Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a typical representative of the Crassulaceae family; in the wild it is found in the tropics and subtropics. Belongs to succulents, some species look like subshrubs. The dimensions of representatives of this type of Crassulaceae vary, from 20 cm in height to one and a half meters.

Due to their advantages: a tendency to grow quickly, ease of propagation and a fairly decorative appearance, these plants quickly gained popularity among lovers of indoor plants, especially eagerly growing Kalanchoe inexperienced flower growers are engaged in.

Types of Kalanchoe, which of them have medicinal properties

Of the huge number of Kalanchoe species, a dozen and a half are popular among gardeners, among them:

Let us clarify that two varieties are considered medicinal:

  • pinnate
  • Bryophyllum Dergemona

They do not look particularly luxurious, however, their unique anti-inflammatory properties were known in ancient times; the inhabitants of Madagascar used the juice from the leaves to treat diseases of infectious origin, diseases of the ENT organs and teeth, they treated ulcers and open wounds.

The effectiveness of treating runny nose and sinusitis with a decoction of leaves has been proven.

Caring for indoor Kalanchoe

All succulents have approximately the same maintenance requirements, so caring for medicinal Kalanchoe is not much different from caring for its beautifully flowering relatives.

The flower is equally calm about the lack of light and its excess; it can grow both in a shaded room and in direct sunlight.

He is not afraid of drafts. In summer it can develop normally at a temperature of + 20 +25 C, but during the dormant period it should be placed in a cooler place - at high temperatures the formation of flower buds will not occur.

If you take a flower pot outside in the summer, you will need to protect it from natural precipitation.

Flower growers advise: if the decorativeness of a bush has decreased after flowering, divide it into cuttings and plant several young bushes.

Feed the succulent in the summer, about once a month. Flowering varieties - with universal fertilizers, non-flowering ones - intended for cacti.

How to water correctly

When considering the question of how to water Kalanchoe, you should remember that it is better not to top it up than to overfill it. The juicy, fleshy leaves store enough moisture; the plant can easily withstand a short dry period. In the warm season, the flower is watered a maximum of twice a week.

With the onset of the autumn-winter period, watering is done less frequently; the soil surface should dry out. Otherwise, the plant may be subject to fungal infections, which will require a lot of effort to combat.

Trimming

It involves removing flower stalks after flowering and excess leaves. Pruning Kalanchoe allows you to give the flower a beautiful shape.

Three types of pruning are used:

  • preventive
  • after flowering
  • original

The pruning technique may vary depending on the variety. It is not recommended to pluck leaves with your hands; it is better to use a sharp, thin knife.

In the articles in this section you will find information on how to provoke bud formation in order to see blooming Kalanchoe in summer or winter, how to propagate flowers favorite variety, how to care for the plant after purchase.