Kalanchoe laciniata is a succulent known for its distinctive foliage, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Understanding its specific needs ensures a thriving plant that enhances indoor spaces or appropriate outdoor environments.
Understanding Kalanchoe Laciniata
Kalanchoe laciniata, a succulent subshrub, is known by common names like Christmas Tree Plant, Lace Kalanchoe, or Cathedral Bells. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Eritrea, Africa, and the Middle East, it thrives in rocky grassland and open bushland. Characterized by reddish, erect stems and thick, fleshy green leaves, its foliage is deeply lobed or dissected, giving a fern-like or “split-leaf” appearance, and can grow up to 12 inches long.
The plant can reach 5 feet in height, though it often stays smaller in cultivation. While primarily grown for its attractive foliage, it produces fragrant yellow, yellow-green, or orange flowers in dense, flat-topped clusters during summer. Its succulent nature allows it to store water, making it tolerant of drought.
Caring for Kalanchoe Laciniata
Light
Kalanchoe laciniata thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth. Outdoors, it benefits from morning sun and partial afternoon shade to prevent sunburn. Extended periods of direct, intense sunlight can scorch or burn the leaves.
Watering
Proper watering is important for Kalanchoe laciniata, as overwatering can lead to root rot. This succulent prefers a “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. During the active growing season (spring and summer), watering every one to two weeks is often sufficient; check soil moisture first. During fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every three to four weeks or less.
Soil
Soil for Kalanchoe laciniata must provide excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mixture is suitable. For a custom blend, mix potting soil with amendments like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. A common ratio is two parts potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite to enhance aeration and drainage. Clay pots can also aid in wicking away excess moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe laciniata prefers warm temperatures, thriving between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). It tolerates low humidity, but adequate air circulation helps prevent fungal infections. This plant is frost-tender and cannot survive freezing temperatures. If outdoor temperatures drop below 45°F to 59°F, bring the plant indoors.
Fertilizing
Kalanchoe laciniata does not require heavy feeding but benefits from fertilization during its active growing season (spring to early fall). Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, once a month or bi-weekly. Avoid fertilizing during dormant winter months. If flowering is sparse, a higher phosphorus fertilizer can encourage more blooms.
Propagating Kalanchoe Laciniata
Propagating Kalanchoe laciniata is achieved through stem cuttings, ideally during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3-4 inch section with a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top to expose nodes where roots will form.
Allow the cutting to “callous over” for a day or two in a cool, dry place; this helps prevent rot. Once calloused, insert the cut end into a pot with a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist, avoiding overwatering. New roots form within a few weeks, with new growth emerging from the base of the leaves.
Common Problems and Solutions
Overwatering is a frequent issue for Kalanchoe laciniata, leading to root rot, yellowing leaves, and soft, mushy stems. Ensure the soil dries completely between waterings and use a pot with drainage holes. If root rot is suspected, repot into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming rotten roots.
Inadequate sunlight causes leggy growth and pale leaves. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light, such as a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun can scorch or brown leaves, requiring a move to a spot with afternoon shade or diffused light.
Pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can affect Kalanchoe laciniata. Signs include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or visible insects. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early. Minor infestations can be managed by hand removal or spraying with water. Fungal infections, black or brown spots, can occur from prolonged moisture on leaves; water the soil directly and ensure good air circulation to prevent these.
Toxicity Information
Kalanchoe laciniata, like other Kalanchoe plants, contains compounds toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. All parts are toxic, with flowers having a higher concentration. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
In severe cases, particularly if a significant amount is consumed, cardiac effects like abnormal heart rhythms can occur, though this is rare. Keep Kalanchoe laciniata out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. If a pet is suspected of ingesting the plant, seek immediate veterinary care.