Introduction
Kalanchoe scapigera Welw. ex Britten, commonly known as the Walking Kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This plant is native to Madagascar and can also be found in other parts of Africa.
General Appearance
The Walking Kalanchoe is a small, slow-growing plant that grows up to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has thick, glossy, and waxy green leaves that grow from a central stem. The leaves are oblong in shape and can grow up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The plant produces long, slender stems that can grow up to 1 meter in length and arch downwards. The stems bear small plantlets or bulbils at their tips, which give rise to new plants when they touch the ground.
Uses
The Walking Kalanchoe is grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and unique habit of producing plantlets along its stems. It is commonly used as a hanging or trailing plant in containers or as a groundcover in rock gardens. The plant is easy to grow and care for, and is drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping.
The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In Madagascar, the leaves are boiled and used to treat stomach pains, while in India, the plant is used to treat wounds and skin infections.
Conclusion
The Walking Kalanchoe is a fascinating plant that adds an interesting element to any garden or indoor space. Its ability to produce plantlets along its stems gives it a unique appearance and makes it easy to propagate. This plant is also useful for its ornamental and medicinal purposes and is a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe scapigera thrives in bright light conditions, but not direct sunlight. It is best to place the plant near a west or south-facing window where it can receive bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day. Inadequate light may cause stunted growth and weak stems, so make sure the plant is getting enough light.
Temperature Requirements
Kalanchoe scapigera prefers warm temperature conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate slight temperature fluctuations, but make sure it is not exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can harm the plant's leaves and stems. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or air conditioning units that can cause temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration. A mixture of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part perlite or coarse sand works well. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Water the plant only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Cultivation Methods for Kalanchoe Scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Kalanchoe scapigera is a succulent plant that thrives best in warm and dry conditions. It is recommended that you grow it indoors in a pot, but if you live in a region with a warm and arid climate, it can also grow outdoors in rocky soils.
When planting your Kalanchoe scapigera, ensure that the pot has a well-draining soil mix, preferably a cactus mix. Plant the plant at the same depth it was in its previous container, and ensure that the pot is wide enough to accommodate the plant's growth. Keep the plant in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for several hours each day.
Watering Needs of Kalanchoe Scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Water your Kalanchoe scapigera when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can quickly cause root rot. During the plant's active growth, it may need watering once or twice weekly, but during its dormant period, reduce watering to once a month.
In addition, avoid getting water on the leaves and stems as it can quickly lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilizing Kalanchoe Scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Kalanchoe scapigera doesn't require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once in the spring, using a balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
In addition, you can also mix organic compost into the soil to improve soil health and nutritional content.
Pruning Kalanchoe Scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Kalanchoe scapigera doesn't require frequent pruning. However, you can prune the plant to control its size or shape or to remove any unhealthy or damaged parts.
When pruning, use sterile pruning tools and avoid cutting too much of the plant as it can hinder growth. In addition, clean the pruning tools after every use to avoid spreading diseases between plants.
Propagation of Kalanchoe scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Kalanchoe scapigera Welw. ex Britten, commonly known as the "Pencil Plant," is a popular succulent that is typically propagated through stem cuttings or leaf propagation.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a popular method as it is relatively simple and straightforward. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the early spring when the plant is beginning to grow. Cut a piece of stem approximately 4-6 inches in length, making the cut just below a node.
Remove several of the lower leaves from the cutting leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. Allow the cutting to dry and callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light. Rooting should occur within 2-4 weeks, and the plant can be watered as normal once roots have developed.
Propagation through Leaf Propagation
Propagation through leaf propagation is also a popular method for Kalanchoe scapigera. Select a healthy leaf and gently twist it off the stem, careful to avoid damaging the leaf or stem. Allow the leaf to dry and callus over for several days before planting in well-draining soil.
Keep the soil evenly moist and in bright, indirect light. Within several weeks, small plantlets should begin to develop at the base of the leaf. Once the plantlets have developed enough roots and leaves, the new plant can be transplanted into its own pot.
It is important to note that Kalanchoe scapigera can also propagate through seeds, although this is less common than propagation through stem cuttings or leaf propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe Scapigera Welw. ex Britten
Kalanchoe scapigera, commonly known as the flapjack plant, is a succulent plant that is native to Southern Africa. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and harsh weather conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. However, like all plants, it is not immune to diseases and pests. Here, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a common disease that affects succulent plants, including the flapjack plant. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to the roots' decay, which, in turn, causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, you need to stop watering the plant immediately and allow the soil to dry out. In severe cases, repotting the plant and replacing the infected soil may be necessary.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. It is caused by overwatering the plant, high humidity, and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. Avoid overwatering the plant and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance on the plant's leaves. It is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and consider using a fungicide.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, spider-like creatures that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap or neem oil once a week.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing it to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flattened insects that attach themselves to the plant's stem and leaves, sucking its sap and causing it to yellow and die. To manage scale insects, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure that your Kalanchoe scapigera plant remains healthy and thrives for years to come.
