The Calandiva, a cultivar of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, is a popular flowering houseplant known for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms. These plants feature dense clusters of double flowers that resemble miniature roses, available in a wide array of colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. With its glossy, dark green leaves and compact size, the Calandiva adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space and is often chosen as a gift plant.
Understanding Calandiva Lifespan
While often treated as a temporary plant after its initial bloom, the Calandiva is a perennial succulent that can live for several years with proper care. Many discard them once flowers fade, unaware of their reblooming potential. Its ability to store water in fleshy leaves contributes to its hardiness and drought tolerance.
Calandivas bloom for about six to eight weeks. After this initial flowering, the plant enters a rest or dormancy phase. During this time, it focuses on recovering and storing energy for future blooms. With proper care, a Calandiva can thrive and rebloom multiple times.
Environmental and Care Factors Influencing Longevity
Light Requirements
Calandivas thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat. Placing them near an east or south-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, hindering the plant’s vigor and reducing its lifespan. During blooming, consistent bright indirect light helps flowers open fully and maintain vibrancy.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is a significant factor in a Calandiva’s longevity, as overwatering commonly causes early demise due to root rot. As succulents, Calandivas store water in their leaves and prefer soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water every one to two weeks, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Water the soil directly, avoiding foliage, which can lead to issues like powdery mildew.
Soil and Nutrients
Calandivas require a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogged conditions that can harm roots. A suitable blend includes half succulent and cactus mix with half potting soil, or a mix incorporating perlite, peat, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. While tolerant of nutrient-poor conditions, occasional fertilization supports sustained health and vigor. During the growing season, spring and summer, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied monthly.
Temperature and Humidity
Calandivas prefer average household temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Protecting the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations, such as cold drafts or direct heat vents, prevents stress. While they tolerate average indoor humidity, low humidity in dry climates or winter may necessitate increasing moisture, perhaps with a pebble tray. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage and inhibit growth; bring outdoor plants inside before temperatures drop.
Proactive Steps to Extend Lifespan
Pruning for Health
Regular pruning contributes significantly to a Calandiva’s health and encourages abundant blooms. Deadheading, pinching off spent flowers, redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to developing new growth and additional flowers. This practice keeps the plant tidy and prolongs its blooming period. Light shaping or pinching back leggy stems promotes bushier, more compact growth, preventing the plant from becoming thin and weak.
Post-Bloom Care and Reblooming
Encouraging a Calandiva to rebloom is achievable by replicating its natural light cycle. After initial flowering, the plant benefits from a rest period, involving 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness daily for about six weeks. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a closet or covering it with a box at night. During this dark treatment, reduce watering to conserve the plant’s energy. Once new buds form, the plant can be returned to bright, indirect light, and regular watering can resume to support the new bloom cycle.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
Calandivas are hardy, but like all houseplants, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases that can shorten their lifespan. Common pests include aphids and mealybugs, identified through regular inspection of leaves and stems. Maintaining proper air circulation and avoiding overwatering helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot. Prompt removal of visible pests or affected plant parts, along with ensuring correct environmental conditions, helps keep the plant healthy and thriving.