Kalanchoe Maltese Cross for Sale and Care Info

Kalanchoe Maltese Cross Care Tips

Kalanchoe thrives in a range of environments, indoors and outdoors. If cared for properly, it can live for decades. Make sure not to overwater kalanchoe, which can cause root rot and prevent leaves from growing and blooms from flowering. You'll know you've given your plant too much water if its leaves start to droop.

Light: Kalanchoe needs bright, indirect sunlight when grown indoors and at least 8 hours of direct sunlight outdoors. For it to bloom, it requires a period of six weeks with 14 hours of darkness. Around four months after this dark period, kalanchoe will bloom with colorful flowers.

Soil and Water: Before watering, check the soil. If it's dry to the touch, water the plant. If the soil is moist, wait a few days and recheck the soil. Generally, kalanchoe will need water about once every other week. When in bloom, kalanchoes require more water. Because kalanchoe is a succulent, it will be fine if you're a few days late watering it. Keep well-drained, sandy soil evenly moist, not soggy. Plant in a clay pot to help remove excess water from the soil.

Temperature and Humidity: Kalanchoe will tolerate most indoor environments (55ºF-80ºF) except freezing temperatures, which will kill them. They are also fine with most humidity levels.

Fertilizer: For Kalanchoe planted outdoors, fertilize once in the spring. Indoor plants should be fed once a month with a well-balanced mixture, following the manufacturer's instructions, but only in spring and summer. Don't fertilize in winter. Use a high-phosphorous fertilizer if blooms are sparse.

Pruning: kalanchoe stems for better blooms and to keep its shape. Groom in spring, when the plant is in growth mode. Don't prune during winter, when it's dormant.