"Calandiva" kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana "Calandiva"), a cultivar developed in the Netherlands, flowers for six full weeks in late winter and early spring. You can grow it outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 or as a houseplant in colder climates. "Calandiva" gets along well with minimal care and will flower in the middle of winter -- as long as it's indoors -- with only minor manipulation.
Kalanchoe plants that grow indoors should be watered when a top 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) of soil dries out. Plants that grow outside will not usually need extra watering as they do well with water that a rain provides.
Liquid fertilizers are applied more frequently, bi-weekly or monthly, for example. Granular products are used less frequently, perhaps once every month or two. Slow-release houseplant fertilizers break down slowly and release their nutrients in small amounts, over a longer period of time. A single application of most of these products lasts for three to four months.
Normal home temps are fine. The summer and winter temps really vary here in Tucson and my Kalanchoe outside (in bright shade) does okay. As with any flowering plant, the hotter your home is the faster the flowers will open up, and the shorter the period of bloom will be.
Increase pot size by 2.5-5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter for plants that are growing in pots 25.4 cm (10 inches) in diameter or less. For larger plants, those growing in pots greater than 10 inches in diameter, increase the pot size by 5 or 7.62 cm (2 or 3 inches) in diameter.
flowergiftsbloomingApr 1 · 7 min readComprehensive Guide to National Flowers DayNational Flowers Day celebrates the dawning of perhaps the most anticipated season of all – spring! The day marks the end of winter and a floral character of blooming beauty, positivity, and grace.
flowerflower-meaningsspeciesMar 13 · 10 min readFull Guide on Lotus Flower Meaning, Symbolism and Plant OverviewLotus is an abstract depiction of various religious entities. Because this knowledge may be limited only to where it is commonly cultivated and traded, we will try to shed light on the legends.
diseaseproblempestsMar 4 · 8 min readFull Guide on Plant Leaves Turning YellowYellowing of plant leaves is like a fever in humans, but unlike a doctor prescribing paracetamol for a headache, you will need more than just a plant pill!
speciesgardeningoutdoor-cultivationFeb 27 · 11 min readFull Guide on Best and Worst Potato Companion PlantsPotato companion plants are a diverse crop family thought to have positive agronomic effects on potatoes, soil, and even pest protection.
fruitplantinggardeningFeb 20 · 8 min readFull Guide on Blueberry Companion PlantsSome crops can help blueberries in various ways, all of which are directed to soil improvement, pest resistance, and harvest increment. So, come along to the world of companion plants for blueberries!