Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi

Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi is a robust and forgiving succulent, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

• Light: This plant loves light. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight indoors. If you're growing it outside, it will do well in a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade to protect it from scorching. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become "leggy," with long, stretched stems and pale leaves. The vibrant pink and purple tones on the leaf margins are directly related to the amount of sunlight it receives.

• Water: Like all succulents, Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi is highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering. The key is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

  • Frequency: Water deeply but infrequently. In the warmer months, you may need to water every 1-2 weeks. During the dormant winter period, reduce watering significantly, perhaps to once a month or less.

  • Signs: The leaves will appear plump and firm when well-hydrated. If you notice the leaves are wrinkled or deflated, it's a clear sign the plant is thirsty.

• Temperature & Humidity: This plant is native to a warm, dry climate. It thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and prefers low humidity. It is not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a cold climate, bring it indoors before the first frost.

Soil Preparation

Proper soil is crucial for the health of your Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi, as it must provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

• Soil Mix: A pre-packaged cactus or succulent potting mix is your best and easiest option.

• DIY Mix: If you prefer to mix your own, combine ingredients to ensure a gritty, porous texture. A good recipe is:

  • 1 part potting soil

  • 1 part coarse sand or pumice

  • 1 part perlite

• Pot: Always use a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. Terracotta pots are highly recommended because their porous nature helps to wick excess moisture away from the soil, further reducing the risk of root rot.

Propagation

Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi is an enthusiastic propagator and can be easily multiplied using a few different methods.

• Leaf Cuttings: This is a simple and rewarding method.

  1. Gently twist or cut a healthy, mature leaf from the plant.

  2. Allow the leaf to dry and form a callous (a dry, hardened scab) for 1-2 days. This is an essential step to prevent rot.

  3. Lay the leaf flat on top of a well-draining soil mix. Do not bury it.

  4. Keep the soil lightly moist by misting occasionally. In a few weeks, tiny plantlets will begin to form along the notched edges of the leaf.

• Stem Cuttings: This is a faster way to get a new, established plant.

  1. Cut a healthy stem section that is at least a few inches long and has a few leaves.

  2. Allow the cutting to callous for 1-3 days.

  3. Insert the cut end into a pot filled with well-draining soil.

  4. Place in a location with bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots are established.

• Division: Because the plant's stems can root where they touch the soil, you can simply separate a rooted section from the mother plant and replant it in a new pot.

#KalanchoeFedtschenkoi #Kalanchoe #LavenderScallops #SucculentCare #Houseplant #EasyPlants #Succulents #PlantPropagation #ContainerGarden #GardeningTips