Origin and Common Names
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is a succulent plant species that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to the island of Madagascar, but also grows in other parts of the world such as South Africa, Australia, and the United States. The plant is commonly known by different names, including Chandelier plant, Mother of thousands, Alligator plant, Mexican hat plant, and Devil's backbone.
General Appearance
Kalanchoe delagoensis is an unusual-looking plant that can grow up to 60cm in height. It has thick, woody stems that stand upright or arch outward and are lined with fleshy, green leaves. The leaves are oblong to spoon-shaped, with scalloped margins and purple spots along the undersides. The plant relies on its leaves to store water, which it can use during periods of drought. Kalanchoe delagoensis produces small pink, red, or yellow tubular flowers that are clustered together in inflorescences called panicles. The plant flowers in early winter and early spring.
Uses
Kalanchoe delagoensis is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, both indoors and outdoors. Its unique appearance, resilience, and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The plant can thrive in a variety of conditions, including dry and hot environments, poor soil quality, and low light conditions. It is a low maintenance plant that requires occasional watering and fertilization. Kalanchoe delagoensis can also be utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as earache, conjunctivitis, cough, and bruises. However, it is important to note that the plant's medical properties have not been fully studied, and its use in medicine should be done with caution.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe delagoensis prefers bright light but can also tolerate partial shade. If grown indoors, it must be placed near windows that receive bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Kalanchoe delagoensis is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate temperature fluctuations to some extent, but it is not frost tolerant. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as it can lead to damage.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe delagoensis grows well in well-draining soils and prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH. A mix of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite/vermiculite is ideal for this plant. It is also crucial to ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes so that excess water can drain out quickly.
Cultivation Methods for Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh., also known as the chandelier plant, is best grown in a well-draining soil mix. It is a succulent and can tolerate a variety of soils, from sand to clay. Plant it in a pot or container that has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water logging during planting.
The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed near a southwest-facing window. As an indoor plant, it requires temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and can’t tolerate frost. Outdoor plants should be shielded from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Watering Needs for Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-drained soil, which means that they should be watered carefully to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant deeply until the water seeps out of the drainage holes in the pot. Wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh. does not require nutrient-rich soil and fertilizers. However, to maximize its growth, it is recommended to fertilize the plant twice per year, once during the summer and again during the winter. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and dilute it to half the recommended strength.
Pruning of Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh. does not require regular pruning. However, pruning can be done to reduce the size of the plant and remove dead or unhealthy leaves. Prune young plants in the fall to promote branching and dense growth. Older plants may need pruning to control size, but it should be done sparingly as the plant has a slow growth rate.
Propagation of Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is commonly known as Chandelier Plant, Mother of Thousands or Alligator Plant, and belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This succulent plant is native to Madagascar and grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant has green leaves with brown spots and produces tiny plantlets on its leaves' margins, which can grow into new plants.
Propagation Methods
Kalanchoe delagoensis can be propagated using several methods, including:
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings is an easy and effective way to propagate Kalanchoe delagoensis. Select a healthy leaf that has tiny plantlets growing at the edges. Cut the leaf along with the plantlets and plant it horizontally on a well-draining substrate. To stimulate root growth, avoid watering the plant until roots appear. Once the cuttings have developed roots, water the plant regularly. Within a few weeks, new plants will grow, and you can transplant them to new pots.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is another propagation method for Kalanchoe delagoensis. Cut a healthy stem from the plant and ensure that it's at least 8 cm long. Let the cutting dry out for a day or two before planting it in a well-draining substrate. Water the plant lightly and keep it in a bright but indirect light spot. Wait for the roots to develop, and once they do, you can transplant the plant to new pots.
Plantlets
Kalanchoe delagoensis plantlets that grow on the margins of the leaves can be removed and planted in a well-draining substrate. Ensure that the plantlets are mature enough and have developed some roots. Water the plantlets lightly, keep them in bright but indirect sunlight and watch as they grow into beautiful new plants.
Propagation of Kalanchoe delagoensis is straightforward, and you can use any of the methods mentioned above to increase your collection of these beautiful plants.
Disease Management for Kalanchoe delagoensis
Kalanchoe delagoensis is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially during the wet season. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot are some of the common diseases that affect this plant.
To manage fungal diseases, remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Avoid watering the plant overhead, as this can promote the development of fungal diseases. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide to control fungal diseases.
Pest Management for Kalanchoe delagoensis
Kalanchoe delagoensis can attract pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop.
To control pests, you can physically remove them with a cloth or use a high-pressure water spray. You can also treat the plant with an insecticide or a horticultural oil to manage pest infestations. However, be cautious when using pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and cause environmental pollution.
