Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi belongs to a family of perennial succulents that boasts around 150 species. This succulent is a native of Madagascar that has gained popularity as a house and garden ornamental plant. This plant is an excellent addition to the garden or indoors; its common name is ‘Lavender Scallops’ because of the distinctive oblong leaves with scalloped purple edges.
This succulent belongs to the family Crassulaceae of plants and the genus Bryophyllum. Since it was introduced to the United States, it has flourished in the southern states, where climatic conditions similar to Madagascar are found.
Other commonly referred names for this plant include Kalanchoe Stoencrop, South American Air Plant, Variegated Lavender Scallops, and Grey Sedum. The plant forms a large colony and is extremely easy to grow. The leaves are thick and bluish green with a greyish-powdery hue. The stems are smooth and flexible. This allows the plant to lay down roots wherever the stem touches the ground.
Clusters of beautiful flowers appear in late spring and throughout summer. Bell-shaped flowers are reddish-brown and are borne upright on long stems. Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi flowers transform the garden into a pink and purple oasis. It is ideal for ground cover and rock gardens.
An interesting fact about Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is that it is a monocarpic succulent. This means that the plant will bloom once and then die. This routine keeps the plant lineage alive by producing many pups before and during flowering. The plant takes several years before it flowers.
Cultivation and History
Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi is a succulent that requires very little maintenance. The plant loves warmer climates and grows anywhere if there is partial sunlight. As long as a few hours of sunlight stream, it can grow under trees. Although the plant can tolerate the cold, it will not survive under frosty conditions.
This decorative plant is grown with other succulents to make a difference in the garden. It also looks good and takes up the entire pot quickly. This succulent is summer dormant and will not need any particular maintenance or watering during this time. The leaf edges turn pink or red when stressed.
Propagation of Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi plant
To propagate Kalanchoe fedstchenkoi, you can use leaves, stems, plants, or seeds. The easiest is replanting the stem cuttings obtained from a healthy plant. This is best done during the growing season. The flexible stems often touch the ground, putting down roots.
These are also used to propagate the shrubby succulent, which grows without much problem. In ideal growing conditions, even leaves placed in moist potting soil will take root easily. Some plantlets grow from the leaf margins (viviparous) that can be used to obtain new plants.
How to Grow and care for Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi plant
Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi ‘Lavender Scallops’ is a succulent that takes root easily. The growth is rapid and covers all the ground or pot available for the plant. Unguided, it will grow almost like a weed. Well-draining soil is the standard potting mix for these plants. Watering has to be done carefully to ensure that it is not overwatered. Watering once a week just enough to keep the soil moist is sufficient.
The best place for Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is in full sun in your garden. However, it will also thrive in partial sun and shade combination. As an indoor plant, it will require sufficient bright sunlight to survive. During low temperatures, the plant can be taken indoors. Grow lights can be used to give the plant the light it needs. The plant has to be placed in a place with good air circulation.
Pruning and Maintenance
Kalanchoe fedstschenkoi pruning is required when the shrub becomes unruly, spreading freely in all available space. The best way to maintain the shape and growth of the plant is by removing dead leaves and stems and removing extra plant material.
Although the plant is hardy, it is recommended to use a clean-cutting tool to prune it.
Cultivars to Select
Cultivars come in wide varieties. One fascinating variety is Kalanchoe x houghtonii’ Pink Butterflies. This is sought after because of its delicate pink plantlets that grow around the edges of the leaves. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi ‘Lavender Scallops’ is an ideal filler for your garden. It reproduces quickly and covers the ground within a short time. Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Thousands’ is another plant in this group that looks rather pretty. It is also known as the ‘Chandelier Plant.
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi marginata is a fun, unusual-looking plant. The scalloped edges of the leaves have variegation of cream and hot pink. Another similar plant is the Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi kiwi, also with cream-colored variegation.
Light Requirement
The plant needs lots of strong sunlight and is a must during the growing season in summer. The Kalanchoe fesdtscehnkoi is grown indoors, preferably on a sunny windowsill or a patio. During winter, grow lights are compulsory to keep the succulents from stretching. The plant can be kept in its compact form if there is enough bright light. The minimum amount of time for grow lights per day is around 8 hours. However, it should be noted that the plant will always prefer natural sunlight to grow lights.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi and its wide varieties grow well in porous soil that does not retain water. The best choice of soil would be sand and perlite-based soil mix. As with all succulents, too much water around the roots will start mold growth, stunting the Kalanchoes’ growth. The roots will begin to rot, and the plant will die off.
Micronutrient-rich soil should replace older soil. The Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi plant is a prolific grower and uses up nutrients faster. It is necessary to replenish these nutrients to keep the plant healthy. You can also do this easily when repotting the plant each year.
Watering
Watering is the same as for any succulent. The leaves of the Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi retain water and thus are drought resistant. Even during the summer months watering should be done only when the soil is dried.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal climate for Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi plants is more tropical. It is a native plant of Madagascar, where the temperatures are comparatively warm. Too much humidity is also not good for the plant.
