Kalanchoe Queen plants are popular indoor plants, valued for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms and succulent foliage. Their appealing appearance and relatively straightforward care make them a favorite among enthusiasts and beginners.
Kalanchoe Queen Plant Care
Proper care for your Kalanchoe Queen involves understanding its specific needs for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. Meeting these requirements will help your plant thrive and produce abundant flowers.
Light Needs
Kalanchoe Queen plants flourish in bright, indirect light. Placing them near a south or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample illumination without harsh direct sun exposure. While they tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sunlight can scorch leaves and fade flower colors. A reddish glow on leaves might indicate too much direct light.
Watering
As succulents, Kalanchoe Queen plants store water in their thick leaves and stems, making them drought-tolerant. Overwatering is the most common issue, leading to root rot. To prevent this, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger about two inches deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. During warmer months, water every one to two weeks; in cooler periods, frequency decreases to every two to three weeks or less. When watering, ensure water drains thoroughly from the pot, avoiding standing water in saucers.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe Queen plants require a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is suitable, or you can create one by combining regular potting soil with perlite, sand, or gritty gravel to enhance drainage. Good drainage is paramount, as these plants are susceptible to root issues if roots remain in overly moist conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe Queen plants thrive in average household temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). They are not tolerant of cold and should be protected from frost, as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage. While they appreciate consistent warmth, they are not fussy about humidity and tolerate typical indoor conditions. Extreme heat above 85°F may require moving the plant to a shadier spot to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
Kalanchoe Queen plants require minimal fertilization. During their active growing season (spring to early fall), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks to support healthy growth and blooming. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to nutrient burn. Reduce or stop feeding entirely during the plant’s dormant winter months.
Encouraging Kalanchoe Queen Reblooming
To encourage reblooming, specific environmental adjustments are necessary after initial flowering. The plant requires a period of darkness to initiate new flower buds. After blooms fade, deadhead spent flowers by pinching or cutting them off to direct the plant’s energy towards new growth.
To stimulate reblooming, provide about 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for approximately six weeks. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a closet or covering it with a box each evening. During the remaining 10 hours, expose the plant to bright, indirect light. During this dark period, reduce watering and avoid fertilizing to mimic a rest phase. Once new flower buds appear, return the plant to normal bright light conditions and resume regular watering and fertilization.
Propagating Kalanchoe Queen
Propagating Kalanchoe Queen plants is primarily done through stem or leaf cuttings. The best time for propagation is during the plant’s vegetative state in late spring or summer, when it is not flowering and has energy stored for new growth.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem about 2-4 inches long with at least a few leaves. Make a clean cut just above a leaf node, then allow the cutting to “callous” by drying the cut end for two to five days in a warm, dry area. This step prevents rot. After callousing, insert the cut end into a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, ensuring the soil is lightly moist but not waterlogged. Place the potted cutting in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots develop, which can take a few weeks. Leaf cuttings can also be used by gently twisting a healthy, mature leaf from the stem, allowing it to callous, and then placing it on top of or slightly inserted into well-draining soil.
Common Kalanchoe Queen Problems
Kalanchoe Queen plants can encounter a few common issues. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. If leaves turn yellow and soft, check soil moisture and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse leaves, usually signals insufficient light; moving the plant to a brighter location can correct this.
Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can occasionally infest Kalanchoe Queen plants. These insects feed on plant sap, potentially causing distorted leaves or stunted growth. Regular inspection, especially of leaf undersides, helps detect pests early. If pests are present, remove them by gently wiping with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap formulated for plants. Fungal issues like powdery mildew or gray mold can also occur, often due to high humidity or excessive moisture on leaves; address these by improving air circulation and removing affected plant parts.