Calandiva plants, a popular cultivar of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, are cherished houseplants known for their vibrant and long-lasting double blooms. These flowering succulents, introduced into general trade around 2003, offer a wide array of colors, making them a favored choice for adding a splash of color to indoor spaces. Their attractive, fleshy leaves further enhance their ornamental appeal, even when not in bloom. Propagating these plants allows gardeners to create new plants from existing ones.
Understanding Calandiva Propagation
Propagating Calandiva plants offers a rewarding way to multiply your collection, replace older plants, or share them with friends. The optimal time for propagating Calandiva is during the spring or early summer, aligning with the plant’s active growing season. During these months, increased light levels and warmer temperatures provide ideal conditions that support robust root development and successful establishment of new plants.
Propagating Calandiva Through Stem Cuttings
Taking Cuttings
Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant. Choose robust stems with at least four to five leaves. Using sterile pruning shears or a sharp knife, make a clean cut just below a leaf node, ensuring the cutting is approximately 3 to 5 inches long. Sterilizing tools prevents disease introduction to both the parent plant and new cuttings.
Preparing Cuttings
After taking cuttings, carefully remove the lower two to three sets of leaves to expose the nodes. Allow the cut ends to dry and form a callus, which is a protective layer, for at least two to three days, or even up to a week. This callusing helps prevent the cuttings from rotting once planted. While optional, dipping the callused end into a rooting hormone can further stimulate root growth and increase the chances of successful rooting.
Planting Cuttings
Prepare small pots with a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. This type of mix is important to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rot. Create a small hole in the center of the soil with a pencil or dibber, then gently insert the callused end of each cutting into the prepared hole, ensuring it stands upright. After planting, lightly water the soil to settle it around the cutting, making sure it is moist but not saturated.
Caring for New Calandiva Cuttings
Once planted, position the new Calandiva cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves and hinder root development, so a spot near an east or south-facing window is often suitable. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, keeping it lightly damp but avoiding excessive wetness. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings before rehydrating.
While Calandivas generally do not require high humidity, providing a slightly humid environment can support rooting. You can achieve this by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it on a pebble tray, but ensure there is some airflow to prevent fungal issues. An ideal temperature range for rooting is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
Within a few weeks, you should observe signs of rooting, such as new leaf growth or gentle resistance when the cutting is lightly tugged.
Troubleshooting Calandiva Propagation
If cuttings begin to rot, it is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the potting mix is well-draining and that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings can help prevent this problem.
If cuttings fail to root, it might be due to an incorrect environment or an unhealthy parent plant. Verify that the cuttings are receiving bright, indirect light and consistent, appropriate moisture levels. Sometimes, insufficient callusing before planting can also contribute to rooting issues.
Wilting or dropping leaves on new cuttings can indicate a lack of humidity or exposure to too much direct sunlight. Adjusting the light intensity or providing a humidity dome can help resolve these concerns.