Kalanchoe is a popular and easy-to-care-for succulent known for its vibrant, colorful blooms. However, after the flowers fade, many people are unsure what to do with this resilient plant. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned one, it’s important to know how to care for Kalanchoe after flowering to ensure its continued health and beauty. This article will provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to care for your Kalanchoe, so it can thrive after the bloom has passed.
What Happens After Kalanchoe Flowers?
After your Kalanchoe plant finishes flowering, the plant’s energy will be used up in producing those vibrant blooms. The flowers start to fade and wither, leaving the plant looking a bit sparse. It’s easy to think the plant is no longer attractive or is dying, but that’s not the case. Kalanchoe is a resilient plant, and with proper care, it can continue to grow and bloom again in the future. Knowing how to care for it after flowering can rejuvenate the plant and ensure it will thrive for many years to come.
Pruning Your Kalanchoe After It Flowers
One of the most important steps in caring for Kalanchoe after flowering is pruning. Once the flowers start to fade, it’s a good idea to trim them back. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the dead flowers. Cut just above the base of the flower stem to prevent any unnecessary energy from being directed toward the spent blooms.
Pruning also helps improve the plant’s overall appearance and promotes new growth. After flowering, you may also want to trim any leggy or overgrown stems. This encourages a more compact and bushy shape, making your Kalanchoe look fuller and healthier.
Giving Your Kalanchoe the Right Environment
After flowering, Kalanchoe needs the right conditions to thrive. This includes the appropriate amount of sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Kalanchoe prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so placing it near a window with good natural light is ideal. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature-wise, Kalanchoe thrives in warm conditions, typically between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Ensure that your plant is not exposed to cold drafts or drastic temperature changes, as this can stress the plant.
Humidity is not as critical for Kalanchoe, but it should not be kept in overly humid environments. Ensure that your plant is not too close to a humidifier or in a damp room.
Watering and Fertilizing
After flowering, your Kalanchoe’s watering needs will change. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as Kalanchoe is a succulent that prefers dry conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before adding more water. Typically, watering every 2-3 weeks should suffice.
During the blooming period, Kalanchoe may need more frequent watering, but after the flowers fade, its needs decrease. When watering, make sure the excess water can drain freely from the pot.
You can also fertilize your Kalanchoe after flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support the plant’s continued growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth that the plant may not be able to handle. Fertilizing once every month or so during the growing season should be enough.
Potting and Repotting
After flowering, it may be a good time to check whether your Kalanchoe needs repotting. If the plant has outgrown its current pot or the soil has become compacted, repotting will allow the plant to grow stronger and healthier.
When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Use well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, as this will help prevent waterlogging and root rot. If your Kalanchoe is in a pot with poor drainage, it’s best to move it to a container with drainage holes.
Repotting can be stressful for the plant, so be sure to give it some time to adjust. Avoid watering immediately after repotting; wait a few days to allow the roots to settle into the new soil.
Resting Period for Kalanchoe
After flowering, your Kalanchoe may enter a resting or dormancy period. During this time, growth slows down, and the plant may not need as much care. This period is essential for the plant’s recovery and overall health. It’s crucial not to overwater or overfeed the plant during this time.
To encourage dormancy, reduce the amount of water and let the soil dry out more than usual. Keep the plant in a cool area with low light and avoid fertilizing during this period.
Preparing for the Next Bloom
To ensure your Kalanchoe blooms again in the future, you need to provide it with the right conditions. One of the most important factors in stimulating new blooms is light. After the resting period, increase the light exposure to about 12-14 hours a day to encourage the plant to set buds. You can also begin watering it more frequently and resuming regular care.
As the growing season begins, you may notice new leaves and buds forming on the plant. Be patient, as Kalanchoe can take some time to fully bloom again.
Conclusion
Caring for Kalanchoe after flowering doesn’t have to be complicated. By pruning, adjusting watering schedules, providing the right light, and repotting when necessary, your Kalanchoe can thrive and bloom again. Remember to be patient with the process, as it may take time for the plant to recover and produce new flowers. With a little attention and care, your Kalanchoe will continue to brighten your home for many years to come.
FAQs About Kalanchoe
1. How often should I water Kalanchoe after it flowers?
After flowering, you should water Kalanchoe every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot.
2. Can I prune Kalanchoe during the blooming period?
It’s best to wait until the flowers have faded before pruning. Pruning during bloom may affect the plant’s energy and the quality of the flowers.
3. What should I do if my Kalanchoe’s flowers don’t bloom again?
If your Kalanchoe isn’t blooming, try adjusting its light exposure to 12-14 hours a day. Ensure it has a period of rest and that it’s receiving the proper care.
4. Can I keep Kalanchoe outside after it flowers?
Kalanchoe can be kept outside if the weather is warm enough, but it should be placed in a spot with indirect sunlight and sheltered from frost.
5. How do I know when it’s time to repot my Kalanchoe?
Repot your Kalanchoe if the roots outgrow the pot or if the soil has become compacted. A larger pot with drainage holes will help the plant grow better.
