If you are a lover of plants, surely some that are not missing in your garden or at home are the crass. They are plants that practically take care of themselves, as long as you meet what they need. For this reason, this time we want to focus on the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora.
You know which one is? What are their characteristics? And the care you need? Don't worry, we will answer all those questions below. Take note!
How is the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
First of all, you should know exactly what the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is like. It is a perennial plant of the Crassulaceae family. Originally from Madagascar. However, it is possible that you will find it with other names such as "elephant ear". The reason for this nickname is due to its leaves, which have a velvety soft texture and are dark green. These leaves grow in rosettes at the base of the plant, and don't be surprised that they easily reach 15 centimeters in length.
In addition to those characteristic leaves, it will also throw flowers on you. Are they will be in clusters and may be red, pink or yellow. They will always do it in spring and summer.
It is actually very easy to care for and can be kept both indoors and outdoors. However, it needs a series of requirements to be met in order for it to grow up healthy and happy, which is what we are going to talk about next.
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora care
If you have a Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, or plan to buy one, what we indicate below can help you cover all the needs it has. Remember that the more you offer him to get closer to what he needs, the more he will thank you (in beauty).
Location, lighting and temperature
Let's go with three important guidelines so that your plant is well. Regarding the location, you can Place it both indoors and outdoors. It is said that you have to put it in a place where it does not get direct sun, because its leaves are very sensitive and that can cause them to burn. Besides, Depending on the weather you have, it may be more hours in the sun or not.
For example, if you live in a hot climate and the sun burns even in winter, it will be better to put it in semi-shade so that it gets the sun early or late in the day, and the rest is protected.
As for light, it needs a lot, always indirectly. Lastly, temperature is paramount. And it is that the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora does not tolerate extremely low temperatures. try to keep it always above 10ºC. It prefers high temperatures to low ones.
Transplant
When you buy your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, you may not have to consider putting it in another pot. But if this one that it carries contains the roots and they come out, then yes you should do it. You will need to put it in a larger pot and for this the best substrate to use is a mixture of cactus and succulent soil.
If you can, add a little perlite or similar to prevent the soil from compacting too much and the roots are better oxygenated.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most important care for Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. And it is that if you spend with the irrigation you can load the plant. In this case, scarcity is preferable to abundance.
That said, keep in mind that you have to water it only when the earth is completely dry. Don't worry about thinking that he is going to suffer; actually it won't because it is drought resistant. And it is preferable to water little, even if you have to watch it more often, than to overdo it and cause the roots to rot.
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Unlike other plants that need monthly fertilizer, in the case of the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora this is not the case. you can throw him once a month, or every two months, in the spring and summer months. But instead of the dose that is recommended by the manufacturer, in this plant you should use half of that dose.
Pruning
The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora will need help to stay healthy and to encourage flowering. We refer to the need that you will have for you cut the dried flowers, as well as the leaves, to prevent it from looking unkempt.
Plagues and diseases
One of the issues that worries us the most when we have plants is not knowing if they have pests or diseases (until it is unavoidable). In the case of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, you should know that the most common are the following:
- Mites: Mites are a type of arachnid that feed on plant sap. You will notice that the plant has brown spots on the leaves and a scratchy appearance. To remove it you have to clean it with a damp cloth and use a pesticide.
- Whiteflies: It also feeds on the sap of the plant. Its treatment is the same as the previous one, only that the pesticide must be aimed at this pest.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungus that appears as a white or grayish coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To treat it, you have to clean the plant and use a fungicide that prevents the appearance of it.
- Mold: You will notice it because a white or grayish layer will form on the surface of the earth. What you will need to do is remove the top layer of soil and replace it with a fresh layer of soil. Of course, we recommend that you also use a fungicide because that way you will prevent it from reappearing.
Multiplication
Finally, you should know that there are a couple of ways to multiply your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. We tell you.
- By cuttings: It is the fastest and easiest way. It consists of cutting a cutting about 4-6 centimeters long. You will have to remove the leaves from the bottom and put it in a pot with soil for cacti and succulents. For best success, place it in a somewhat sunny and warm area. And keep the soil moist (not wet). After a few weeks the cutting should root.
- By divisions: Another way to multiply a Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora is through divisions. That is, when you take the plant out of the pot (to transplant it, for example), you can cut the plant with a knife, making sure that each part has a few leaves and roots, and plant directly in separate pots with soil for cacti and succulents.
As you can see, taking care of the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is not difficult. Would you dare to have one at home?