Overview of Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii:
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is a succulent plant belonging to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to the high altitude area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and is commonly referred to as Bently's Kalanchoe or Silver Pipes.
Appearance of Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii:
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is a stemless succulent that forms dense clusters of erect silver to icy greenish-grey, cylindrical, and unbranched stems. The leaves are thick and fleshy, sessile, narrowly cylindrical, and grow up to 8cm long and 1cm thick. They are covered in small papillae (small bumps), giving them a rough texture.
The flowers of Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii bloom on tall spikes from the sides of the stem. They are tubular and pinkish-red, fading to yellow after pollination, and are about 2.5cm long.
Uses of Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii:
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is often grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, succulent gardens, and container gardens. It can also be used as an indoor plant for its unusual shape and colour.
As a succulent, Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii requires low maintenance, making it a perfect plant for beginners or people who have limited time to care for plants.
Additionally, the plant is said to have medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the leaves and stems are used to treat fever, headaches, burns, and wounds. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used as an insecticide.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe bentii, also known as Lavender Scallops, requires bright light but avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the plant. It thrives in partially shaded areas with bright and indirect natural light, such as a north-facing window. In low light conditions, the plant growth may be slow, and the leaves can lose their vibrancy, so it is essential to provide enough light for its healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
K. bentii is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F (15.5°C) and 75°F (24°C) degrees. The plant is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage if exposed to cold temperatures below 55°F (13°C). It is advisable to grow the plant indoors in cold regions and maintain an optimal temperature range that mimics its native habitat.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe bentii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. An ideal potting mix for the plant should contain a blend of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand in equal parts that will aid in proper water drainage. Lavender Scallops does not tolerate waterlogged soils as it causes root rot. It is essential to water the plant only when the topsoil is dry and avoid watering it excessively.
Cultivation methods
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is a succulent plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. For indoor cultivation, you will need well-draining soil, a pot with adequate drainage holes, and a sunny window. For outdoor cultivation, make sure your soil is well-draining and the location receives bright but filtered sunlight.
When planting, make sure to leave enough space between the plants because they do not like to be crowded. If you notice your plant is starting to lean excessively, give it some support with a stake. This will help it grow straighter and healthier.
Watering needs
One of the most important things to remember when watering Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is to let the soil dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, which can be fatal to the plant.
As a general rule, indoor plants should be watered every 10 to 14 days, while outdoor plants should be watered once every 7 to 10 days. However, you should always check the soil moisture level before watering the plant. Poke your finger into the soil to a depth of about 2 inches. If the soil feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water.
Fertilization
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii does not require a lot of fertilization. You should aim to fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal N-P-K ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
When fertilizing, always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the amount and frequency of application. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii does not require a lot of pruning. However, if you notice dead or damaged leaves, you should remove them immediately to prevent the plant from wasting energy on them.
If your plant is getting too big, you can prune it back in the spring or summer. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the top of the plant. This will encourage the plant to bush out and produce more foliage.
Propagation of Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is an easy-to-grow succulent that is commonly grown for its ornamental foliage. The plant can be propagated using several methods:
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are the easiest and most common way of propagating Kalanchoe bentii. Select a healthy leaf and remove it from the stem. Allow the cut end of the leaf to dry out for a day or two, then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the cutting in a bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and a new plantlet.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Kalanchoe bentii. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting and allow the cut end to dry for a day or two. Plant the stem cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the cutting in a bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and new leaves.
Division
Kalanchoe bentii can also be propagated through division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the offsets from the main plant. Each offset should have its own roots and at least one healthy leaf. Plant the offsets in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the new plants in bright, indirect light.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii
Kalanchoe bentii Wright ex Hook. var. bentii is a beautiful flowering succulent that is generally low maintenance and disease-resistant. However, occasional disease and pest problems can affect the plant, which requires proper management.
Common Diseases that Affect Kalanchoe bentii
One of the common diseases that affect Kalanchoe bentii is root rot due to overwatering. Overwatering leads to the accumulation of excess moisture at the roots, leading to rots, fungal, and bacterial infections. To avoid root rot, you must ensure that you provide the right amount of water when the soil is dry to the touch, and the potting mix is well-draining. It is also essential to apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent the development of fungal infections.
Another disease that affects Kalanchoe bentii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as powdery white spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to disfiguration, stunted growth, and decline. To manage powdery mildew, you must remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them. It is also recommended to apply a fungicide to the plant to prevent the development of the disease.
Common Pests that Affect Kalanchoe bentii
Kalanchoe bentii is also susceptible to pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are visible as tiny spider-like creatures that produce fine webs on the foliage, leading to chlorosis and wilting. Mealybugs appear as white, waxy cotton-like masses on the undersides of the leaves and plant crevices, leading to leaf drop and stunted growth. Scale insects appear as small brown scales that attach themselves to the stem, sucking sap, and leading to yellowing and wilting of the plant.
To manage pest infestations, you can wipe off spider mites and mealybugs with a cloth soaked in soapy water or alcohol. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of pests. For scale insects, you can use an insecticidal spray or wash the plant with a solution of water and rubbing alcohol.
Regular inspection of your Kalanchoe bentii for disease and pest problems and immediate intervention will ensure your plant remains healthy and beautiful.
