Plant

If you are looking to grow an almost perfect succulent that offers a magnificent floral show throughout the year, then look no further than the kalanchoe plant. Like other succulents, this is a relatively hands-off plant that only requires minimal care to thrive.

As long as you provide it with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and know when to water it, everything will be fine. It can survive in a wide range of temperatures and will bloom at the beginning of spring.

The flowers last for several weeks and can reoccur at different times throughout the year as long as the plant receives plenty of sunlight and is pruned appropriately between blooms.

Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most critical things you need to do to take care of your kalanchoe and enjoy the many benefits that it offers:

1. Sunlight and Temperature Requirements

Due to its high sensitivity to cold, kalanchoe tends to do well when grown as a houseplant where the temperature is maintained at between 60^oF and 85^oF. However, if you want to grow them in your outdoor garden, you need to ensure the temperatures are at least 45^oF for them to thrive.

The most important thing you need to keep in mind is that these succulents are highly sensitive to cold and won’t survive long if you don’t maintain the right temperature.

Kalanchoe will also thrive in a home that gets plenty of bright and natural sunlight. But they don’t like direct sunlight and may portray stunted growth if you leave them in direct sunlight all day.

You can position them on east or south-facing windowsill but keep them away from the windowpane since the hot surface can result in severe burns.

Generally, the more bright and indirect sunlight you give to your kalanchoe, the brighter and more colorful the flowers will be. In low-light conditions, the flowers may fail to open, and its leaves turn spindly.

So, if you are purchasing a kalanchoe for your low-light rooms, ensure you get one that is already flowering. You can always substitute the natural light with artificial growers’ light.

2.Humidity

Kalanchoe plant generally thrives in normal indoor humidity levels. If you are growing them in an area with high humidity, provide sufficient air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.

Extremely high or low humidity levels can cause the leaves to drop or turn yellow. You can use a humidifier if the room is dry and a dehumidifier if there’s too much humidity. The most important thing is to ensure that your kalanchoe is comfortable.

3. Watering

Kalanchoe plant is succulent, which means it doesn’t require a lot of water to survive. In fact, too much watering can lead to root rot and other issues. Its leaves are highly sensitive to water which can cause irreversible damage when overwatered.

With that in mind, you should only consider watering your kalanchoe when the potting mix is completely dry. Try to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers during watering.

When your plant stops flowering, you need to cut down on watering and let the soil remain reasonably dry. Increase watering during spring or summer when you start to notice signs of new growth on your plant.

For the watering method, it is highly recommended to use the bottom watering method. The method allows you to avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet by accident while ensuring your plant gets the sufficient amount of water it requires to stay happy and healthy.

You can also water your plant the conventional way, which is from above the pot. The only thing you need to ensure is that no leaves or flowers of the plant should come in direct contact with the water.

If you accidentally splash some water on the plant’s leaves, get a tissue and wipe it off immediately. Don’t forget to drain the excess water from the growing container.

4. Use the Right Potting Mix

A kalanchoe plant will only thrive in a well-draining potting mix because it is a succulent. So, make sure you choose or create a perfect blend of succulent soil that doesn’t retain too much moisture.

You can achieve good drainage by mixing 50% regular potting mix and 50% cactus mix or 60% peat moss and 40% perlite mix.

To ensure proper drainage of your kalanchoe potting mix, try as much as possible to avoid a moist environment. You are free to grow your kalanchoe in a clay pot which can help drain excess water from the potting mix.

5. Fertilizing Kalanchoe

Typically, you don’t need to fertilize your kalanchoe plant. All you need to do to keep your plant happy is to provide it with some top dressing for nutrients.

Consider dressing the topsoil with some compost and worm castings at the start of spring. You should top dress your kalanchoe whether it is growing indoors or outdoors.

If you don’t have a top dress combo, consider fertilizing your plant with an organic liquid fertilizer at a half-strength only once during spring. If you fertilize the plant with a full-strength fertilizer, it can result in severe burning of the tip of the leaves.

Don’t top dress or fertilize your kalanchoe plant after summer because it enters into a period of dormancy. During this time, the plant only focuses on recovering from the stress of the growing season and preparing for the next flowering season.

If you are still a newbie to these plants, you may easily mistake the dormancy for death, and you may even be tempted to throw it away.

But the only thing you need to do is water the plant one last time and keep it in a relatively dark room until spring. When spring kicks in, water your plant, return it to a spot that receives plenty of indirect sunlight and watch it put on a spectacular floral show.

6. Watch Out for Common Pests

Although these succulents are highly resistant to pests and diseases, they can still get infected by scale, nematodes, spider mites, and aphids, especially when grown outdoors. These insects feed on the plant’s leaves.

To remove common pests such as aphids, quickly pass your plant through a stream of fast-flowing water from a hose pipe or sink sprayer. For mealybugs and other pests that won’t be washed away by water, dab them off from the plant with an alcohol-saturated cotton swab.

You can also get rid of scale insects from your plant using a plastic bank card. Simply scrape the insects from the plant, and you are good to go.

7. Pruning

Kalanchoe usually requires some pruning to remove damaged or dead branches and to shape the plant. Prune it plant before it goes into dormancy to help prepare the plant for the next flowering season.

To prune your kalanchoe, use scissors or shears to cut away dead flower heads and dried leaves. Cut back the stems as much as 65% of their length when they become lanky or stretched out.

Be sure to use a pair of sterilized scissors or shears when pruning your plant to avoid spreading diseases or fungus. You should also consider labeling your pruning tools and storing them away safely when not in use.

With proper pruning, your kalanchoe will reward you with plenty of blooms and lots of appreciation from your visitors.

8. Propagation

Kalanchoe can be propagated through stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. For stem cutting propagation, take a healthy kalanchoe branch that is at least four inches in length, remove the lower leaves and place it in a soil-free medium such as vermiculite or perlite.

Keep the pot with the stem cuttings in a bright spot where it can receive plenty of indirect light but avoid direct sunlight. Water the cuttings regularly until new growth appears.

For leaf propagation, you need to take a healthy and undamaged leaf from your kalanchoe plant and place it in a soil-free medium for about four weeks or until the roots start to appear.

Once roots appear, transfer the leaf cutting into a pot with moist soil and water it regularly until new growth appears.

Summary

The bottom line is that caring for kalanchoes is relatively easy because these succulents are less demanding.

As long as you provide them with a well-draining potting mix, water them appropriately, top dress the soil once every spring and expose them to bright indirect sunlight, they will survive and thrive.

Good care is a recipe for flowering, which is amazing because their flowers are long-lasting and have rich green foliage that you will surely love. This is definitely one of the great blooming succulents to brighten your outdoor garden or indoor spaces.