Overview: Kalanchoe Alticola Compton
Kalanchoe alticola Compton is a popular ornamental plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is commonly referred to as the mountain kalancho and has its origin in the rocky mountains of eastern Africa. The plant is valued for its succulent leaves and stunning flowers, making it a popular plant for indoor decoration.
Appearance
The mountain kalanchoe plant is a beautiful succulent, growing up to 1 meter in height. It has trailing stems that produce numerous leaves arranged in a rosette. The leaves are flat and succulent, with a bluish-grey color on the upper surface and a lighter shade of greenish-grey on the lower surface. The stem and leaves of the plant are covered with fine hair-like structures that give it a fuzzy appearance, making it a unique ornamental plant compared to other succulents.
The mountain kalanchoe produces beautiful flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The flowers are bell-shaped and can be pink, red, or orange. The plant blooms during the winter season and can last up to two months.
Uses
The mountain kalanchoe is an easy to care for indoor plant, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The plant does well in a range of temperatures, making it versatile and adaptable to most home conditions. It is often used as an ornamental plant for decoration in homes and offices, thanks to its succulent leaves and colorful flowers.
Kalanchoe alticola Compton is also used for medicinal purposes, thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds in its leaves. The plant has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-viral properties, making it a popular choice for natural remedies and herbal medicine. The leaves are harvested, dried, and boiled to make tea or applied topically in poultice form to the affected area.
Overall, the plant is an excellent addition to any indoor garden or used for medicinal purposes, thanks to its striking appearance and numerous health benefits.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe alticola Compton prefers bright and indirect sunlight. It can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours, especially during the morning, but excessive exposure to direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it receives bright and indirect sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Kalanchoe alticola Compton is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate temperature variations, but extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, can affect the plant's growth adversely. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in a location where the temperature remains within the ideal range.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe alticola Compton prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility. The soil should be able to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain out. This plant requires a slightly acidic to a neutral soil pH of 6.0-7.0. A good potting mix for this plant would be a mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand, which provides excellent drainage and promotes root growth.
Cultivation methods
Kalanchoe alticola Compton is best cultivated in well-draining, moist soil with high organic matter content. It prefers full to partial sunlight and can grow in a range of temperatures from 50°F to 80°F. The plants can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering needs
Kalanchoe alticola Compton requires moderate watering. The plants should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. It is recommended to use room temperature water to prevent damage caused by sudden temperature changes. Overwatering can lead to root rot and should be avoided.
Fertilization
Kalanchoe alticola Compton benefits from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer twice a year. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, which is typically from spring to autumn. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period in winter.
Pruning
Kalanchoe alticola Compton can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth emerges. Using sterilized pruning shears, remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Pruning can also encourage new growth and improve plant health.
Propagation of Kalanchoe alticola Compton
Kalanchoe alticola Compton is a beautiful succulent plant, native to Madagascar. It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 20 cm in height. For those looking to propagate more of these plants, Kalanchoe alticola can be propagated in different ways, including:
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is one of the easiest ways to propagate Kalanchoe alticola. To propagate, snip a healthy stem from the parent plant using a clean, sharp blade. Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two before planting it in well-draining soil. Water the cutting sparingly, and it should start rooting in no time.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
Propagation by leaf cuttings is another way to propagate Kalanchoe alticola Compton. To propagate, gently remove a leaf from the parent plant, taking extra care not to damage the remaining stem. Allow the leaf cutting to dry for a day before planting on well-draining soil. Water the leaf sparingly, and within a few weeks, it should start rooting, and a new plant will start growing from the cuttings.
Propagation by Offsets
Kalanchoe alticola Compton can produce pups or offsets, which can also be used to propagate the plant. Offsets are smaller plants that form as a result of the parent plant producing new growth. Once the offset is big enough, it can be removed from the parent plant using a clean, sharp blade and planted in well-draining soil. Water the offset sparingly and give it time to grow.
When propagating Kalanchoe alticola Compton, it's important to use well-draining soil, which can either be commercial succulent soil mix or a combination of coarse sand, soil, and perlite. The soil shouldn't be too moist, and the plant should be watered sparingly until it's established. With proper care, propagated Kalanchoe alticola Compton plants should grow to be healthy and beautiful.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe alticola Compton
Kalanchoe alticola Compton is a robust plant that can tolerate drought and heat, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. Despite being hardy, Kalanchoe alticola Compton can still be vulnerable to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and secrete a sticky residue. They can be found on the undersides of leaves and the stems of the plant. To manage an aphid infestation, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They are typically found in the crevices of the plant. To manage a mealybug infestation, remove infected parts of the plant and spray with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
Spider Mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause discoloration and stunted growth of the plant. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves. To manage a spider mite infestation, spray the plant with water to wash off the mites, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This is a bacterial disease that can cause yellowing of leaves, and the leaves may drop prematurely. There may also be dark spots on the leaves. To manage bacterial blight, remove infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve drainage and avoid overwatering. If root rot is severe, remove infected plants and dispose of them.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicidal spray if necessary.
By being vigilant and taking swift action to treat diseases and pests, you can keep your Kalanchoe alticola Compton healthy and thriving.
