Kalanchoe, a popular flowering succulent, is cherished for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and ease of care. These plants bring a burst of color to indoor spaces, often blooming for weeks or even months. While resilient, a common concern is when their flowers begin to dry up. Understanding the reasons helps maintain healthy blooms.
Common Reasons Kalanchoe Flowers Dry Up
Insufficient watering is a frequent cause of drying Kalanchoe flowers. As succulents, Kalanchoes store water in their leaves, but prolonged drought deprives the plant and its flowers of necessary moisture. This lack of hydration leads to wilting and eventual drying.
Conversely, overwatering can also cause dry flowers. Excessive water leads to root rot, where roots decay and cannot absorb water or nutrients. This impaired uptake mimics underwatering, causing flowers to wilt and dry even in saturated soil.
Incorrect light conditions significantly impact Kalanchoe blooms. Too much direct sunlight can scorch flowers, causing browning and drying. Insufficient light weakens the plant, reducing flower quality and longevity.
Temperature extremes also stress Kalanchoes. They prefer temperatures between 55°F and 80°F. Temperatures below 50°F can damage leaves and stunt blooms. Consistently high temperatures, especially above 80°F, can cause wilting and drying.
Flowers naturally fade and dry once their bloom cycle concludes. Kalanchoes bloom for several weeks or months, and the drying of spent blooms is a normal part of their lifecycle. This indicates the plant is shifting energy from flowering to other processes.
A deficiency in essential nutrients can affect the plant’s health and flower vibrancy. While not heavy feeders, a lack of appropriate nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can impact bloom quality and lead to premature drying.
Essential Care to Prevent Drying Flowers
A proper watering schedule is fundamental for Kalanchoe health. As succulents, they prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Water every one to three weeks, depending on conditions, ensuring free drainage.
Optimal light conditions help maintain robust blooms. Kalanchoes thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, like near a south or west-facing window. Protect them from harsh, direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching of flowers and foliage.
Maintaining ideal temperature and humidity levels supports continuous flowering. Kalanchoes flourish in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, with cooler nighttime temperatures around 55-65°F sometimes prolonging bloom life. They are not particular about humidity, but avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations or drafts helps prevent stress.
Appropriate fertilization supports healthy growth and flowering. During the spring and summer growing season, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied monthly at half strength. For enhanced blooming, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content can be beneficial.
Using well-draining soil and pots is important to prevent water-related issues. A potting mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti, often a blend of potting soil with perlite or sand, ensures proper drainage. Pots with drainage holes, particularly terracotta, further aid in preventing waterlogging by allowing excess moisture to escape.
What to Do When Kalanchoe Flowers Dry Up
When Kalanchoe flowers begin to dry, removing the spent blooms, a process known as deadheading, is beneficial. This involves snipping off the dried flowers and their stalks close to the main stem. Deadheading improves the plant’s appearance and redirects its energy away from seed production towards new growth and potentially new blooms.
After the initial bloom cycle, encouraging rebloom requires specific conditions. Kalanchoes are short-day plants, meaning they need extended periods of darkness to initiate new flower buds. Providing about 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for six to eight weeks, followed by bright, indirect light, can stimulate another round of flowering.
Continued general care after the flowering period is important to prepare the plant for its next bloom cycle. This includes consistent, appropriate watering, maintaining suitable light and temperature conditions, and resuming fertilization during the growing season. This ongoing maintenance ensures the plant remains healthy and has the energy reserves to produce vibrant flowers again.