Kalanchoe pinnata, also known as cathedral bells or Hawaiian air plant, is a member of the stonecrop family and is popular for its robust growth, bell-shaped flowers, and ability to propagate baby plantlets along the notched edges of its mature leaves. The plant thrives in warm temperatures, well-draining soil, minimal watering, and bright sunlight for at least six hours per day. It is important to note that like other kalanchoe species, kalanchoe pinnata can be toxic to both pets and humans. So, keep your pets and children away from it. The botanical name of this perennial succulent is Kalanchoe pinnata, which was earlier known as Bryophyllum pinnatum. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and grows up to six feet tall in full or partial sun exposure. Sandy, well-drained acidic soil is ideal for its healthy growth, and it blooms during the spring season with yellow, pink, or red flowers. The plant is native to Madagascar and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. To ensure proper care of your kalanchoe pinnata, provide it with appropriate growing conditions as mentioned above. Also, avoid exposing it to extreme cold or heat. Regularly check your plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take necessary preventive measures to keep it healthy. Overall, kalanchoe pinnata is an attractive plant that can beautify your home or garden, provided it is taken care of properly.
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To care for kalanchoe pinnata, it’s important to water deeply but only when the soil is dry. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, which may take a week or longer depending on your environment. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues, so it’s best to err on the side of underwatering. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to once a month or less. Fertilizer Feed your kalanchoe pinnata once in spring and once in summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, as overfertilizing can harm the plant. Avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plant is dormant. Caution Planting kalanchoe pinnata outdoors in regions where it’s winter hardy (zones 10-11) can lead to invasive growth. In Florida, it’s considered a Category II invasive plant, so it’s best to grow this species indoors to prevent it from spreading in the landscape.
To keep your kalanchoe pinnata healthy and looking its best, regular pruning is recommended. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back overgrown stems to encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to stimulate more blooms. Remember to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Regular pruning isn’t necessary for the health of Kalanchoe pinnata, but it may be beneficial to trim the foliage if the plant appears overgrown or too tall for your space. When pruning, use sharp scissors or pruners and do not remove more than a quarter of the plant’s total growth. You can also save cuttings from your pruning to propagate new plants. Propagating Kalanchoe pinnata is simple and can be done using either leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. It is best to do this during the active growth period of spring or summer. To propagate, follow these steps.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to propagating, potting, and caring for Kalanchoe Pinnata plants. To propagate using leaf cuttings, choose a healthy leaf and remove it from the mother plant, leaving the petiole behind. Let it callus for a day or two before placing it on succulent soil. For stem cuttings, remove a six-inch stem tip from the mother plant, allow it to callus, dip it in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in the soil. To pot and repot Kalanchoe Pinnata, use fresh soil every two years and go up one pot size. Common pests and diseases include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and powdery mildew. To encourage blooming, provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day or add grow lights. Kalanchoe Pinnata blooms in the summer months and produces bell-shaped flowers that hang down from a tall flower stalk at the top of the plant. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, while wrinkled leaves indicate the plant needs more water.