Kalanchoe flower is often grown in apartments and private homes. It is bred not only as a medicinal plant. The flowers of yellow, red, white or pink color attract attention and create a unique beauty. Among the plants stand out Kalanchoe Mini Mix - compact and unpretentious hybrids, the cultivation of which does not cause much trouble.
Kalanchoe Mix - how it looks, to which family it belongs
In the wild, such a species does not occur. The flower was bred artificially from Kalanchoe Kalandiva Mini, a representative of the Tolstyankov family, for decorative use. Homeland of culture - the tropical territories of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia. From his ancestor, Kalanchoe Mix took the best qualities, such as appearance and endurance.
Kalanchoe Mini Mix Home
Botanical features of the flower
The flower reaches a height of 30-40 cm. If desired, the plant is regularly cut and pinch the upper shoots. This affects the bushiness and flowering.
Kalanchoe Leaves Mini Mix
The leaves of the culture are dark green in color, round or ovoid in shape, with small teeth. With good care, they acquire a glossy shine and sizes of 5 cm by 3 cm. Foliage is formed mainly on the tops of the stems. Here are small terry flowers of white, red, purple and other shades.
Care for Kalanchoe Mix at home after purchase
It’s easy to take care of the Mini Mix and it will take a little time. But without certain manipulations, it will not be possible to get lush flowering. Caring for Kalanchoe after purchase includes the right choice of lighting, maintaining the right temperature, watering and feeding.
Illumination
The flower requires lighting for at least 12 hours, so from spring to autumn the pot is installed on a window facing east or west. At the very peak of the heat, the flower is covered from the bright rays of the sun to avoid burns to the leaves.
The pot is installed on a window facing east or west
In winter, for Kalanchoe, the best place is the southern window sill. With a short daylight, additional lighting is used. To do this, use phytolamps, luminescent lamps with a glow temperature of 6500 K. It is optimal for daylight hours to last 11-12 hours.
Note! The lack of lighting manifests itself in the form of elongated shoots, chopping leaves, slowing down growth and stopping flowering.
Temperature mode
The temperature varies depending on the season: in summer - up to +30 ° C, in winter - + 14 ... +18 ° C. In the cold season, Kalanchoe Mix tolerates a lower temperature, but with negative thermometer values, the flower becomes sick and can die.
Important! Heating appliances, like drafts, have a detrimental effect on the health of Kalanchoe Mini Mix.
Watering rules and humidity
Kalanchoe Mix does not need waterlogging. Watering is carried out as the soil dries.
Proper watering Kalanchoe Mix
Watering Rules:
- in the summer, the soil is moistened every 5-6 days;
- winter watering is carried out every 10-14 days;
- excess water from the sump is drained after 30 minutes. after watering;
- for irrigation, settled water of room temperature is used;
- the flower is watered along the edge of the pot so that the liquid does not fall on the plant itself.
The succulent has enough humidity in the room, and it does not need additional spraying. Dust off the foliage with a soft, damp cloth.
Top dressing and soil quality
In order for the Kalanchoe Mini to develop, the right soil selection is necessary. The following components are introduced into its composition in equal volumes: sheet earth, humus, sand and turf.
Either universal fertilizers for indoor flowers or mixtures for cacti and succulents are used as top dressing. In order not to overfeed Kalanchoe, a dosage of 2 times less than indicated on the package is used. Summer feeding is carried out every 2 weeks, winter - every month.
Flower Tank Size
Each time a transplant is selected, a new pot is 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. The best option is 12-17 cm, depending on the size of the Kalanchoe Mini. The roots of the flower are small, so he does not need a spacious container. The best option for the pot is ceramic dishes without defects, chips and scratches.
Plant Transplant Features
The first 3 years it is recommended to transplant Kalanchoe Mix into a new container every year (excluding transplantation after buying a flower). Then - once every 3-4 years.
Note! You should not do a few transplants per year. Good development can be achieved if the spring procedure is carried out with the addition of fertile soil.
Transplant procedure:
- The bottom of the new packaging is lined with a layer of expanded clay, then a layer of soil.
- Kalanchoe is removed from the old pot along with an earthen lump.
- Rotting or diseased roots are removed.
- An earthen lump is placed in a new container, sprinkled with soil, the soil is not compacted.
- The flower is watered by adding a small amount of fertilizer.
- Add soil if the soil has settled.
- The transplanted flower is covered for 3 days from sunlight, then returned to its usual place.
Transplanting into a new pot
Additional Information. After transplanting Kalanchoe, Mini does not need fertilizer for several months.
Flowering and dormancy
Kalanchoe blooms once a year, which depends on proper lighting. When flowering ends, partial pruning of the stems is carried out. Cuttings left for propagation. In early autumn, the flower goes into a dormant state. During this period, observe the following rules:
- Bushes are kept at a temperature of + 15 ... +18 ° С.
- Daylight hours are limited to 8 hours. The rest of the time the pot is covered.
- The amount of watering is reduced.
Abundant flowering Kalanchoe Mini Mix
Rest takes 30 days. Then go to the normal content mode.
Ways to extend flowering
To prolong flowering, when caring for Kalanchoe, Mini adhere to the following rules:
- maintain a sufficient level of illumination during daylight hours;
- feed the plant with potassium and phosphorus before flowering and during it;
- remove faded peduncles.
These rules not only prolong flowering, but also help make Kalanchoe bloom at the right time.
Breeding Kalanchoe Mini
Kalanchoe Mini Mix is propagated in two ways.
Seeds
This breeding option is rarely used, since the hybrid practically does not transmit maternal traits. The resulting flowers may not match the description in the catalog.
Seed propagation
Vegetative way
Well-ripened shoots provide rapid germination. Cuttings are planted in moist soil (sand or loose substrate). After 7-10 days, the first roots will appear, and after 6-7 months, the culture will bloom.
Sometimes, instead of cuttings, leaves are used for propagation. But this method is time-consuming and can only be done by experienced gardeners.
Propagation by cuttings
Possible problems in growing Kalanchoe
When caring for a plant, one should not forget about protecting the bush from diseases and pests.
Are there any diseases and pests
The plant rarely gets sick. With the appearance of white, brown or gray spots, which occur when the soil is very moist or if the feeding is incorrect, they change the approach to the care of the bush.
Stains on leaves indicate improper care
Among pests, aphids are noted. Signs of the presence of insects are yellowing and falling of leaves. Treatment of the affected areas with a solution of laundry soap is required.
The appearance of aphids on the bushes
Note! Kalanchoe Mini can be infected by a newly acquired infected flower that has not been quarantined.
If you follow the rules for caring for Kalanchoe Mix at home, the flower will delight you with abundant and beautiful flowering. In addition, the plant will help get rid of some diseases, since it is medicinal.
