As a member of the Crassulaceae family, kalanchoes are known for their brilliant colors, which also attract hummingbirds to the outside garden. They bloom in red, yellow, white, orange, pink and multi-colors. The neon vibrant colors are found on kalanchoe blossfeldiana. All most all kalanchoes are perennial and evergreen.
The blooming season for these drought tolerant plants is early winter through early spring, but some can bloom for 6 to 8 months a year. When the blooms are spent they can be pinched off or cut back. Adding a little fertilizer after the first bloom will help them bloom longer. They grow from about six inches to 18 inches tall. They can grow up to two feet wide.
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These plants will do well outdoors in a mild winter climate; they are hardy to 35 degrees. If the temperature drops below 35 in the area, plant them in a container and set them outside during the summer, but bring them in before the first frost.
Outside, Kalanchoes will tolerate full sun (not over 100 degrees), but love partial sun or shade as well. That is what makes them a great houseplant as well as a plant at home in a xeriscape garden. When kept indoors as a houseplant, they prefer bright light. A west or south facing windowsill makes a good home for the kalanchoe, but make sure the light does not hit the plant directly or it might get burned.
Once established, the kalanchoe planted outside does not require additional water during the rainy season. However, during hot summer months or dry spells, they need to be deep watered and will co-exist nicely within a xeriscape landscaping that has the same water requirements.
The indoor plants should be allowed to dry out between watering. Just like any other xeriscape plant, they will experience root rot if they receive too much water.
One of the easiest plants to propagate, kalanchoe can be multiplied by cuttings. Take a sharp knife or shears and cut off about 3 inches on the top of a plant branch that has multiple leaves; cut right below the leaves. Simply let the branch dry out for a few days, then plant in slightly moist soil. Within a few weeks roots will sprout and new leaves will grow.
With very little supervision, these drought tolerant landscape plants will bring years of enjoyment. They bloom bright and thrive in the garden or in a container.
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