Kalanchoe Calandiva

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Crassulaceae

Order

Saxifragales

Genus

Kalanchoe

Species

blossfeldiana

Description

Small ornamental perennial Crassulacea, mainly cultivated as an indoor plant. Aesthetic value is conferred by the dense, thick inflorescences bearing small, colourful flowers. From the bossfeldiana species derive today's flowering potted varieties with compact growth that are distinguished by the colour tones of the flowers and the size they achieve. Easy to grow, it requires adequate light but sheltered from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Varietal description

Kalanchoe variety with compact growth and full, very floriferous double flowers. Due to its climatic requirements it is suitable as an indoor plant.

curiosity and special features

Robert Blossfeld, who first introduced Kalanchoe into cultivation in Europe, was able to bring forward the plant's natural spring flowering to the Christmas period thanks to the short photoperiod. In addition to its ornamental value, this succulent plant has an added value in that it helps to absorb some of the harmful substances in the air through its leaves, thus helping to purify indoor spaces.

Origin and Diffusion

Plant native to the mountainous slopes of north-eastern Madagascar. It was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s as a flowering pot plant by the German nurseryman R. Blossfeld, from whom it derives its specific epithet blossfeldiana.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, grouped together with others in dense, elegant inflorescences.

Leaf

The persistent, fleshy leaves have an oval, oblong lamina with an entire or toothed margin.

Flowering period

Depending on the temperature and light conditions, it can flower from year-round to year-round for a duration of 60 to 120 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence terminaltop, dense and branched.

Leaf color

Solid, shiny dark green, often with reddish margin.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.25 m, ideal for pots and tubs.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen herb.

Suggested planting locations

Due to its size and thermal requirements it is suitable for indoors, as a pot plant , planter It is possible to use it alone or in mixed compositions with other small succulent species with the same climatic and water requirements.

Stem/stem

The stems are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double in shape, small in size, with a dialipetal corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small to medium-sized cymes. It flowers all year round, with a flowering period of between 60 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact growing variety, suitable for pots and planters.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and compact.

branching

It developsabundant branching that gives the variety high ornamental value.

pH

The ideal pH of the growing medium for Kalanchoe is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.5.

sun exposure

Requires diffuse light, protected from direct sun. The following exposures are suggested: light source indoors, light shade.

It is possible to place it near a window facing east or west in summer and south in winter, always protecting it from sudden temperature changes and cold draughts.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. It does not tolerate cold and temperature fluctuations. In summer, if temperatures permit, it can be placed outside, protected from direct sunlight.

Use

It is one of the most widespread ornamental flowering herbaceous plants in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Highly rustic variety.

Soil/medium

The substrate must be well aerated but at the same time have a suitable water retention capacity, consisting of blond and brown peat with the addition of perlite.

Maintenance

Kalanchoe is generally an easy plant to grow with an overall low level of management effort. Pay attention to exposure and thermal and water requirements.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation measures to achieve lush flowering and proper vegetative development:

Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication is by apical cuttings.

Irrigation

Despite being a crassulacea, Kalanchoe requires regular watering free of dry spells resulting in leaf yellowing. Before watering, always check the substrate, which should be slightly moist and never saturated to avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot. It is advisable to water in the saucer, taking care to remove excess water after root uptake. The frequency and quantity of water given vary in proportion to the thermal conditions present.

Fertilization

Apply a liquid fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants directly to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the frequency and dosage in proportion to the needs of the plant. Fertilise on moist, not dry soil.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Kalanchoe bossfeldiana is a plant with a short photoperiod that needs an average of less than 11 hours of daylight for a variable number of days depending on the variety in order to flower. Do not fertilise on dry soil and prevent waterlogging. To prolong flowering do not keep plants with water on the saucer.