Calandiva Kalanchoes, a cultivar of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, are vibrant and stunning gift plants that can bring double the color to your indoor or outdoor space. With their long-lasting blooms and wide range of colors, Calandiva Kalanchoes are a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Calandiva Kalanchoes are prized for their vibrant, double blooms that can last for six to eight weeks.
- These plants thrive in well-drained potting mixes and require bright, indirect light.
- Proper watering is essential, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Calandiva Kalanchoes can be grown in pots indoors or outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
- Propagation can be done through cuttings, and reblooming can be achieved with specific light conditions.
Calandiva Kalanchoes: A Colorful Addition to Your Indoor Garden
Calandiva Kalanchoes, also known as flowering plants, are a popular choice for indoor gardening. These vibrant plants offer a burst of color with their wide range of hues, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your indoor garden, Calandiva Kalanchoes are sure to brighten up your space and add a touch of natural beauty.
When it comes to growing Calandiva Kalanchoes, proper care is essential for their health and overall well-being. These plants thrive in well-drained potting mixes, which allow water to flow freely and prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. It’s important to water them thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to maintain a healthy balance.
In terms of lighting, Calandiva Kalanchoes prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can result in sunburned leaves. Place them near a sunny window where they can receive sufficient light without being exposed to direct rays. If growing them outdoors, make sure to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day to protect them from intense sunlight.
“Calandiva Kalanchoes thrive in well-drained potting mixes and prefer bright, indirect light.”
Fertilizing your Calandiva Kalanchoes is important to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced succulent fertilizer monthly during the spring and fall seasons to provide them with the necessary nutrients. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and dosage.
Propagation of Calandiva Kalanchoes can be done through cuttings. Take a stem cutting and allow it to callous over for a few days before placing it in a succulent and cacti mix. With proper care and attention, the cuttings will develop roots and grow into new plants. Additionally, to encourage reblooming, provide specific light conditions, including periods of darkness to initiate bud formation.
Tips for Growing Calandiva Kalanchoes in Your Indoor Garden:
- Choose a well-drained potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
- Water the plants thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Place the plants in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Fertilize with a balanced succulent fertilizer monthly during the spring and fall.
- Propagate through cuttings and provide specific light conditions for reblooming.
By following these tips, your Calandiva Kalanchoes can thrive and bring beauty to your indoor garden all year round. Enjoy the colorful blooms and the joy they bring to your space!
Growing Calandiva Kalanchoes: Tips for Success
Growing Calandiva Kalanchoes successfully requires a few essential tips that will help you achieve vibrant and healthy plants. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the optimal growth and blooming of your Calandiva Kalanchoes.
1. Use Well-Drained Potting Mix
Calandiva Kalanchoes thrive in well-drained potting mixes, such as cactus mix or soil used for succulents. These types of soil allow excess water to drain out easily, preventing the roots from sitting in water and potentially rotting. Choose a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage for the best results.
2. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Whether you choose to grow your Calandiva Kalanchoes indoors or outdoors, it is important to provide them with bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burning and damage the plants, so it is best to avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
3. Water Thoroughly and Allow Soil to Dry Out
When it comes to watering Calandiva Kalanchoes, the key is to water thoroughly, allowing the entire root ball to be saturated. However, it is equally important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues, so it’s essential to find the right balance.
4. Fertilize Monthly with a Balanced Succulent Fertilizer
To provide your Calandiva Kalanchoes with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and blooming, fertilize them monthly with a balanced succulent fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. The spring and fall seasons are ideal for fertilizing to support optimal growth.
5. Propagate through Cuttings
If you want to expand your collection of Calandiva Kalanchoes, propagation can be easily done through cuttings. Take healthy stem cuttings, allow them to callous over for a few days, and then plant them in a succulent and cacti mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop, and then treat them as you would mature plants.
6. Achieve Reblooming through Pruning and Light Conditions
Encourage reblooming in your Calandiva Kalanchoes by pruning away faded flowers and any leggy growth. Providing specific light conditions can also help initiate bud formation. To achieve this, place your plants in a dark room for 14 to 16 hours a day starting in November, and then expose them to bright, indirect light during the day. This light cycle can encourage the formation of new buds and subsequent blooms.
Follow these tips to ensure the successful growth and blooming of your Calandiva Kalanchoes. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and colors of these stunning plants in your home or garden.
A Guide to Caring for Calandiva Kalanchoes
Caring for Calandiva Kalanchoes involves providing them with the right conditions. These plants prefer well-drained potting mixes and should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They enjoy bright, indirect light and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilizing with a balanced succulent fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer months can help promote healthy growth and blooms. Calandiva Kalanchoes can be grown indoors or outdoors, but outdoor plants should be protected from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and excessive sun exposure, which can cause leaf burning. Propagation can be done through cuttings, and reblooming can be encouraged by providing specific light conditions.
