Hardy Succulents

 
            Hi everybody. With our busy lives and schedules we are always looking for ways to beautify our yard that do not require a lot of care. For me, one of the flowers of choice is the Kalanchoe. Kalanchoe is an extremely colorful plant that is a member of the succulent family.  The plant is available worldwide but it originally was cultivated in Madagascar. It was first grown and traded in 1928. The plant has since been cultivated in a variety of brilliant colors. The original color that first appeared was the deep fire red.

            If you go to a number of local nurseries, you will see plenty of these beautiful plants lined up on the racks. There is a good reason for this. They are one of the most popular plants for gardeners. This is mainly due to the vibrant long lasting blooms and attractive foliage. The plants must be handled carefully, however, because the stems can be fragile and break easily.

            Care wise, these are one of the easiest plants to maintain that I have found. They love warm temperatures but should be shielded from temperatures that dip much below 40. These gems will do best when planted in pots rather then directly in the ground. This also allows you to move the plants indoors during cold snaps or periods of severe weather. They can actually grow indoors if they are near a sufficient light source. During the summer months, keep the plant away from the direct rays of the sun, as it will cause the leaves to burn. Find a protected spot that has filtered sunlight. During our winter months the plant will not be harmed from a full sun environment.

            Kalanchoes need a regular watering schedule but be sure that the pots have good drainage. If the plants sit in too much water, the roots of the plants will rot. The plant can withstand dry conditions for short periods but try not to let the plant’s soil get parched.

            As the blooms on the plant start to die off, simply cut the spent flowers off and the plant will eventually begin to re-bloom. You can always use your cuttings to easily propagate new plants directly in soil. Water the cuttings a little less then you would normally water the main plant. Your cuttings should be ready in about 2 weeks to be planted in the pot of your choice.