Christmas Tree Plant

Christmas Tree Plant Care

Kalanchoe laciniata

What is the plant

Christmas Tree Plant is not really related to Christmas in that cozy winter way, although it resembles a Christmas tree. If you are one of the people that never want to let go of the Christmas tree, this plant is for you, as no one will be judgmental of keeping this one on display during summer. What’s more is that the plant will surely reward you with the same joy as Christmas does, when it starts to bloom with its colorful, fragrant flowers. It is an easy-care plant, and its lush evergreen leaves will surely put a green spot around your house.

This succulent plant is originally from Morocco and the Southwestern part of Africa. It was found growing at high altitudes, up to 6,650 feet (2000 m), so you can imagine that it does not require a lot to thrive. Other common names for it are Lace Leaf Kalanchoe, Cathedral Bells or Fir Tree Kalanchoe. In springtime, they bloom with long-lasting fragrant flowers in yellow-orange shades. The Christmas Tree Plant will grow up to 5 ft. (1,5 m) tall and will resemble a bush in the first years, only to start looking like a proper Christmas tree once it reaches maturity.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

9°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

min 10a

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Avoid watering with your Christmas Tree Plant, as it is easy for it to develop root rot. Use the soak-and-dry method for watering, and don’t let it sit in water. You will know you are overwatering it when the leaves start to mush. Stop watering during wintertime as the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is important in order to ensure good airflow and keep possible pests away. Cut any dead or affected leaves and give it a shape by cutting the stems wherever the foliage starts to be too clustered. Christmas tree plants tend to get a bit messy during the growth period, so don’t shy away from pruning when necessary.
Fertilizer
During the growth season, fertilizing can help the plant get bigger and stronger, so use a mild, liquid fertilizer every 6 weeks in spring and summer and stop fertilizing it in the colder months.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Kalanchoe Laciniata prefers bright spots, especially during the growth period and in the blooming season. However, don’t keep it in full sun all day long, because the leaves might start to get burnt. Ideally, have them in a bright location with partial sun.
Soil
This plant needs well-draining soil, ideally a cactus mix, so it does not lock in moisture. You can also mix normal house plant soil with a good amount of peat moss, sand, and perlite to make sure the plant has the ideal soil to thrive.
Propagation
Propagation through cutting is the easiest and most common way to go about getting a new plant from the Christmas tree plant. During spring, cut a stem with leaves that are not about to bloom and make sure this cutting has growth nodes on it. Let it dry for 2-3 days, then plant the cutting in well-draining soil. You can also dip it in growth hormone before doing so, but this step is optional. The cuttings only need 2-3 weeks before baby leaves start to appear on the new plant.

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Temperature
Kalanchoe Laciniata is not one to resist frost, so keep it in warm temperatures that don’t go below 45 °F (7 °C). Keep the pot away from cold air flows, as the plant can easily be affected by them and start dropping leaves.
Container
Use a clay pot, as it does not keep water locked in for too long, and make sure it also has draining holes. You don’t need to think too much about repotting, as the plant grows quite slowly, only needing repotting every few years.
Fun fact
Kalanchoe Laciniata is a win-win, as it is both an ornamental plant and a medicinal one. The leaves of the plant are used with antiseptic and emollient purposes. They are known to treat digestive problems if ingested and, if applied locally, will soothe a fresh cut or an insect bite.

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Popularity
136 people already have this plant 40 people have added this plant to their wishlists

Common pests
The Christmas tree plant is generally pest resistant and does not attract too many intruders, but if you keep it outdoors, it might develop aphids, scale, and spider mites. Make sure the air flows easily between the stems of the plant to prevent these pests from appearing. They will be spotted under the leaves, in dense spots of the plant. Gently apply an organic insecticide on it, as strong chemicals can affect the plant more, as the leaves are generally very sensible.
Frequent diseases
Botanist’s tips