If you want to keep your Calandiva Kalanchoes happy and thriving, here are some key care tips to follow:
- Well-drained potting mix: Ensure your Calandiva Kalanchoes are planted in well-drained potting mixes, such as cactus mix or soil used for succulents. This prevents water from pooling around the roots and causing rot.
- Thorough but infrequent watering: Water your Calandiva Kalanchoes thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to strike a balance.
- Bright, indirect light: Calandiva Kalanchoes thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive plenty of sunlight without being directly exposed to the harsh rays.
- Temperature tolerance: These plants can tolerate temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent stress.
- Regular fertilization: Fertilize your Calandiva Kalanchoes with a balanced succulent fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer months. This provides additional nutrients to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
- Indoor vs. outdoor care: Calandiva Kalanchoes can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, if you choose to grow them outdoors, make sure to protect them from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and excessive sun exposure, as this can damage the leaves.
- Propagation and reblooming: You can propagate Calandiva Kalanchoes through cuttings. Simply allow the cuttings to callous over for a few days before rooting them in a succulent and cacti mix. To encourage reblooming, provide the plant with specific light conditions and consider pruning to stimulate new growth.
“To keep your Calandiva Kalanchoes looking their best, it’s important to understand their specific care requirements. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your plants thrive and reward you with their stunning blooms.”
Different Varieties of Calandiva Kalanchoes
Calandiva Kalanchoes come in a variety of different varieties, each offering unique colors and characteristics. The traditional Christmas Kalanchoe was originally available only in bright red, but Dutch hybridizers introduced other colors such as orange, pink, purple, and white.
The introduction of the Calandiva series in 2002 brought fully double blooms, with 50 cultivars in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, and white. Another series, Grandiva, features larger flowers.
Other related species of Kalanchoe, such as Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, and Kalanchoe beharensis, can also be great additions to gardens and houseplants. Each variety has its own unique growth habits and characteristics.
Explore the stunning variety of Calandiva Kalanchoes available and find the perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor space.
Calandiva Kalanchoe Varieties
| Variety | Color | Bloom Type | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Kalanchoe | Red, orange, pink, purple, white | Single | Traditional variety |
| Calandiva Series | Red, pink, orange, purple, white | Fully Double | 50 cultivars available |
| Grandiva Series | Various | Fully Double | Larger flowers |
| Kalanchoe manginii | Pink | Single | Drought tolerant |
| Kalanchoe daigremontiana | Green, purple | Single | Propagates easily |
| Kalanchoe beharensis | Brown, gray | Single | Velvety leaves |
The Blooming Cycle of Calandiva Kalanchoes
Calandiva Kalanchoes, known for their vibrant double blooms, have a blooming cycle that can be managed to ensure repeated bursts of color. The initial blooming period typically lasts for six to eight weeks, but with proper care, these plants can rebloom and brighten your space for years to come.
One way to encourage reblooming is by pruning away foliage to reveal potential buds. By removing excess leaves, you allow the plant to channel its energy into bud formation. Additionally, providing specific light conditions is crucial. To initiate the blooming process, place the Calandiva Kalanchoe in a dark room for 14 to 16 hours a day, starting in November. Then, expose it to bright, indirect light during the day. This light cycle stimulates the growth of tiny buds.
Once the buds appear, the plant can be moved back to a spot with bright, indirect light, such as a windowsill or well-lit room. The buds will continue to develop, eventually bursting open into beautiful blooms. By following this cycle each year, you can enjoy continuous blooming cycles from your Calandiva Kalanchoe, adding endless color and joy to your indoor or outdoor space.
FAQ
How long do the blooms of Calandiva Kalanchoes last?
The vibrant, double blooms of Calandiva Kalanchoes can last for six to eight weeks.
What colors do Calandiva Kalanchoes come in?
Calandiva Kalanchoes come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
How should I care for Calandiva Kalanchoes?
Calandiva Kalanchoes thrive in well-drained potting mixes and enjoy bright, indirect light. They should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilizing with a balanced succulent fertilizer monthly during the spring and fall seasons can provide an extra boost.
Can I grow Calandiva Kalanchoes outdoors?
Calandiva Kalanchoes can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, but they should be protected from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I propagate Calandiva Kalanchoes?
Calandiva Kalanchoes can be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be allowed to callous over for a few days before rooting in a succulent and cacti mix.
How can I encourage my Calandiva Kalanchoes to rebloom?
Pruning and providing specific light conditions, including periods of darkness to initiate bud formation, can encourage Calandiva Kalanchoes to rebloom.
