Calandiva, also known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, is a popular houseplant prized for its colorful and long-lasting flowers. This flowering succulent is easy to grow indoors, but providing proper care is key to helping it thrive. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to care for Calandiva.
Light Requirements
Calandiva thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near an east, west or south facing window where it can get 4-6 hours of sunlight daily without direct exposure to intense afternoon sun which can scorch its leaves. A sheer curtain can help filter direct sunlight. Rotate the pot regularly so all sides get equal light exposure. Insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms.
Watering
Water Calandiva deeply whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become completely dry. This may be every 7-10 days in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter. Allow excess water to drain out from the drainage holes at the bottom to prevent soggy soil. The fleshy leaves will start to wrinkle and shrivel when thirsty. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Soil
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. You can make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil perlite and sand or pumice. Good drainage is important to prevent moisture buildup. Add gravel or pebbles to the drainage holes for better aeration.
Temperature
Calandiva thrives in average room temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep it away from cold drafts from windows or air-conditioning vents. Temperatures below 50°F can damage the foliage. During summer, move the plant to a cooler spot if temperatures exceed 80°F.
Humidity
This tropical succulent prefers average humidity between 40-50%, Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity around the plant Mist the leaves occasionally to boost moisture, Low humidity causes leaf tips to brown Avoid keeping in very humid spots which encourage pests and diseases,
Fertilizer
Feed Calandiva once a month in the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. This will help the plant grow and flower. Don’t feed it in the fall and winter because it will be dormant. Never feed a plant that is thirsty or stressed.
Pruning
Pinch or snip off spent flower stems to encourage reblooming. Get rid of any leaves that are dead, damaged, or just don’t look good to keep the plant looking neat. Pruning also helps direct the plant’s energy towards producing flowers. Disinfect pruners before each use to prevent disease transmission.
Repotting
Calandiva needs to be repotted every two to three years in the spring before it starts to grow. For better drainage, move it to a slightly bigger pot with new potting mix. Going 1-2 inches wider allows the roots more room. Handle the plant by its base instead of its stem, which is more likely to break. Once it’s settled in, give it lots of water and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Propagation
Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove the bottom leaves and let the end callous over before inserting into well-draining soil. Enclose in a plastic bag to increase humidity as roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Mature Calandiva can also be divided by uprooting and separating the offsets or pups growing around the base or sides of the mother plant.
Common Problems
Drooping leaves – From under-watering. Water more frequently.
Wrinkled leaves – Sign of dehydration. Increase watering frequency.
Leaf scorch – Caused by too much direct sunlight. Move to a shadier spot.
Few flowers – Due to insufficient sunlight. Place in a brighter location.
Root rot – From overwatering or poor drainage. Repot in fresh mix.
Leggy growth – Not enough sunlight. Rotate plant or move closer to window.
Pale leaves – Needs more fertilizer. Feed monthly in growing season.
With its colorful blooms and ease of care, Calandiva can be an excellent low maintenance houseplant for beginners and busy people. Provide this tropical succulent with bright filtered light, moderate watering, and well-draining soil for optimal growth and flowers. It’s a great way to add long-lasting color in any indoor space.
How much light does the Calandiva need?
As a succulent, this plant does best with plenty of bright indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sunlight. In the winter or once their flowers have bloomed, they can withstand medium levels of light.
How to grow and repot the Calandiva
- Growing – Calandivas are slow growers. During spring and summer, fertilize once a month. As was said above, light pruning and pinching will help it keep its shape and look.
- Planting again – Léon e. has been too wet) or to give the soil new nutrients and make it fresh again Find a new grow pot that is 2″ bigger than the old one if you want your plant to get bigger. You can use the same pot again and just change the soil if you’re happy with the size. Make sure the soil for the Calandiva drains well or stays moist. You can get your hands dirty even if you don’t have a yard. Lay out newspaper on the floor, take the plant out of its pot, and shake off as much old soil as you can to get clean roots. There should be a layer of soil at the bottom of the grow pot. Place the plant in the middle of the pot and cover it with new soil. Pat down firmly and water thoroughly. Place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. It will take your plant two to four weeks to get used to its new home.
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FAQ
How long does a Calandiva plant last indoors?
Calandivas are available in a wide variety of colors, which makes finding one that matches your home décor easy, and their blooms can be long-lasting, making them perfect for gift-giving. “Their double blooms last about six to eight weeks,” explains Neese. Debbie Neese is a horticultural expert with Lively Root.
Why is my Calandiva plant wilting?
Wilting in your Calandiva plant is often a sign of improper watering, either overwatering or underwatering. Other factors like light, temperature, and humidity can also contribute.
How often should I water Calandiva?
Calandiva plants, being succulents, need to be watered sparingly. Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and let it dry out completely between times. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months when growth slows down.