Overview of Kalanchoe schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla (Baker) Baill. is a small succulent plant species that belongs to the family Crassulaceae, native to Madagascar. It is a popular ornamental plant noted for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. The plant is commonly known as "Walking Kalanchoe" or "Splitting Leaf Kalanchoe" due to its unique ability to reproduce vegetatively by producing new, fully-formed plants from the edges of its leaves.
Appearance of Kalanchoe schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla typically grows 10-15 cm tall, with a rosette of leaves that are greenish-grey, thick, and succulent. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a distinct "fishbone" appearance, which gives the plant a very unique look. The leaves are covered with a powdery, waxy substance and have small, pinkish-red spots on them.
In late winter or early spring, Kalanchoe schizophylla produces clusters of small, bell-shaped, coral-pink flowers on long stems that grow up to 30 cm tall. The flowers are long-lasting and can stay on the plant for several weeks. The plant is self-fertile and can produce viable seeds.
Usage and Benefits of Kalanchoe schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. It is a low-maintenance plant and can be grown indoors or outdoors in containers, rock gardens, or mixed borders. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. The plant can tolerate drought and requires infrequent watering.
The leaves of Kalanchoe schizophylla are used in traditional medicine in Madagascar to treat a variety of ailments including diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throat. The plant is also used to treat skin conditions such as burns, infections, and insect bites. Extracts from the plant have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
However, the plant is toxic to pets and humans and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. It is also recommended to wear gloves while handling the plant as the sap can cause skin irritation.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe schizophylla requires bright but indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade and low light conditions, but this may affect its growth and flowering. It is essential to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn and leaf damage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is crucial to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can lead to frost damage and death. In cooler climates, it is best to grow Kalanchoe schizophylla indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Kalanchoe schizophylla thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A typical recommended soil mixture is equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or cactus soil mix. It is essential to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Kalanchoe Schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla, commonly known as Walking Kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. When potting this plant, you should ensure that the soil is mixed with sand or perlite to aid in drainage.
It's best to plant Walking Kalanchoe in a container with drainage holes that allow excess water to escape from the soil. The plant can also be grown outdoors in a rock garden or cactus bed. In this case, ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Watering Needs for Kalanchoe Schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla is a drought-tolerant plant and requires infrequent watering. When watering, you should ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering again to prevent over-watering, which could lead to root rot.
The frequency of watering depends mainly on the environmental conditions and the soil type. During the winter months, when the plant enters dormancy, the watering should reduce to once a month.
Fertilization of Kalanchoe Schizophylla
Walking Kalanchoe requires minimal fertilizer applied sparingly to prevent overfeeding, which could lead to damage or death of the plant. A balanced fertilizer is recommended, applied every 3-4 months during the growing season.
Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost and worm castings can be used to add nutrients to the soil and promote healthy growth.
Pruning Kalanchoe Schizophylla
Although Walking Kalanchoe doesn't require pruning, it can be done to keep the plant looking neat and prevent it from becoming leggy. Pruning should be done during the active growing season and just before winter to encourage healthy growth and reduce nutrient demand.
You can use sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or diseased leaves or stem tips. If you want to propagate the plant, pruning is an excellent way to get stem cuttings for propagation.
Propagation of Kalanchoe schizophylla
Kalanchoe schizophylla, also known as Walking Kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to Madagascar and has unique characteristics that make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. If you are thinking of propagating Kalanchoe schizophylla, there are a few methods that you can try.Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are one of the easiest ways to propagate Kalanchoe schizophylla. For this method, select a healthy stem of the plant and cut it with a sharp, sterilized tool. Make sure that the cutting is at least 5-6 inches long and has a few nodes. Remove the lower leaves and allow the cutting to dry for a day or two. Once the cutting has dried, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the plant lightly and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment. Place the plant in a warm area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, you should see new growth on the cutting.Propagation by leaf cuttings
Another way to propagate Kalanchoe schizophylla is by leaf cuttings. To do this, select a healthy leaf from the plant and cut it off at the base. Make sure that the leaf has a petiole attached to it. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two. Once the leaf has dried, dip the cut end of the petiole in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the plant lightly and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment. Place the plant in a warm area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the base of the leaf.Propagation by division
If your Kalanchoe schizophylla has grown large enough, you can propagate it by division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the individual offsets or clumps. Make sure each clump has a healthy root system and a few leaves attached. Plant these smaller plant clumps into their containers, making sure not to bury any leaves that can cause the leaves to rot. Water the newly transplanted Kalanchoe schizophylla well but take care not to overwater the plants for the next couple of weeks. Propagation by division is ideal if you want to propagate several new plants at once.Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe schizophylla (Baker) Baill.
Kalanchoe schizophylla (Baker) Baill. is a hardy plant, but it can still fall victim to various diseases and pests. The following section provides detailed information on the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggests ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts immediately, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt and die. Water the plant only when necessary and avoid waterlogging the soil. Additionally, use a well-draining potting mix.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white or gray substance to appear on the leaves, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid over-fertilizing.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cotton-like masses on the leaves. To manage them, remove the visible bugs with tweezers or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Additionally, use insecticidal sprays or natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing curled and wilted leaves. To manage these pests, use insecticidal sprays or attract natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. To manage them, improve air circulation around the plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
By understanding and taking steps to manage common diseases and pests, gardeners can help their Kalanchoe schizophylla (Baker) Baill. plants thrive and be healthy.
