What is Kalanchoe?
Kalanchoe is a genus of tropical, succulent flowering plants that belong to the Crassulaceae family. They are native to Madagascar and other tropics areas in Africa and Asia and are widely grown throughout the world for their attractive foliage, bright flowers, drought tolerance, and ease of care. There are over 200 species of Kalanchoe available with different leaf shapes, sizes, colors, blooming periods and more.
Propagating Kalanchoe Plants
Kalanchoes can be propagated either by seed or vegetatively through stem cuttings or offsets. Here we will discuss how to propagate kalanchoes from stem cuttings or offsets.
Taking Cuttings:
When taking stem cuttings from your kalanchoe plant make sure you have sharp shears or scissors handy. Take several 4-5 inch long stems at least 1/4” thick right below a node (a point where leaves come out). Make sure that each cutting has 3-5 leaves on it as well as some roots if possible. Remove any excess leaves along the bottom part of the cutting so you will have just two large leaves at top for photosynthesis needs during rooting process. Let cuttings dry overnight before placing them into rooting medium like potting soil mix with perlite added for better drainage; place one end slightly below surface level but not too deep otherwise they may rot instead of root properly. Keep moist but not soggy until rooted – this should take about 2 weeks depending on environmental conditions – do not let them dry out completely as this can cause them to die off completely without sprouting new growths first!
Propagating Offsets:
Kalancheos also form small offshoots called offsets which grow around base parent plant’s stem just above soil line and these can easily be separated from mother plant when they reach size big enough – usually 2-3 inches in width; however sometimes even smaller ones might already root successfully so don’t be afraid! To separate offset gently pull away lightly tugging while keeping fingers close together around circumference then use scissors or sharp knife (sanitized beforehand) if needed depending on amount adhesion between young offshoot root system its surrounding area near mother plant’s main trunk area – once separated place new offset into fresh container filled up with potting mix similar described earlier previously when taking stem cuttings then water lightly making sure never let it sit too sogged down due lack air exchange resulting rotting future problems soon after insertion instead healthy growths soon coming forth afterwards accordingly!
