Native to Madagascar and the tropical regions of Asia and Africa, Kalanchoe is one of the most rewarding houseplants. It requires very little care and still blooms every year. Like many potted plants, the Kalanchoe needs to be cut back occasionally, either to clean out faded flowers or to rein in sprawling growth. Plants that are bare in the lower area are stimulated to sprout again and grow back densely and lushly.

Fading can be removed at any time

Clean faded

Depending on the species, flowering kalanchoes form upright umbels with small flowers or gently drooping bells. Please do not make the mistake of cutting off the entire umbel just because the first flowers are fading. Better do this:

  • Carefully hold individual flower heads between your thumb and forefinger and snap them out.
  • Only when everything has faded and no more buds are formed, cut off the umbel about one centimeter above the last leaf axil.
  • Use a sharp knife, not scissors, to avoid crushing the thick, fleshy stalks unnecessarily.

This measure extends the flowering period considerably.

Cut off leaves that have turned yellow

The marginal leaves of the Kalanchoe occasionally dry up and become unsightly. This is due to the natural aging process and nothing to worry about. Cut out these leaves regularly to keep them from becoming a breeding ground for pathogens.

Pruning the Kalanchoe

A pruning is only necessary if the plants are bare in the lower area. In this case, it serves to rejuvenate, because the plant then drives vigorously and densely.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Cut flowering Kalanchoe species only after flowering.
  • Shorten the stems so that there is still an eye (thickened area) on the stem. Here the plant drives fresh green.
  • Alternatively, you can separate branched stems over a leaf axis.
  • The same applies here: Use clean and very sharp cutting tools.

Don't throw away the trimmings

Now you have a lot of leaves that you can use for propagation by leaf or shoot cuttings. These take root very easily, so that even inexperienced plant lovers can easily breed them.

tips

Despite pruning, the Kalanchoe does not bloom, but only forms a lot of green? During the winter, the plant is probably in a room where the light is on in the evening. The short-day plant should not be exposed to light for more than seven to nine hours from November to February, because only then will it flower reliably.

Category:

Vegetable garden