Overview
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is a succulent plant native to southern Africa. It is a popular ornamental plant because of its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers.
Common Names
Kalanchoe oblongiflora is commonly known as "Chandelier Plant" because of its drooping, pendant-like inflorescences that resemble a chandelier. It is also called "Christmas Chandelier" because of its tendency to bloom during the winter holiday season.
Appearance
Kalanchoe oblongiflora is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color with a maroon tint around the edges. The leaves are about 5-8 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. During the winter, the plant produces long, pendulous stems that bear clusters of tubular, red or orange flowers. The flowers can last for several weeks and are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Uses
Kalanchoe oblongiflora is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves of the plant are used to treat wounds, burns, and insect bites. The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv., also known as the "Pink Butterflies" plant, requires bright but indirect sunlight. It should be placed in an area in the house that receives several hours of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, so it is important to keep it away from direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Pink Butterflies plant requires a warm temperature to grow well. It does well in temperatures ranging from 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep the plant away from any cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the growth of the Pink Butterflies plant. The soil should be able to retain moisture but should not be waterlogged. The soil should be porous and loamy, which is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. The soil should also have a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Cultivation Methods
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is an easy-to-grow succulent plant that is adaptable to all kinds of conditions. This plant can be grown indoors or outdoors and does not require a lot of care.
To cultivate Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv., it is essential to provide a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant does well in sandy soil and requires at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Pruning and removal of dead flowers are critical for the plant's health, and this should be done regularly.
Watering Needs
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves, making it drought tolerant and less reliant on frequent watering. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, which could cause root rot and damage to the stem.
Adequate watering of the plant involves letting the soil dry out completely before watering. This plant should be watered once every two weeks, and the amount of water should be enough to moisten the soil.
Fertilization
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. requires minimal fertilization to thrive. Overfertilization can cause excessive growth that could be detrimental to the plant's health. The best time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season, which is usually in the springtime.
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be used sparingly. Fertilizing should be done once every four to six weeks, and the concentration should be diluted by half the recommended amount.
Pruning
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. requires pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning is also vital to remove dead or yellowing leaves, which can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
The best time to prune the plant is during the growing season, which is typically in the spring. The plant should be cut back to the desired size and shape, using a sharp and sterile pair of garden clippers or scissors.
While Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is not a high maintenance plant, with regular care and attention, it will remain an ever-present feature in any garden or indoor setting.
Propagation Methods of Kalanchoe oblongiflora
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. can be propagated using various methods such as stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. The plant can also be propagated through seeding, but this method is not as common as stem and leaf cuttings.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common method used to propagate Kalanchoe oblongiflora. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants that are free of infections or pests. The cuttings should be about 5-6 inches long and have at least two nodes.
Remove the bottom leaves of the stem cutting and let it dry for a few days before planting. Then, plant the cutting in well-drained soil, and water it thoroughly. After this, place the cutting in bright but indirect light and maintain the soil moist.
The stem cuttings should start developing roots in about four to six weeks. After several weeks, new growth should begin to develop.
Propagation through Leaf Cuttings
Propagation through leaf cuttings is another method of propagating Kalanchoe oblongiflora. Choose a healthy leaf from the parent plant, and gently remove it from the stem. Then, let it dry for a few days before planting.
Plant the leaf in a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly. After planting, place the cutting in bright but indirect light and keep the soil moist. With time, new growth should emerge from the base of the leaf.
It is essential to note that leaf cuttings take longer to root and grow, compared to stem cuttings. It might take up to three months or more for leaves to form plantlets.
Conclusion
Propagation of Kalanchoe oblongiflora can be done through stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. However, stem cuttings are more commonly used than leaves as they take less time to root and grow. By following the above propagation methods, you can easily propagate your Kalanchoe oblongiflora plant.
Disease Management
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To avoid root rot, ensure that the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining. If root rot does occur, remove the affected parts and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation. If it does become infected, remove the affected leaves and treat with a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is not commonly affected by pests, but it can be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause discoloration, wilting, and deformity of the leaves and stems. To prevent infestation, inspect the plant regularly and isolate any infected plants.
For spider mites, wash the plant with a strong spray of water, or apply insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's instructions. For mealybugs and scale insects, gently wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat the treatment every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
It is also worth noting that Kalanchoe oblongiflora Harv. is toxic to pets, so it is important to keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
