Kalanchoe is a popular succulent plant in various countries. It is a tropical inhabitant that is widely distributed in southern Africa. I think every florist, at least once, has grown this unpretentious flower. While they don't require much care, they still need at least some basic care or they will elongate and lose their beauty. This BubGo article will tell you why Kalanchoe plants don't bloom and what you can do about it.
Kalanchoe has fleshy leaves that can store water. Due to this, it can go for a long time without water. But don't think that this is the norm. Its flowering will depend on it getting good care. Usually, Kalanchoe starts flowering in winter. But there are also varieties that bloom in spring. Therefore, in order to determine exactly when your Kalanchoe will bloom, you need to know its type and variety.
The main rule when planting indoor flowers is to create conditions as close to nature as possible. If you succeed in doing this, you will enjoy having Kalanchoe at home, which will be a hundred times more rewarding.
If it is well cared for, it will flower every year. If conditions are not right, it will grow and not bloom. There can be many reasons why a plant does not bloom. They are mainly caused by improper care of the flowers. Let's take a look at some common mistakes.
1. wrong way of lighting.
2. broken temperature regime.
3. improper watering.
4. improper air humidity.
5. wrong soil.
6. lack of nutrition.
7. no pruning or incorrect pruning.
8. the plant needs to be transplanted into a larger pot
9. No dormancy period.
Once you have determined the cause of the problem, set about fixing it.
Now let's see how to eliminate the reasons why succulents do not bloom.
Since it is a typical southern plant, it can grow successfully in the wild in sunlight. However, sunlight will make the leaves slightly reddish and they will lose their creepiness if they don't get enough water.
Knowing these characteristics, it is recommended to place them indoors so that the light is bright but diffused. The plant will then show all its decorative qualities. This plant can be placed on any windowsill, but in summer priority should be given to the western, southwestern, and eastern windows, while in winter it should be placed on the southern windows.
Tip: If the weather is cloudy for a long time and it gets dark early, it is not superfluous to arrange to backlight. Do not place the pot in a dark corner, away from the window. In this case, the leaves begin to turn white and lose their bright color, the lower leaves dry up and fall off, and the decorative appearance of the plant is lost. You simply cannot expect flowering in a dark corner!
Proper temperature control is an important part of care if the plant does not bloom. To develop successfully, it needs moderate temperatures between 50-82 °F (10-28°C). In our seasonal conditions, the optimal temperatures will be as follows.
1. In summer, the temperature should be between 68-86 °F (20-30°C). Succulents can easily tolerate hotter weather, but if it is not watered enough, they may drop their leaves. Ideally, the plant is best placed on a balcony or patio during the summer. There, the begonias can remain until autumn. When the weather starts to change, bring it indoors.
2. In winter, the temperature range is 50-64 °F (10-18 °C). It is possible for the temperature to drop to more than ten degrees Fahrenheit in the short term. However, if the temperature drops for a long time and the soil in the pot is wet, the plant may rot and die.
There are no special requirements for humidity. The plant feels well at normal humidity and will tolerate slight increases or decreases in humidity. You can sprinkle daily in the summer, but care is needed when sprinkling or bathing under the shower in the winter. It is best not to do this as too much moisture and cold windowsills can provoke root rot. Provide a comfortable environment for the flowers.
When the topsoil in the pot becomes dry, water moderately. Increase water to 2-4 times a week in summer and slightly less in winter. However, if the pot is near a hot radiator, water according to the condition of the soil in the pot. Too much water is very dangerous for succulents, as is a chronic lack of water. If the soil is completely dry and petrified, the leaves will wilt, lose their color and you can forget about flowering.
Only water houseplants with settled water at room temperature. Do not water with cold water. Cold and wet water can cause root rot. If the plant's roots have rotted, it will not bloom.
Kalanchoe does not grow fast, so it does not need a lot of nutrition. Feed it once a month during the warm months when the plant is growing. It is best to fertilize below the roots with a liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, preferably at a slightly lower concentration than the manufacturer's instructions.
Tip: Over-fertilizing is not good for succulents. Due to its succulent foliage, this plant can go for long periods without water.
In nature, this succulent plant grows in all kinds of soil, including poor soil. Therefore, you will not need any special mixture for the plant. A commercial potting soil "for cacti and succulents" or "universal flowering soil" will do. Generic requires the addition of vermiculite or sand to loosen it up. The soil should be loose. A drainage layer in the pot is essential.
Seedlings should be transplanted to a new, slightly larger pot each spring. The best way to transplant is to do so without disturbing the roots. Mature plants should be replanted in new soil every 3-4 years.
If Kalanchoe grows too long and does not bloom, pruning is the right thing to do. If neglected, the shoots will stretch farther, look untidy, and bloom poorly, unattractively, or not at all. If not pruned, the leaves will be significantly smaller and flower buds will only be produced on young shoots!
Prune according to the following pattern.
1. Use sharp, sterilized tools.
2. It is recommended to use crushed charcoal to apply powder to the cut area. But I never treat it with anything: I just leave it unsprayed for a few days and let the wound heal.
3. When the dormant period is nearing its end, all shoots should be cut back by about half, and all bent, diseased, old, and inward-growing shoots should be cut off. Don't be afraid and don't feel sorry for the plant! The bolder the pruning, the lusher the bush will become.
After the plant blooms, cut off any flower stems to make it look neater. At the same time, you can pinch off the tips of the shoots.
For this plant, the dormant period is essential. It is the time when flower buds are produced. The dormant period is characterized by lower temperatures, less watering, no fertilization, and a day length of 8 hours.
This period can last from 2 to 5 weeks - depending on the species and cultivar. Creating such conditions in a normal apartment can be difficult, which is why there is no flowering.
Now you know what to do if your Kalanchoe is stunted and will not bloom. Follow our advice and enjoy your gorgeous blooms!
How did you get your Kalanchoe to bloom? Share your experiences and tips with other gardeners in the comments.
