Kalanchoes are attractive succulents, with glossy green thick leaves and vivid flowers. It is a popular genus of 125 flowering species and many of them are seen in regular cultivation. These plants are not difficult to maintain and can be grown easily indoors and outdoors.
Like several other succulents, these plants require minimal care and moderate watering. Though Kalanchoe is a drought-tolerant plant, it does not like to remain dry for a very long period as many cacti do. These plants are also highly sensitive to overwatering particularly in the winter season and require watering less sparingly.
It’s always important to understand the watering needs of your plants. Good watering practices ensure your plants grow well and produce beautiful flowers during the blooming season.
Are you keeping some Kalanchoe plants at your home or office? Are you looking for a guide on, how and when to water your Kalanchoes? You are at the right place, keep reading through the end. I will share some useful information about the things you must do and the things you should avoid.
Watering Kalanchoes
Watering Kalanchoes is very easy but you must understand and take care of the watering needs of the plants. These plants require different watering regimes at early and later growth stages. The watering needs also vary with the seasons, in summer the plants require more watering, while during winter they require very less watering.
How to water newly planted Kalanchoes?
Newly propagated Kalanchoes require more watering than the established plants. After propagation, the stem or leaf cuttings must be misted frequently (several times a day). Water newly planted kalanchoes daily to keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks until the plants become established.
Do not leave the soil too damp and avoid standing water as it will prune the newly developed roots to rot. To ensure the success of the propagation process, you must follow the watering schedule and provide necessary watering, otherwise, the whole process will go in vain.
How to water established Kalanchoe plants?
Once the Kalanchoes are established in the soil, cut short the water supply. When to water your plants? The best way is to use the rule of thumb for watering. It is usually done by sticking your finger in the soil every few days. When the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil becomes completely dry it’s the right time to water. If the soil is still moist wait for another day. Water your plants well. Let the excess water drain out completely and then water again when the soil is completely dried. Roughly, it means to water your indoor plants every 2 to 3 weeks.
If you buy a new Kalanchoe plant and it comes in a decorative container with no drainage hole, remove the plant every time you apply water. Do not let the water build up in the container as it will lead to root rot.
How often to water Kalanchoes when they are established?
There is not a fixed schedule of watering, it depends how soon the soil dries out. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the temperature, photoperiod, and the size of the containers. If the plants are already wilted, it is too late to water your kalanchoes. If grown outdoors, kalanchoes thrive well with just rain without needing additional water application.
Kalanchoes must be fertilized once a month from spring until fall. Always water kalanchoes after applying any fertilizer.
How to water the plants?
Apply water at the base of the plants, so that you do not get the leaves, branches or stems wet. This will help to avoid fungal and bacterial growth on the plants. When you apply overhead irrigation make sure you do so in the morning, so the foliage gets enough time to dry out before night because the plants are more susceptible to attack of fungal and bacterial diseases at night.
Do indoor and outdoor kalanchoes have different watering needs?
Yes!
Indoor and outdoor Kalanchoes have slightly different watering requirements. The wagering requirements will vary with indoor and outdoor environments, such as the lighting, humidity, and temperature. Outdoor Kalanchoes will generally require more watering due to warmer climate.
Watering indoor Kalanchoes
- During the blooming period
Water the plants 1 to 2 times a week, only when the soil dries out completely. - After the blooming period
Water the plants 1 to 2 times fortnightly (14 days period). - During winter season
During winter months Kalanchoes require very less watering. Usually, 1 to 2 watering per month will be enough. For indoor plants, if the atmosphere inside your home is very dry and warm, water your plants a bit more often.
To avoid more watering sessions water your plants well with a significant amount of water once (but avoid soggy soil), instead of giving several moderate watering sessions. Always let the soil dry out well between watering.
Watering outdoor Kalanchoes
Keep the soil moderately moist, as it’s perfect for outdoor Kalanchoes. Water the plants when the top 1 inch of the soil becomes completely dry.
You must water your plants more frequently during the summer season as the warm and dry weather quickly dries out the soil. During winter the plants require less watering as the humidity is high in the air and the soil takes longer time for drying.
Some important points you must keep in mind
- Keep an eye on the watering needs of your plants.
- Stop watering your plant if it’s already wilted or dead.
- If the leaves start drooping you are overwatering your plants. Increase the days to next watering or give another day or more to let the soil dry out completely.
- Do not leave your plants without watering for a longer period, because your plants might start wilting or dying.
- Do not water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil still feels slightly moist.
- Always use clean water to irrigate your Kalanchoes.
Read more about Bringing dying Kalanchoe back to life here:
http://kalanchoe-succulent.com/how-do-i-bring-my-kalanchoe-back-to-life/
