Kalanchoe Mix Mini Mix - how to care
Content:
The Kalanchoe flower is often grown in apartments and private houses. It is bred not only as a medicinal plant. Flowers of yellow, red, white or pink color attract attention and create a unique beauty. Among the plants, Kalanchoe Mini Mix stands out - compact and unpretentious hybrids, the cultivation of which does not cause much trouble.
Kalanchoe Mix - what it looks like, which family it belongs to
This species does not occur in the wild. The flower is artificially bred from Kalanchoe Kalandiva Mini, a representative of the Tolstyankov family, for decorative use. The homeland of culture is the tropical territories of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia. From its progenitor, Kalanchoe, Mix took the best qualities, such as appearance and endurance.
Kalanchoe Mini Mix at home
Botanical features of the flower
The flower reaches a height of 30–40 cm. If desired, the plant is regularly pruned and the upper shoots are pinched. This affects bushiness and flowering.
Kalanchoe Leaves Mini Mix
The leaves of the culture are dark green in color, round or ovoid, with small teeth. With good care, they acquire a glossy shine and are 5 cm by 3 cm in size. The foliage is formed mainly on the tops of the stems. Small double flowers of white, red, purple and other shades are also located here.
Caring for Kalanchoe Mix at home after purchase
It is not difficult to take care of Mini Mix and it will take a little time for this. But without certain manipulations, it will not be possible to get a lush bloom. Caring for the Kalanchoe after purchase includes the correct choice of lighting, maintaining the desired temperature, watering and feeding.
Illumination
The flower requires lighting for at least 12 hours, therefore, from spring to autumn, the pot is installed on a window facing east or west. At the very peak of the heat, the flower is covered from the bright rays of the sun to avoid burning the foliage.
The pot is installed on a window facing east or west
In winter, the best place for Kalanchoe is the southern windowsill. Additional lighting is used for short daylight hours. For this, phytolamps, fluorescent lamps with a glow temperature of 6500 K are used. Optimally, the daylight hours should last 11-12 hours.
Temperature regime
The temperature varies depending on the season: in summer - up to +30 ° C, in winter - + 14 ... +18 ° C. In the cold season, Kalanchoe Mix tolerates lower temperatures, but with negative thermometer readings, the flower becomes sick and may die.
Watering rules and humidity
Kalanchoe Mix does not need waterlogging. Watering is carried out as the soil dries out.
Proper watering of Kalanchoe Mix
Watering rules:
- in summer, the soil is moistened every 5–6 days;
- winter watering is carried out every 10-14 days;
- the excess water is drained from the pan after 30 minutes. after watering;
- for irrigation, settled water at room temperature is used;
- the flower is watered along the edge of the pot so that the liquid does not get on the plant itself.
The succulent has enough humidity in the room, and it does not need additional spraying. Remove dust on foliage with a soft, damp cloth.
Top dressing and soil quality
For Kalanchoe Mini to develop, the right choice of soil is necessary. The following components are introduced into its composition in equal volumes: leaf earth, humus, sand and sod.
As a top dressing, either universal fertilizers for indoor flowers or mixtures for cacti and succulents are used. In order not to overfeed the Kalanchoe, the dosage is 2 times less than indicated on the package. Summer feeding is carried out every 2 weeks, winter - monthly.
Flower container size
Each time when transplanting, a new pot is chosen 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. The best option is 12–17 cm, depending on the size of the Kalanchoe Mini. The roots of the flower are small, so it does not need a spacious container. The best pot option is ceramic dishes without defects, chips or scratches.
Features of plant transplant
For the first 3 years, it is recommended to transplant Kalanchoe Mix into a new container every year (excluding transplanting after buying a flower). Then - once every 3-4 years.
Transplant procedure:
- The bottom of the new container is lined with a layer of expanded clay, then a layer of soil.
- Kalanchoe is removed from an old pot along with an earthen lump.
- Decaying or diseased roots are removed.
- The earthen lump is placed in a new container, sprinkled with soil, the soil is not tamped.
- The flower is watered with a small amount of fertilizer.
- Fill up the soil if the soil has settled.
- The transplanted flower is covered from sunlight for 3 days, then returned to its usual place.
Transferring to a new pot
Flowering and dormant period of the plant
Kalanchoe blooms once a year, depending on the correct lighting. When flowering ends, partial cutting of the stems is carried out. Cuttings are left for reproduction. At the beginning of autumn, the flower goes into a dormant state. During this period, the following rules are observed:
- The bushes are kept at a temperature of + 15 ... + 18 ° С.
- