The extensive Tolstyankov family includes many species that can be successfully grown in an apartment. Blooming varieties are especially attractive, one of them is Kalanchoe. There are many varieties of this flower, which affect the abundance of inflorescences and prolonged flowering. Each grower would like not only to extend this process, but also to achieve it again. For this, there are a number of recommendations for care at the moment when Kalanchoe blooms and after this period.
Flowering Kalanchoe at Home
It is thanks to the ability of Kalanchoe to bloom not only abundantly, but also for a long time he was very fond of flower growers. In addition, there are many different varieties that are very different both in shape and in color of inflorescences.
Blooming pet - the joy of the grower
Flowering time and duration
Although the plant blooms once a year, this period can last from 3 months or more. In most indoor varieties, flowering time falls on the winter-spring period, namely from the end of January until the end of March.
With proper care, you can extend the flowering of Kalanchoe and stimulate repeated budding. In this case, the flower will continue to bloom until mid or late summer.
Attention! The main condition for the appearance of inflorescences in the next year is the creation of conditions for the transition of the plant to a dormant state.
Variety of varieties, types and forms of inflorescences
Different types of Kalanchoe are striking in their originality and variety. Some of them are so different in the appearance of leaves and inflorescences that it is difficult to believe that they belong to the same group of plants. For example, a very original Kalanchoe lacinate, whose leaves look like a deer horn.
Kalanchoe Blossfeld
One of the most popular varieties can be considered Kalanchoe Blossfeld. It is this flowering plant that can most often be found in flower shops and garden centers. Despite the high decorativeness of the leaves and the ability to form lush and bright inflorescences, the plant is very unpretentious.
For reference! Sometimes in the store the word "mix" is indicated in the name. This is not a specific variety - on the contrary, it means that the seller does not know exactly what he is selling.
Different varieties can have simple or double flowers painted in a variety of colors from snow-white to maroon. Some species may have flowers of complex colors, which include two colors at once with a smooth transition from one to another, such as Gevuld Serenity. In addition, this group also includes subspecies with different shades of inflorescences.
Kalanchoe Blossfeld
Kalanchoe Degremona
This rather large representative of the family is original in everything. It forms paniculate inflorescences, and each flower looks like an elongated bell, which is painted in pale pink. Flowering lasts no more than 2 weeks, but, unfortunately, often Kalanchoe Degremon dies after flowering. For this reason, most often this species is considered as a Kalanchoe without flowers.
The main feature of the flower is the ability to form young offspring along the edges of the leaf plate. Thanks to this, the reproduction of the plant is not difficult. Another distinctive characteristic of the species is the healing properties of leaves and shoots. The cirrus species has similar qualities.
Kalanchoe Degremona
Kalanchoe Flaming
This variety is often called red Kalanchoe. This native of Africa in indoor conditions does not grow more than 40-45 cm in height. Shoots are capable of active branching, require trimming and pinching to form a compact shape.
The flowers are small, double, collected in inflorescences. The color of the petals varies from bright red to orange.
Growing farming techniques are similar to those applicable to Blossfeld Kalanchoe, but lower temperatures are preferred.
Kalanchoe Flaming
Kalanchoe Kalandiva
It is very easy to confuse this species with the Kalanchoe of Blossfeld since it is a subspecies of it. The size of the plant is very compact - the height of the outlet does not exceed 25-30 cm. It is this variety that is most often found in stores along with Blossfeld's Kalanchoe.
It differs in very lush flowering, during which a cap of inflorescences almost completely covers the leaves. Flowering is long and lasts from January to the end of March, and sometimes longer.
Kalanchoe Kalandiva
Kalanchoe Mangin
This abundantly flowering succulent is also called the African bell. This is due to the shape of the inflorescences and the origin of the species. On a long peduncle are located the inflorescences collected in the corolla - bells.
Coloring of flowers can be red, orange or raspberry, and sometimes the edge has a white border. The flowering period falls on the last month of spring.
Kalanchoe Mangin
How to care for flowering Kalanchoe
Most often, Kalanchoe, abundantly strewn with inflorescences, gets into the house from the store or is a gift for the holiday. To enjoy flowering as long as possible, the plant should provide proper care. It is equally important to place the flower pot in a place favorable for its growth.
There are several basic rules for caring for a flowering specimen:
- the pot is placed on a bright windowsill, but artificially shaded on a clear day;
- watering is carried out regularly as the soil is completely dry, followed by removal of excess moisture from the pallet;
- top dressing is applied every 2 weeks, using complex mineral fertilizer for succulents (make half of the norm indicated on the package);
- maintain the temperature during the day at 19-23 ° C, and at night 2-3 ° C lower.
Attention! Humidity indicators are not particularly significant. As a rule, in an apartment they do not exceed 40-50%, and these are optimal conditions for Kalanchoe.
While the plant is blooming, it is better not to rearrange it from place to place. It is also not recommended to dramatically change the temperature regime and expose the flower to cold air. Transplantation and other manipulations can be carried out only after the flowering is completely over.
Transplant a flowering plant is not worth it
What to do if Kalanchoe does not bloom
Sometimes flower growers try, take care of the plant, but flowering does not occur. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the conditions of the flower, which has some nuances. Only in this way will it be possible to identify the reasons for the lack of flowers.
Reasons for the lack of flowering
A naturally diseased and depleted plant will not bloom - this is clear to every lover of plants. But, if the flower is actively increasing the vegetative mass, and refuses to bloom, there can be two main reasons:
- Neglect of the rest period. To begin the process of forming buds, the flower must first relax and gain strength. That is why, after flowering is complete, it is necessary to create certain conditions that are necessary for the plant to go to rest.
- Exceeding daylight hours. Kalanchoe refers to plants of short daylight hours. In order for it to begin to bloom, it should be fully lit up no more than 10 hours a day. In order to fulfill this condition, the flower should be artificially shaded in the evening.
Attention! It is better to cover the plant in the evening, as morning sunlight is more favorable for it.
By following these 2 main rules, it is highly likely that the Kalanchoe will bloom. Of course, this also implies compliance with all other requirements for plant care.
How to stimulate flowering
Some zealous flower growers are successful and they manage to achieve flowering of Kalanchoe 2 times a year. Given that a single flowering is natural for a plant, a second can only be achieved by artificially creating favorable conditions for this.
It is possible to stimulate flowering by following a few recommendations:
- reduce the number of fertilizers, gradually completely eliminating their application;
- maintain the duration of daylight hours no more than 9-10 hours by shading a flower in the evening;
- control the growth of shoots by pinching the tops.
A more natural and favorable for the plant is a method of stimulating flowering by passing a dormant period. But, unfortunately, even after awakening and the beginning of shoot growth, flowering does not always occur. How many times Kalanchoe blooms, it does not matter only if it is a medicinal variety.
Kalanchoe: care after flowering
Care for the flower should be at all stages of the development of Kalanchoe, home care after flowering is very important. It is at this time that a little more attention should be paid to the flower, because this is the key to the health of Kalanchoe, the flowering of which should begin next year.
After flowering need care
After all the flowers have withered, the main task of the grower is to correctly prune the plant and create optimal conditions for it to go into a dormant state.
Rest state
In order for the flower to gradually enter a dormant state, watering and top dressing should be reduced immediately after flowering. The average daily temperature is reduced by 3-4 ° C, and the illumination is made more moderate.
Important! All changes in the conditions of detention should be carried out gradually, otherwise the plant may become ill or even die.
Pruning and pruning
The end of flowering is a suitable period for pruning, which performs not only a formative, but also a sanitary function.
The process involves several manipulations:
- removal of peduncles;
- pruning of dried and underdeveloped shoots;
- pinching the tops to stimulate branching;
- shortening too long shoots to form a compact crown.
After withering flowers, flower stalks pruned
Pruning after flowering helps the plant build up strength during the dormant period. With a decrease in the size of the bush, the consumption of nutrients from the soil decreases, as well as the forces will be more focused on the development of the root system than on the growth of shoots.
Kalanchoe and many of its species can safely be called one of the most common indoor plants. Some varieties are not only plentiful, but also very long flowering. In order to achieve the appearance of flowers, you should strictly follow the rules for caring for a flower. You should also know what to do with Kalanchoe after flowering. Particular attention should be paid to reducing daylight hours and the mandatory transfer of plants to a state of rest and rest.
