Kalanchoes

Mayan Garden Club Tip of the Month

KALANCHOES                                                                     

During February you will see many kalanchoe plants in the viveros. They are a favorite gift for Valentine’s Day.

These plants are thick leaved succulents that are often sold as potted plants. Each cluster of leaves produces a cluster of tiny flowers. They are often kept indoors as house plants but in the Yucatan, they make good outdoor plants and are full of brilliant colored flowers.  They need short winter light periods to form new buds so they bloom in the winter when days are short until spring when the days get longer. In the summer the foliage of deep green leaves is attractive but you will see them sold in the winter when they are in full bloom. To make the plants compact, pinch back spent flower stems.

Kalanchoe plants need well drained soil and mild temperatures of at least 60f or 16c. Once growing, the plants has few pests and required little maintenance. They should be grown in partial sun or light shade. Bright sun will burn the leaves. Soil of 60 % peat moss is the best. Water deeply then allow it to dry out completely before watering any more and enjoy the colors!