Appearance
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. crenata (Andrews) Cufod. is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The plant is commonly known as the Kalanchoe crenata or the Kalanchoe dentata due to its distinctive and toothed leaf margins. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and green with prominent margins characterized by small, triangular teeth. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and bears small, tubular, and four-petaled flowers that are mostly pinkish-red or purple in color. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom during the winter, making the plant an attractive addition to a garden or indoor collection.
Origin
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. crenata (Andrews) Cufod. is native to Madagascar but has been spread to many parts of the world due to its ornamental value. The plant is cultivated in many countries, including the United States, South Africa, and Australia, where it thrives in areas with a warm, subtropical climate. In its native Madagascar, the plant is used as a traditional medicine, and different parts of the plant have several medicinal properties that make it a valuable resource in traditional medicine.
Uses
The Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. crenata (Andrews) Cufod. has numerous medicinal uses. The plant sap is used to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and inflammation. In traditional medicine, the leaves are crushed to extract the juice, which is then used to treat earaches, fever, and as an antidiarrheal agent. The plant has also been documented to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties making it a viable source of natural medicine. Kalanchoe crenata is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and makes a beautiful addition to a garden or indoor collection. The plant is low maintenance and requires minimal watering and pruning, making it a suitable choice for novice gardeners.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata thrives best in bright sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce large and healthy flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is very intolerant to freezing temperatures and temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
These plants thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can grow in various types of soil ranging from sandy to loamy. However, it is important to maintain adequate soil moisture for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata is an excellent indoor and outdoor plant that is easy to grow. Ideally, it should be grown in a warm and sunny location where it can receive four to six hours of direct sunlight every day. It can be propagated through stem cuttings from the parent plant, which root easily in sterile soil.
The plant requires well-draining soil, and it can grow in a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or rocky soils. When planting, mix organic matter such as compost or peat in the soil to improve the texture and increase nutrient content.
Watering needs
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata is a drought-tolerant plant, and it prefers slightly dry conditions. It is best to water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. In hot, dry weather, it may require more watering, but ensure the soil isn't waterlogged to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize Kalanchoe integra var. crenata during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks at half strength, or as recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant isn't actively growing.
Pruning
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata requires minimal pruning, mainly if it becomes leggy or top-heavy. To promote bushier growth and maintain the plant's shape, prune the stems with sharp pruning shears by cutting above a healthy leaf node. Weak or diseased stems should be pruned as soon as they are noticed.
Remove flower spikes after blooming to encourage more flowers and maintain the plant's attractive appearance. Deadheading or removing spent blooms help channel the plant's energy into new growth instead of seed production.
Propagation of Kalanchoe integra var. crenata
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata, commonly known as the "Oakleaf Kalanchoe", is a succulent plant native to Madagascar and commonly grown as a houseplant worldwide. The plant is propagated through various means, including:
Leaf Cuttings
One of the most commonly used propagation methods for Kalanchoe integra var. crenata is through leaf cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the mature leaves, which are flattened, fleshy, and oval-shaped. The leaves are cut into sections with a sterilized knife and allowed to dry for one or two days.
Once dry, the cuttings are placed in a well-drained potting mix, and lightly watered. The cuttings will root in about four to six weeks, depending on the environmental conditions, and will eventually grow into small plants.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another propagation method for Kalanchoe integra var. crenata. Cuttings are taken from the stem, which should be healthy and not too woody. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and allowed to dry for one or two days.
Once dry, the cuttings are planted in a well-drained soil mix, and lightly watered. The cuttings will root in about four to six weeks, depending on the environmental conditions, and will eventually grow into small plants.
Offsets/Babies
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata produces offsets or "babies" at the base of the parent plant. These offsets can be carefully removed from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained soil mix.
They should be watered lightly, and roots will develop in about four to six weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. As the offsets mature, they will grow into small individual plants.
Disease Management
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the plant. Use a fungicide to treat the affected plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's surface. The affected areas may turn yellow and eventually die. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and keep the plants dry. Use a fungicide to treat the affected plant.
- Leaf spot: This is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes round spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected areas may turn yellow, and the leaves may drop. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Use a bactericide or fungicide to treat the affected plant.
Pest Management
Kalanchoe integra var. crenata may be affected by several pests. Some of the common pests include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony pests that suck sap from the plant. To control mealybugs, prune and remove the affected parts of the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause tiny white or yellowish spots on the plant's leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to increase humidity and by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These are small pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can be controlled by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning can also help prevent pest and disease infestations.
