Kalanchoe is a popular flowering succulent often grown indoors, cherished for its vibrant blooms and thick, fleshy leaves. These plants store water in their leaves and stems, meaning their watering needs differ significantly from tropical houseplants. Precise watering is essential for the Kalanchoe’s health and ability to produce flowers. Overwatering is the most common mistake, which quickly leads to irreversible damage.
Determining When to Water
The core principle for watering Kalanchoe is allowing the soil to dry out completely between thorough waterings. This mimics the plant’s natural arid habitat where rainfall is infrequent but heavy. Use the finger test by inserting a finger one to two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil at that depth feels dry, it is time to water; if moisture is detected, delay watering for a few more days.
Environmental conditions influence how quickly the soil dries, meaning a fixed schedule is unreliable. Plants in brighter light or warmer rooms use water more quickly than those in cooler locations. Watering frequency must be significantly reduced during the cooler, darker winter months when the Kalanchoe’s growth naturally slows down. During this semi-dormant period, the plant often requires water only every two to three weeks, compared to the more frequent needs during the spring and summer active growth seasons.
The Proper Watering Technique
Once the soil check confirms the Kalanchoe is ready for water, the goal is to saturate the entire root ball. Apply water slowly to the top of the soil until it flows freely from the pot’s drainage holes. This deep watering encourages the roots to grow downward, making the plant more resilient.
Using a pot with adequate drainage holes and a well-draining succulent soil mix is essential for Kalanchoe health. After the water drains, allow the pot to sit in the saucer for 15 to 20 minutes to reabsorb any remaining moisture. It is necessary to discard any standing water from the saucer afterward to prevent the roots from sitting in saturated conditions, which leads to root rot.
Alternatively, bottom watering ensures complete saturation. Place the pot in a shallow container of water, allowing the soil to wick moisture up through the drainage holes until the top layer feels moist.
Identifying Signs of Watering Stress
Observing the plant’s leaves and stems provides visual cues that the current watering routine is causing stress. Overwatering presents as soft, mushy, or translucent leaves that appear swollen. The stems may become soft and black near the soil line, signaling root rot, and the leaves may drop off easily with a gentle touch.
In contrast, an underwatered Kalanchoe displays symptoms of dehydration. The fleshy leaves will begin to shrivel, wrinkle, and look deflated or dry. The leaves may also feel brittle or crispy, and the soil may pull away from the pot’s edges. These visual signs mean the plant has depleted its stored reserves and requires immediate, thorough watering to restore the turgidity of its foliage.