Overview of Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd.
Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd. is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is a rare and endangered species, native to Madagascar. The plant is named after its collector, Mrs. Crundall, who discovered it in 1955.
Common Names of Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd.
The plant is commonly referred to as Crundall's Kalanchoe and also known as Madagascar Widow's Thrill.
Description of Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd.
Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd. is a compact, shrub-like plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height. The leaves are fleshy, flat, and elliptical with a dark green color. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy and have fine hairs. The plant produces small bell-shaped flowers that are pink or reddish-purple in color.
Uses of Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd.
The plant has ornamental value and is grown as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and colorful flowers. It is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of light and soil conditions. In traditional medicine, Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd. has been used to treat malaria, headaches, and respiratory infections.
However, it is important to note that Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd. contains toxic cardiac glycosides that can cause serious health problems if ingested. As such, it is not recommended for use in herbal medicine or for consumption.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe crundallii thrives in bright light. It needs at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily. However, it requires protection from harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Kalanchoe crundallii is between 60 and 85 °F (16-29°C). It can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a warmer environment.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe crundallii grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be loamy and rich in nutrients. A mix of peat, perlite, and sand is ideal for this plant.
Watering Requirements
Kalanchoe crundallii is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's essential to avoid keeping the soil soggy.
Fertilizer Requirements
Kalanchoe crundallii requires occasional feeding using a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. It's best to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant months.
Humidity Requirements
Kalanchoe crundallii prefers moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate dry air but will thrive in a more humid environment. A humidity level of around 50% is ideal for this plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Kalanchoe crundallii plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors and prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture retention. It requires bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours every day. This plant can tolerate high temperatures but cannot withstand frosty conditions. It's best to grow this plant in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Watering Needs
Kalanchoe crundallii plants should be watered moderately. Indicators that your plant needs water include dry potting soil, droopy leaves, and shriveled leaves. However, avoid overwatering the plant, as it can cause root rot and other problems. One of the best ways to ensure adequate watering is by checking the soil's top inch to see if it's dry.
Fertilization
Kalanchoe crundallii plants require regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, which contains equal ratios of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, to promote healthy growth. Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the dormant phase.
Pruning
To keep your Kalanchoe crundallii plant looking neat, you should prune it regularly. Remove any dead, damaged, or infected leaves using sterile pruning scissors, making clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. You may also cut off any leggy, overgrown stems to promote bushy growth. Avoid pruning too much at once, though, as it can lead to growth stunts or shock the plant.
Propagation of Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd.
Kalanchoe crundallii I.Verd., also known as Crundall's kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. Propagating this plant is relatively easy and can be done via several methods.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are one of the most common ways to propagate kalanchoe crundallii. To do this, take a healthy leaf from the parent plant and let it dry in the shade for a day or two. Once it has a callous, plant the leaf into a well-draining potting mix, and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. New growth should start to appear after a few weeks, and once the new plantlet has established roots and several mature leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors in a suitable location.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another excellent way to propagate kalanchoe crundallii. Cut a healthy stem close to the plant’s base, ensuring that it is at least 3-4” long and has several mature leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves and place the stem in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in a bright and warm location. After a few weeks, roots will start to form, and new growth will emerge from the leaf axils. Once the new plantlet has established roots and several mature leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors in a suitable location.
Offsets
Kalanchoe crundallii plants also produce offsets or “pups” around their base, which can be easily propagated. Gently remove the offset from the parent plant, ensuring that it has some roots and mature leaves. Plant it in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the new plant in a warm and bright location, out of direct sunlight, until new growth and root formation are apparent. Once the new plantlet has established roots and several mature leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or a suitable location outdoors.
Propagation of kalanchoe crundallli can be a rewarding experience, and with some patience and care, you can create a collection of healthy and beautiful plants for your home or garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe crundallii
Although Kalanchoe crundallii is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases. In order to keep your plant healthy and thriving, it is important to be aware of the common problems it may face and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Kalanchoe crundallii is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Additionally, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure that the soil dries out between waterings.
Another disease that can affect Kalanchoe crundallii is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected leaves immediately and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Spider mites and mealybugs are two common pests that can affect Kalanchoe crundallii. Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that can cause stippling and yellowing of the leaves, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on the stems and leaves of the plant.
To manage these pests, you can first try removing them by manually wiping them off with a damp cloth or spraying them off with a strong stream of water. If this does not work, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill the pests.
Conclusion
By following these tips and regularly inspecting your Kalanchoe crundallii for signs of disease or pests, you can help ensure that your plant remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
