Kalanchoe plants are popular succulents, cherished for their vibrant blooms and robust nature. Despite their general hardiness, overwatering stands as the most frequent and damaging issue they encounter. Understanding the signs of overwatering and knowing how to respond is important for the longevity of these plants. Promptly addressing this common problem is important for their continued health.
Identifying Overwatering Symptoms
Several visual and tactile cues indicate an overwatered Kalanchoe. Leaves often turn yellow, starting from the lower foliage and progressing upwards. They may also become soft, mushy, or translucent, sometimes even appearing swollen. Unlike underwatered leaves that shrivel, overwatered leaves feel limp and may droop despite the soil being wet. This occurs because waterlogged soil deprives roots of oxygen, preventing them from absorbing nutrients properly.
Stunted growth can also signal overwatering, as roots struggle to develop. If the problem persists, the plant’s stems may become soft and mushy, indicating that rot is spreading beyond the roots. A foul odor emanating from the soil, along with the presence of mold or fungus on its surface, suggests excessive moisture and potential root decay.
How to Rescue an Overwatered Kalanchoe
Rescuing an overwatered Kalanchoe requires immediate action to mitigate further damage. Begin by carefully removing the plant from its pot, gently shaking off as much of the saturated soil as possible from around the root ball. Inspect the roots thoroughly; healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan, while rotted roots will appear mushy, dark brown, or black and may emit a foul smell. Using sterilized scissors or pruning shears, trim away all affected, rotting root sections until only healthy, firm roots remain.
After trimming, allow the plant’s roots to air dry for several hours, or even a few days, in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This step helps the cut surfaces to callus, reducing the risk of infection when repotted. Once the roots have dried, repot the Kalanchoe into a new pot filled with fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. After repotting, withhold water for several days to allow the plant to settle and recover, ensuring the new soil has a chance to dry out.
Preventing Overwatering in Kalanchoes
Preventing overwatering involves understanding the specific needs of Kalanchoes as succulents, which store water in their fleshy leaves and stems. Water only when the top few inches of the soil feel dry to the touch, typically about one to two inches deep. This allows the plant to utilize stored water and prevents the roots from sitting in consistently wet conditions. Many gardeners find success with bottom watering, where the pot is placed in a tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture from the drainage holes until the topsoil becomes slightly damp.
Using a well-draining soil mix is important; a specialized succulent or cactus mix, often containing sand, perlite, or pumice, allows excess water to pass through quickly. Pots with drainage holes are important to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Terracotta pots can also be beneficial due to their porous nature, which helps wick away excess moisture from the soil. Environmental factors like light levels and temperature also influence water needs; Kalanchoes in warmer, brighter conditions may require slightly more frequent watering than those in cooler, shadier spots.
Propagating From Damaged Kalanchoes
If an overwatered Kalanchoe is too severely damaged by root rot to be directly saved, propagation offers an opportunity to salvage the plant through healthy cuttings. Select healthy, firm stem or leaf sections from the upper parts of the plant that show no signs of mushiness or discoloration. For stem cuttings, aim for a length of approximately four to six inches, removing any lower leaves that would be buried in the soil. Leaf cuttings can also be used, selecting intact, healthy leaves.
After taking cuttings, allow the cut ends to dry and form a callus, which typically takes a few days, depending on humidity. This callused layer protects the cutting from rot when planted. Once callused, plant the stem cuttings directly into a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, burying about one to two inches of the stem. For leaf cuttings, lay them flat on the soil surface or insert the cut end slightly into the soil. Keep the soil barely moist until new roots and shoots begin to develop, indicating successful propagation.