Overview
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod., commonly known as Candelabra Plant or Lantern Plant, is a succulent species of the Kalanchoe genus. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that has gained popularity across the globe mainly because of its lovely flowers and ease of maintenance.
Origin
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. is native to Madagascar Island in East Africa. It is a tropical species known to thrive in hot and humid environments across the world. The plant prefers well-drained soils and moderate exposure to sunlight.
Appearance
The Candelabra Plant is a small, compact shrub that can grow up to 1-2 feet in height. Its leaves are commonly fleshy and oval in shape, with a pointed apex and a smooth, crenulate margin. The leaves are often flat, dull green or greyish-green in color. The plant produces beautiful, showy flowers that appear in clusters at the tip of the branches. The flowers are commonly bell-shaped, with a bright yellow or red-orange color. The plant blooms mainly in spring and summer, attracting bees and butterflies.
Uses
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. has several useful applications across various cultures. The leaves and sap of the plant are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, ulcers, and other skin conditions. The plant is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, the plant has been used to make beautiful ornamental gardens and landscapes, indoors or outdoors. The Candelabra Plant is easy to take care of and can survive with little to no care.
Overall, Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. is a lovely species that adds a splash of color, texture, and beauty to any environment. Its unique features and useful applications make it an excellent addition to any collection or garden.
Growth Conditions for Kalanchoe integra var. subsessilis
Light: Kalanchoe integra var. subsessilis requires bright, indirect light for proper growth. It can tolerate some direct sunlight during the morning and evening hours, but hot midday sun can scorch the leaves. It is best to place the plant near a south or southwest-facing window where it can receive ample light.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (16-27°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but cannot withstand frost or freezing conditions. It is important to keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors during the winter months.
Soil: Kalanchoe integra var. subsessilis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal. The plant should be potted in a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt. Watering once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on the humidity levels of the environment.
Fertilizer: Kalanchoe integra var. subsessilis benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be applied every two weeks. It is important to follow the package instructions for the correct amount and frequency of application.
Humidity: This plant prefers moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40-60%. If the air is too dry, the leaves may become brown and crispy. Misting the plant with water or placing a humidifier nearby can help maintain the necessary humidity levels.
Cultivation Method for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. is a succulent plant that requires minimal care. It is important to plant the succulent in well-draining soil as it cannot survive standing water. The plant requires bright light for healthy growth; therefore, it is best to keep it near a window that receives indirect light. This species is frost-sensitive, making it an indoor plant in areas with cold temperatures.
Watering Needs for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season (spring and summer). It is essential to wait until the soil is dry before watering again. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant's death. During the dormant season (fall and winter), you should reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
It would be best to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). During the dormant season, do not fertilize the plant as it requires minimal nutrients.
Pruning for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
It is advisable to pinch back new growth regularly to promote bushy growth. Remove dead leaves and stems to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal. As the plant grows tall, you can trim it down to maintain its compactness.
Propagation Methods for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar and some parts of Africa. It is commonly known as Madagascar widow's-thrill or cactus bloom. If you are interested in propagating this plant, here are some methods you should consider:
1. Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to propagate Kalanchoe integra is through stem cuttings. You can start by selecting a healthy stem and cutting it off just below a node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Make sure you use a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears to make the cut. Then, let the cutting sit in a shady place for a few days, or until it develops a callus - a dry, scab-like layer over the exposed end. Once the callus forms, pot the cutting in well-draining soil and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. The cutting should develop roots in a few weeks and start to grow new leaves shortly after that.
2. Leaf Cuttings
You can also propagate Kalanchoe integra through leaf cuttings. To do this, choose a healthy leaf from the mother plant and gently twist it off, making sure to leave a short piece of stem attached. Then, let the leaf sit in a shady place for a few days to allow the wound to callus over. Once the callus forms, plant the leaf in well-draining soil, burying the stem about half an inch into the soil. Water sparingly and keep the soil moist but not soggy. The leaf should start to grow roots after a few weeks, and a tiny plantlet should emerge from the base of the leaf a few weeks after that. You can transplant the plantlet into its own pot once it has developed a few sets of leaves.
3. Division
If you have an established Kalanchoe integra plant that has grown too large for its pot, you can consider dividing it. To do this, gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate the root ball into sections, making sure that each section has a few healthy stems and roots. Pot each section in a separate container, using well-draining soil. Water lightly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The newly divided plants should start to grow new leaves in a few weeks.
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure to keep the new plants out of direct sunlight until they have established roots and developed new growth. Once the plants are established, you can gradually move them into brighter light and start fertilizing them regularly.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod.
K. integra (Medik.) Kuntze var. subsessilis (Britten) Cufod. is a succulent plant that grows up to about 30 cm. It is a beautiful plant that is easy to grow, but like all plants, it is also susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the types of diseases and pests that often afflict this plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Rhizoctonia Crown Rot: This disease is caused by Rhizoctonia solani and is prevalent when soil temperatures are high. It causes the plant to wilt, and the stem at the base becomes soft, leading to death. To manage the disease, remove infected plants and destroy them. Avoid planting in the same soil for two consecutive seasons.
Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, which is caused by several fungi. Plants with root rot wilt, and their leaves turn yellow. To prevent this disease, ensure that plants are planted in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves' surface. It is prevalent in humid and crowded growing spaces. To manage the disease, use fungicides and ensure adequate plant spacing for proper ventilation.
Common Pests
Spider Mite: This is a common pest that affects K. integra, sucking sap from the plant and causing distress. Infested plants exhibit yellow leaves, webbing, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, use miticides and improve the plant's growing environment by increasing humidity and reducing dust.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that affect indoor plants. They are small insects that suck sap from the plant, and they can cause stunted growth, leaf drop, and wilting. To manage the pest, use insecticidal soap and maintain good plant hygiene by ensuring that growing spaces are kept clean.
Scale Insects: These are tiny insects that attach themselves to the plant and feed on the sap. Infested plants have yellow leaves and stunted growth. They are easy to spot as they appear as small bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. To manage the pest, use insecticidal soap or alcohol on a cotton swab and scrub the scale off the plant.
In conclusion, K. integra is a beautiful plant that is easy to grow. However, it is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to control and manage the diseases and pests effectively. It is always better to prevent diseases and pests than to deal with them when they have already attacked. Ensure that you inspect your plant regularly and take necessary precautions to avoid stressing your plant.
