Among indoor plants, Kalanchoe is worth mentioning. It is popular due to its abundant flowering. In addition, caring for Kalanchoe at home is also not particularly difficult. It can be cut, pinched without fear, and then easily propagated in the simplest ways. However, there are some rules to be aware of.
Plant features
Kalanchoe is one of the plants of the succulent group. It is distinguished by fleshy leaves with a slight waxy sheen. In fact, it belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Such indoor flowers are good because they do not require careful care, because they are able to withstand almost any temperature conditions and watering regime.
When choosing such a plant for yourself, pay attention to the following indicators:
You can buy a small bush with lush flowers. After flowering stops, it begins to grow rapidly, so you will quickly bring it to the size you need. It is best to transplant a purchased flower during this period. Suitable soil for succulents.
As for the choice of location, this issue does not really matter. In principle, Kalanchoe feels good both in the shade and in the sun, but not under the scorching rays. However, it does not like very high temperatures, especially during the summer dormancy.
But is it possible to cut Kalanchoe yourself?
In fact, this is a prerequisite. In addition, the plant tolerates such procedures perfectly. The exception is hybrid varieties, which, if not properly cared for, can die.
Another feature is healing properties. The juice of the plant is used to treat colds, including the common cold. That is why some varieties are so useful to keep at home on the windowsill.
Rules for watering and feeding
In order for Kalanchoe to grow healthy, it is important to properly organize its watering regimen. To do this, you can use a scheme suitable for most succulents. It is enough to moisten the soil every 5-7 days. If the earth ball is too dry, it is allowed to increase watering.
But after flowering, you can reduce the frequency and supply water in small portions every 1-2 weeks. This will be enough to maintain the strength of the plant during the dormant period and prepare it for new emissions of inflorescences. As for the introduction of fertilizers and top dressing, it is also better to do this after flowering.
During long bud opening, you can use the method of spraying nutrient mixtures directly onto the flowers and leaves themselves. Otherwise, basal nutrition is more preferable. At the same time, it is important to control the growth of green mass.
bush pruning
In order to prevent excessive growth of the bush, it is important to know how to cut Kalanchoe. Most varieties can be pinched and trimmed without much concern. The plant tolerates these procedures perfectly, and each time it produces new and new shoots. Due to this, it is possible to form a beautifully shaped decorative bush that will look great on the windowsill even after flowering.
Since you basically have to cut Kalanchoe after flowering, you should start with this
moment. During this period, it is important to remove faded elements in a timely manner.
After the whole bunch dries, it is cut off to the very root. After that, the plant begins the phase of active growth of greenery. If you want to keep a miniature shape, you should not hesitate to pinch. Otherwise, you can wait a month or two.
You need to remove the top of the shoot near the sheets diverging to the sides.
Very soon after the procedure, two shoots will grow from the buds in the axils of the leaves. Such pinching can be done indefinitely, and the result will be the same. In this case, the size of the leaves will decrease. If you want to keep the original shape of the flower, cut the branches closer to the bottom. When doing this, make sure that you leave the kidneys for the issuance of new shoots. In fact, pruning can be done at any time.
Preparing for flowering
How quickly you manage to cut Kalanchoe depends on how soon the plant will throw out new buds. Most often, inexperienced flower growers are faced with this particular problem. After flowering, Kalanchoe throws out greenery, but may not bloom again the next year.
In order to achieve repeated flowering, it is important not only to cut off old inflorescences and excess shoots in a timely manner. You also need to adhere to a special regime in terms of lighting, temperature and humidity. The fact is that in order to prepare new buds, you need to observe a rest mode. Of course, in a greenhouse, this is much easier to do.
At home, you can achieve this effect using the following techniques:
The complexity of the preparation lies in the fact that the rest period falls on summer time, when the day is maximum. That is why it is difficult to ensure that the amount of light for the flower is reduced. Also, difficulties arise when trying to maintain a suitable temperature regime.
Reproduction methods
Another feature is the ease of reproduction. Some varieties even have leaves with children growing on them, which are easy enough to stick into the ground, and they will immediately take root. Otherwise, Kalanchoe shoots are mainly used for reproduction. If you want to get a new plant, you can cut the flower to the desired level.
This plant can be seen in many houses and apartments of Russian lovers of indoor floriculture. Kalanchoe does not require complex care, but the plant needs moderate watering, periodic feeding and pruning. The plant not only blooms luxuriantly and often, which makes its owners very happy, but is also a good helper in the treatment of various diseases of the nasopharynx, ears and skin.
So that the flower does not stretch out, but has a rounded, neat shape, it must be cut in time. Despite the fact that many plant this medicinal type of plant in their homes, decorative species are in no way inferior to it in popularity. Lush and colorful flowering, green stems and lush foliage throughout the year, make them spectacular decorations for any home.
Today there are more than 200 species of this plant. Some of them are suitable for indoor floriculture. The most popular are Kalanchoe single-flowered and pinnate, as well as Kalanchoe Degremont and Blossfeld. Native to the tropics, Kalanchoes of all kinds tolerate drought and high humidity equally well. Plants practically do not need fertilizers, are resistant to diseases and pests.
In this article, we will talk about how Kalanchoe is pruned correctly at home, why such a procedure is needed and how to carry it out so as not to harm the plant.
As already mentioned, plant care is simple, but certain rules must be observed when growing Kalanchoe. It depends on how comfortable the plant will feel in your home, and how it will develop.
Temperature regime
The optimal temperature in the summer for flowering Kalanchoe is in the range from +23 ° C to +29 ° C. The plant will tolerate higher temperatures, but in this case, if it blooms, you should increase the frequency of watering, otherwise the buds may dry out.
Surprisingly, this tropical plant tolerates low temperatures well. In autumn and winter, when the temperature rises slightly above +10 ° C, it can be safely exposed to fresh air.
Lighting
You can place Kalanchoe anywhere in the room where the sun's rays reach. The plant feels most comfortable in partial shade or in diffused light. Direct sunlight is dangerous from 11 am to 3 pm from March to September.
Watering Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a succulent, in other words, it is a plant that can accumulate moisture in the leaves. Because of this, it can survive drought. Excessive watering for Kalanchoe is harmful. This indoor plant is watered in such a way that the water soaks the earthen ball, and the excess water must be drained. On hot summer days, increase the frequency of watering (not forgetting about excess water). In winter, it is enough to moisten the soil no more than twice a week.
Humidity
This is not the most important indicator for the normal development of Kalanchoe. This is due to the fact that the plant retains moisture in the leaves. That is why drought is not terrible for this flower. It is only necessary to ensure that water does not fall on the leaves when watering, as this can cause plant disease.
top dressing
Once a month, Kalanchoe should be fertilized with compounds intended for succulents. This is necessary for the regular flowering of the plant. Experienced flower growers recommend using half the dose indicated on the packaging of nutrient mixtures. In winter, the plant is in a dormant period, so it does not need top dressing.
Do I need pruning Kalanchoe?
Yes, it's needed. Moreover, this is the most important condition for proper care. Pruning Kalanchoe at home involves removing excess flowers and leaves. This procedure will help to form a beautiful plant. Flower growers believe that a small compact bush looks much more attractive than a long and unkempt stem. And for lush flowering, pruning Kalanchoe is simply necessary.
When removing excess shoots, juice accumulates in the stem, which after the procedure is distributed over the remaining branches. The flower becomes juicy, the plant becomes more resistant to drying. It should be noted that pruning Kalanchoe is of three types:
- initial;
- preventive;
- after flowering.
Often, especially when placed in the sun, the flower outgrows. Therefore, many novice flower growers are interested in how to correctly prune Kalanchoe if it is stretched out so as not to injure the plant. If a long and not very beautiful top has grown, it should simply be cut off. Constantly watch for escapes. When they start to grow, pinch off two leaves from the top.
Pruning different types of Kalanchoe
Of the many types of Kalanchoe, only a few of them are common in indoor floriculture. The pruning technique is almost the same for all varieties, but for some varieties there are special rules that must be followed. The most common variety in our country is Blossfeld's Kalanchoe. This variety is ideal for growing indoors. The plant has beautiful flowers of different shades.
This one can be cut at the root. In this state, the plant begins to actively develop, the bush becomes beautiful and lush. Varieties that produce white and yellow flowers are pruned differently. But these varieties are quite rare in indoor floriculture. These plants require special care. Pruning Kalanchoe of these species should not be cardinal. Removing too much foliage can harm the plant: it may not recover from such stress.
In order for the formation of Kalanchoe to be carried out correctly, you need to find out which variety grows in your home. Remember that pruning is a necessary and painless procedure for the plant. If rotting has begun at the cut points, treat them with charcoal. To prevent such complications, use a tool that has been previously disinfected for trimming. It is strictly forbidden to cut off excess leaves with your hands. Such pinching can weaken the plant.
Initial and preventive pruning
As soon as the plant has taken root in a new place, it needs initial pruning. On the shoots, cut off the top two leaves in turn. In place of pruning, young shoots will soon grow.
Now it's time to carry out preventive pruning of Kalanchoe (we posted a photo in this article). It can be carried out repeatedly until the flower looks like a pretty and compact bush. You don't have to wait for the leaves to grow. As soon as young shoots appear, the procedure can be carried out.
Flower pruning is stopped in late autumn. The next bush formation can be started in late spring or early summer. But if the flower has bloomed, pruning is prohibited.
Should the plant be pruned after flowering?
Every year, the lush hat of inflorescences and leaves becomes noticeably smaller. The exquisite beauty of Kalanchoe is losing its former splendor. But this is not a reason to abandon the plant. Just a flower signals that it needs pruning. It depends on the variety of Kalanchoe.
For example, the Blossfeld variety blooms until the end of May, and then enters a dormant period. After pruning and treating wounds, the plant is transferred to a cool place until spring.
For hybrid varieties, it is important not to overdo it and remove leaves and inflorescences to a minimum. Only shoots that have lost their former attractiveness are removed. Don't forget about slicing. Kalanchoe is also cut to update decorative forms.
A few words in conclusion
Kalanchoe is a very beautiful flower. Connoisseurs of indoor plants love it for its attractive appearance during the flowering period, but also for its healing properties. As it became clear from the article, pruning Kalanchoe is an absolutely simple procedure. But it should be carried out regularly so that the bushes always have a beautiful shape. Subject to all the rules, the flower looks amazing and is actively developing.
CORRECT CUTTING KALANCHOE AT HOME CONDITIONS Kalanchoe is an incredibly beautiful plant that can be found in almost every home. The flower is very popular among flower growers, not only for its amazing flowering, but also Kalanchoe has useful properties. Caring for this amazing plant is quite simple, as it is demanding on the conditions of detention, but still some care rules must be followed. Competent care at home includes: pruning, watering, top dressing. Pruning Kalanchoe is a simple process, but there are various nuances that you should be aware of.
Why is pruning necessary? Thanks to pruning, you can give the plant a beautiful bush shape. Pruning also stimulates good growth and flower development. There are 3 types of pruning: Initial; For preventive purposes; After flowering. How to pinch Kalanchoe? To trim Kalanchoe at home, you need to use a sharp blade for this. It is not recommended to cut off the leaves with your hands, as you can harm the flower, and it will begin to fade. Thanks to pruning, you will form a beautiful and lush bush.
Pruning depending on the species Today, there are about 200 varieties of Kalanchoe, but only a few of them are grown at home. Almost all varieties of Kalanchoe are cut in the same way, but for some varieties there are certain rules. The most popular species is Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This variety is quite often grown at home, it blooms with red flowers. Kalanchoe Blossfeld can be cut off almost completely at the root, and only a "stump" can be left, nothing bad will happen to the plant. On the contrary, it begins to develop more intensively, and increase the green mass. His bush will become lush and beautiful.
But varieties that bloom with yellow and white flowers need to be cut differently. It is also worth mentioning that such species are quite rare to be found at home, and they are also very capricious. Pinching the bush should be done correctly, as if you remove the foliage excessively, you can harm the plant. Before pinching a flower, you should accurately determine its variety. Pruning must be done correctly. Basically, this process occurs painlessly for the plant. But if you notice rotting in the places of cuts, then the damaged areas must be immediately treated with charcoal. Step-by-step instructions for initial and preventive pruning In order for the bush to have a lush and rounded shape, pruning must be done. Most beginner florists are interested in how to pinch Kalanchoe correctly so that the plant develops well? A young specimen needs to be pinched almost immediately, as soon as it adapts to new conditions and begins to grow. To do this, cut off 1-2 leaves on each stem of the plant. This is considered the original pruning. Then, as necessary, perform preventive pruning. In places of cuts, after a while you can see new stems, and young leaves on them. Professionals recommend doing this procedure at home several times until the plant forms a lush bush.
Competent pruning after flowering How to prune Kalanchoe correctly after flowering? Pruning is always required after flowering. Thus, you will not only save your handsome man from extra leaves, but also free your handsome man from flower stalks. After flowering, the pruning process is carried out in the same way as at the initial stage. Before you start pruning your home handsome after flowering, you need to make sure that he really has completely faded. Peduncles can be removed almost under the root to prevent rotting of the plant. After each flowering, it is recommended to get rid of all flower stalks. Thanks to this procedure, there will be an excellent formation of a bush, and will allow the plant to get new shoots. At the end of pruning after flowering, you need to give the flower a rest. He has a dormant period. During this period of time, it is necessary to minimize the frequency of watering, and protect the flower from direct sunlight. Usually Kalanchoe restores its strength for about a month. Leaves and flower stalks are best cut in the morning. In order to form a lush Kalanchoe bush, it is necessary to prune in a timely manner. Proper pruning is the key to successful flower development.
Care Care for Kalanchoe at home must be correct in order to get abundant flowering. In addition to pruning, the plant must also be properly watered, fertilized and maintained at the optimum temperature. Watering regimen and humidity Kalanchoe is a plant that retains moisture in the leaves. Therefore, the flower normally tolerates a certain period of time without moistening the soil. However, Kalanchoe is extremely negative about the bay, this can adversely affect the plant. Watering Kalanchoe at home should be done correctly so that the flower grows and develops well. When watering, the water should soak the earthen ball well. Do not allow excessive moisture in the ground. It is best to water the plant in the summer 1 time in 3 days. In winter, watering is carried out as the soil dries.
Kalanchoe, in principle, does not need to be sprayed. In the cold season, it is generally not advisable to spray. To eliminate dust on the leaves, Kalanchoe should sometimes be bathed in the shower. And with a damp cloth, wipe the leaves, as a result of which you protect the flower from various pests. Feeding Kalanchoe for good growth should be fertilized - about once every 3-4 weeks. In order for the plant to bloom profusely, complex top dressing should be used, but half the dose must be applied than indicated on the package. Just feed the plant carefully, otherwise it may adversely affect Kalanchoe. In winter, the flower should not be fed. The temperature regime of Kalanchoe perfectly tolerates heat, but in order to avoid drying out of the soil, the frequency of watering should be increased. In warm weather, a flower pot is taken out into the fresh air or placed on a balcony; in these places, Kalanchoe feels great. In summer, the temperature should be around 25 degrees, and in winter - 13-15°C.
Kalanchoe is famous not only for its remarkable appearance and unpretentiousness, but is also used for medicinal purposes. Any grower is familiar with this plant. Our article will tell you about the important "ritual" that gives your green friend the final refined appearance - how to pinch a Kalanchoe. Step by step instructions at your service.
The heroes of our article refer to plants that have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
The heroes of our article belong to plants that have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Juice was squeezed out of their leaves, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, applied to wounds, burns, and even from the “scourge of mankind” - the common cold (for which, until now, there are almost no more effective drugs). Especially after pinching, Kalanchoë grows fast,
Although almost all varieties of Kalanchoë need pinching, there are certain species that do not need to be pinched - they already have a complete form all year round, without shoots that periodically dry out at the ends of other species. One of those - the most famous of all, is called Degremona among scientists and gardeners, and among the people he received the honorary name "doctor" (or "surgeon"), for his exceptional healing properties. And also - "crocodile", behind the fleshy toothed leaves growing in pairs, between which the "younger generation" huddles. Although this Kalanchoe pinching withstands steadfastly, and you can do it if you wish, it grows lateral shoots after this procedure without much zeal.
Video about Kalanchoe
- Let's start with observation. We see that any Kalanchoë feels great even in the bank, and grows by leaps and bounds. The main thing is that he gets plenty of light, so it would be a bad idea to put a flowerpot with him in a poorly lit corner of the room. Over time, in most varieties, thinning of the upper shoots can be noticed. In parallel with this, the leaves on them are becoming smaller and smaller. This is a sign that not enough juices are coming into these areas. Such shoots can not only not bloom, but also dry out entirely. Seeing this, it's time to start pinching off the weakened shoots.
- You can tear off the top of the plant without any preparation of the green pet for the procedure. You can do this with scissors, and just nails, without fear of the formation of wounds. Occasionally the latter, however, appear. This happens if you go too far with pinching, pinching further than necessary. However, wounds are treated very simply. It is enough to sprinkle them with ashes, or better - with charcoal. After some time, the vacated space will give rise to two side shoots.
- As new shoots form, continue to observe their growth. The compact flower shape can be maintained for a long time after this operation, but in some cases you may again notice signs of drying out of new branches. Then you should carry out with them the same manipulations that we considered in the second paragraph.
You can tear off the top of the plant without any preparation of the green pet for the procedure.
What else is useful to know about pinching
There is one more moment when it is very desirable to pinch Kalanchoe - if it should bloom, but still will not give buds. Please note that standing on the northern windowsill, the flower grows with noticeable effort and may not bloom. If it is in the south, it should be pinched before the onset of December, and if it looks to the west or east - on any convenient day. By courting Kalanchoë in this way, you will no doubt expect gratitude from him.
Video about caring for Kalanchoe
Often gardeners ask a question specifically about Kalanchoe kalandiva, how to pinch this flower. The main thing to consider is that the plant must be thoroughly cut immediately after flowering. The rest are the same instructions.
Whether it is necessary to pinch Kalanchoe - everyone decides for himself and his green pet, without this operation the plant will not die. However, we recall that the procedure can help the process of healthy lush growth, as well as improve the aesthetics of the appearance.
Pruning Kalanchoe plays an important role in the succulent, it is especially needed to create decorative bushes and provide the necessary conditions for the formation of flower stalks.
To many, the pruning procedure seems harsh and blasphemous. There are many people among flower growers who feel sorry for hurting their favorite plant. After all, it is a living organism that only talks and does not know how, but, like people, breathes, eats and, judging by some scientific studies, even meets its owner with a different mood - a person who cares for him.
However, in the case of Kalanchoe, emotions and lyrics should be thrown aside, because without pruning, the plant loses its decorative appearance, the pagons are exposed from below, losing old leaves, leaning randomly, twisting, and during flowering they are covered with thin few inflorescences. Pruning Kalanchoe is an important element of care that is not subject to doubt and objection, and any owner of a succulent should learn how to do it correctly and at the right time in the plant's life cycle.
There are several types of pruning: initial, preventive and after flowering. Each of them is produced in a certain period of the life cycle, corresponding to the season.
The initial pruning is carried out on young plants immediately after transplantation in the spring. For older specimens, branches are shortened throughout the growing season - preventive pruning is carried out. During the flowering and dormant period, no manipulations are made to form the crown, but immediately after the last corollas wither, the flower stalks are removed. The exception is diseased or pest-affected tops of pagons or individual leaves, which are harvested even during the rest period of the plant.
How to trim Kalanchoe at home
Not all succulents take pruning painlessly. Delicate white and yellow-flowering varieties of Blossfeld's Kalanchoe take a long time after manipulation with the shortening of shoots, and some wither away until they die. When cutting a plant, it is necessary to understand the sense of proportion and not to shred the shoots with leaves at random, breaking off with your hands or cutting off near the root itself.
The tool used for pruning is also important - it must be sharp and disinfected, and if there is a need to carry out the procedure for several succulents, it must be disinfected after each plant, moving from one to another.
It is desirable to shorten the stems of Kalanchoe in the morning, so that by the evening, when the air temperature in the room begins to decrease at night, the sections have already dried and tightened.
Initial pruning
It is carried out in the spring after transplanting young plants into another, more spacious flower container. The fact that Kalanchoe has taken root will become clear from the formation of new leaves on the tops of the shoots. The top two of them should be cut off on each branch. It is necessary to observe open wounds - if they dry up within 3-4 hours, it means that the plant safely and independently copes with the pruning procedure. Otherwise, the sections are crushed with charcoal powder or cinnamon.
Preventive pruning
Produced throughout the growing season. Young branches are cut off, which have grown from the cut or from the axils of the lower leaves and formed three pairs of leaves. A similar procedure must be repeated with the next batch of newly grown shoots, and so on until a compact and beautiful bush shape is obtained.
With the advent of autumn, the plants stop cutting off the tops of the branches. During this period, succulent, and all attention must be focused on observing the period of short daylight hours, so that the flower buds actively start growing in the plant, forming flower stalks with buds.
How to prune Kalanchoe after flowering
After making sure that the last corolla has withered, the flower stalks are cut off at the very base. It is not advisable to leave them on the bush for some time. Firstly, they completely spoil the appearance, and secondly, they begin to die off, dry, rot and become a source of infection on the plant. Therefore, in order not to reach such a moment, flower-bearing stems are removed in a timely manner.
Many flower growers at this time carry out cardinal pruning, removing all the pagons on the bush by one third of the length. This is followed by a period of rest, lasting at least a month and a half, and then the growing season begins, and the cut branches soon give new regrown stems, covered with juicy green foliage.
It should be noted that during dormancy on the bush, the lower leaves often die off, exposing the base of the stems. This is a natural process, old leaves also need to be removed, in their place, new pagons grow from dormant buds in the axils due to pruning.
How to pinch Kalanchoe: differences from pruning
Pinching differs from pruning in a more gentle way of manipulation and is carried out primarily for plants of those varieties that react painfully to pruning.
After removing the succulents from the dormant period, the last two leaves are pinched off at each top of the pagons. As soon as new branches grow from the axils of the leaves and when they form three pairs of leaves, the next pair - the fourth is pinched again. You can repeat these steps until November, and then start preparing Kalanchoe for flowering by adjusting the number of hours under bright light.