Fertilizers and Feeding
Feeding aids the rapid growth of the plant. This ensures vibrant leaf color and healthy growth. A soluble fertilizer administered twice a month during the growing season is sufficient. Outside the growing season, growth hormones are not responsive.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi plant is a hardy plant rarely affected by pests and diseases. Mealy bugs and scale insects are the most common pests and can be treated with a mild insecticide or neem oil. On rare occasions, slugs find the leaves to their liking. The best course of action in this event is to remove them physically.
Kalanchoe Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
The Kalanchoe plant is a succulent that thrives in an arid environment. It is a plant that can be found in the wild, but it also does well indoors and as a houseplant. The Kalanchoe plant has several problems that people need to know how to fix.
For example, too little water will cause the leaves of the Kalanchoe to turn brown and drop off. To fix this problem, you should water your plant more often and ensure enough drainage to stay dry.
Best Uses
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi plants are actively used in pharmacology. Extensive use of the plant is also seen in traditional medicines. This is best handled by those who are knowledgeable on the subject. Rheumatism, coughs, skin diseases, infections, hypertension, fever, abscesses, bruises, contused wounds, and inflammation are cured in traditional medicine with this plant.
It has earned its place in landscaping and indoor gardening as an ornamental plant. The plant is ideal as a ground cover or placed in a pot. The vibrant colors and shapes of the leaves add character to any area it is grown.
Kalanchoes are Easy to Grow Indoors or Outdoors!
Kalanchoes are easy to grow indoors or outdoors. They are one of the few plants that can thrive in various conditions and environments.
This is because they are not picky about soil type, water, or light levels. In fact, these plants can even grow in shady areas if there is enough moisture. Kalanchoes are one of nature’s best healthy gift ideas! They are easy to grow, come in various colors, and are available year-round. These plants make excellent gifts for friends and family.
Conclusion.
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi boasts wide varieties that enhance the look of your garden or indoors. The foliage of some plants adds color and vibrancy, while the flowers are valued for their attractiveness.
It is easy to grow and will endure for years in your garden or indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How often should I water Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi?
Watering is needed only when the soil shows signs of complete dryness. This can be just once or twice a month at most. Too much water harms the plant as root rot can set in.
Is kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi toxic?
Kalanchoe plant varieties are considered to be toxic to cats and dogs. It is used extensively in pharmacology for numerous ailments in humans.
Does Kalanchoe like shade or sun?
Kalanchoe plants prefer bright sunlight and can handle it for at least 8 hours daily. Sunlight is also vital for flowering and vibrant leaf color.
What is Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi dormancy?
In general, succulents fall into two categories: dormant during the summer and dormant during the winter. Some succulents do not go dormant at all and grow year around. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi dormancy can be seen during the hottest summer months. Thus, its growing period is during the fall and winter months. During dormancy, the plant need not be watered at all.
Do Kalanchoes grow back every year?
Kalanchoes are perennial succulents. Although they seem to die off after flowering, the stems regenerate the next season to reveal new plants. These should be repotted for better growth.
How long will a Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi live?
Your Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi plant will grow if you provide proper nutrients and sunlight. A plant thrives in the same spot or pot for six to seven years. The plant will get leggy as it ages, signifying the time to repot and start new plants.
How do you keep a Kalanchoe plant blooming?
The plant requires a period of rest before it can bloom. Do not water or feed the plant for six weeks. Minimizing watering and giving the plant less light for the six weeks of dormancy will be best. When you see flower buds forming, you can move the plant to bright sunlight and start watering and feeding. Old buds should be cleared, and there will be flowers for the next few months.
How do you make the Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi bushy?
Constant plant maintenance by removing old flower stalks and leaves makes way for new growth. If the plant is stretched and leggy, it is not receiving enough sunlight. Another way to ensure bushy growth is to transfer the plant to a larger pot with soil that is full of micronutrients to ensure growth.
Why are the leaves of my Kalanchoe plant falling off?
There are many reasons for this happening. It could be too much sunlight or even a lack of sunlight. Seasonal changes, incorrect watering, wrong fertilizer, and incorrect temperature are possible reasons for losing leaves. Please watch your plant closely; you will find out what affects it most.
Why are the leaves of my Kalanchoe plant turning yellow and transparent?
This is a distinct sign of overwatering. The leaves will feel wet or soft when touched. Stop watering the plant immediately. If the soil is too moist, it too can be changed.
Is Kalanchoe an indoor plant?
The Kalanchoe plant is a native of Madagascar and will thrive in similar outdoor conditions. It is a popular houseplant in most climates due to its extreme sensitivity to cold weather.
Can you root Kalanchoe in water?
Although people try to root Kalanchoe in water, the process is more complicated. The easiest way to root Kalanchoe is to plant it in soil. Succulents do not take well to being placed in water.
How do I know if my Kalanchoe needs water?
When the top two inches of soil are completely dry, it is time to water the plant. This means you will have to water the plant only once in two or three weeks after checking the soil.