Kalanchoe Beauverdi Raym.-hamet

Origin

Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet, also known as Beauverd's widow's-thrill, is a succulent plant species native to Madagascar and Mozambique.

Common Names

Beauverd's widow's-thrill is its most commonly known and used name, however, the plant is also sometimes referred to as Kalanchoe humilis, Kalanchoe nivea, Kalanchoe noldeana, Kalanchoe elatior, Kalanchoe princeps, or Kalanchoe sinuata.

General Appearance

The Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet plant is characterized by its fleshy, succulent leaves that grow in clusters and form a rosette pattern. The leaves are a light greenish-grey color, and they are thick and waxy with small fine hairs on the surface. The plant produces clusters of small tubular flowers, which are usually pink or purplish-red in color. This plant can grow up to a height of 2-3 feet and up to 2-3 feet in width. The flowers bloom in late fall or early winter when growing indoors, and the plant typically blooms during the summertime while growing outdoors.

Uses

The Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet plant is commonly used for indoor decoration and landscaping due to its physical attributes, low maintenance, and hardiness. It is also used for medicinal purposes, as it contains a chemical compound called bufadienolides, which is known for its medicinal properties, such as treating high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. The plant's leaves are sometimes brewed into tea in traditional medicine for treating inflammation and improving digestion. Additionally, The plant's roots are sometimes used to make mouthwash and ointments for skin-related ailments.

Light Conditions

Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight but prolonged exposure can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.

Temperature

Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet prefers warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It can tolerate slightly colder temperatures but should be protected from frost.

Soil Requirements

The plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration. It can grow in a range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot.

Cultivation methods

Kalanchoe beauverdii Raym.-Hamet, also known as Beauverd's Widow's-thrill, is a succulent that is often grown as a houseplant. To cultivate Kalanchoe beauverdii, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and in a pot with drainage holes. You can propagate a new plant from cuttings or leave the plant as is, but keep it in a bright location and away from direct sunlight.

Watering needs

Kalanchoe beauverdii doesn't require frequent watering, and it's best to let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry. You can water with tap water, or collect rainwater for your plant. Additionally, watering the plant from the bottom can help prevent overwatering and keep the plant healthy.

Fertilization

To help your Kalanchoe beauverdii thrive, you can fertilize it twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season because the plant requires less nutrient intake during this time. Be sure to follow the fertilizer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leaf burn and other damage.

Pruning

To keep your Kalanchoe beauverdii looking full and healthy, you can prune it in the spring or summer. Start by removing any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves from the plant. You can also pinch off leggy growth and shape the plant as desired. Additionally, you can prune the plant after flowering to encourage new growth and more flowers in the future.

Propagation of Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet

Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet is commonly known as Beauverd's Widow's-thrill. It is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. The plant produces small clusters of pale pink, star-shaped flowers that bloom in summer. Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet can be propagated using various methods, including:

Leaf cuttings

Leaf cuttings are the most common method of propagating Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet. To propagate the plant using this method, follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy leaf from the plant and cut it using a sharp, sterilized blade.
2. Leave the leaf to dry for a few hours until the cut end forms a callus.
3. Fill a seed tray or a small pot with cactus compost.
4. Insert the cut end of the leaf into the compost, making sure that it is planted firmly and straight.
5. Water the cutting sparingly and place it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
6. After a few weeks, a small plantlet should begin to form at the base of the cutting.
7. Once the plantlet has grown a few leaves, it can be transplanted into its permanent pot.

Stem cuttings

Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet. To propagate the plant using this method, follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy stem from the plant and cut it using a sharp, sterilized blade.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
3. Leave the stem to dry for a few hours until the cut end forms a callus.
4. Fill a seed tray or a small pot with cactus compost.
5. Plant the stem cutting into the compost, making sure that it is planted firmly and straight.
6. Water the cutting sparingly and place it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
7. After a few weeks, new growth should begin to appear at the top of the stem.
8. Once the new growth has grown a few leaves, it can be transplanted into its permanent pot.

Division

Division is another method of propagating Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet. To propagate the plant using this method, follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
2. Gently split the root ball into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one stem and some root attached.
3. Plant each section into its own pot, making sure that it is planted firmly and straight.
4. Water the newly planted divisions sparingly and place them in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
5. After a few weeks, new growth should begin to appear, and the plant should start to thrive in its new home.

Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet

Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet is a popular plant for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. However, like any other plant, it is also susceptible to diseases and pests. To ensure its healthy growth, proper disease and pest management must be implemented. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggested ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Kalanchoe beauverdi. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the affected areas immediately, ensure proper air circulation and ventilation, and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.

2. Root Rot: Root rot is a common disease that affects plants growing in poorly drained soil or overwatered plants. It causes the roots to decay, leading to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already affected by root rot, it is recommended to remove the affected areas and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Common Pests

1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that attack many indoor and outdoor plants, including Kalanchoe beauverdi. They are tiny, white insects that feed on sap from the plant, causing its leaves to wilt and deform. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to remove them from the plant.

2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that attack indoor and outdoor plants, especially during dry weather. They are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the plant's cells, causing leaves to turn yellow or brown. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove the affected areas and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to control their spread.

By implementing proper disease and pest management techniques, Kalanchoe beauverdi Raym.-Hamet can grow healthy and thrive for years to come. Regularly inspecting the plant and implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of pests and diseases.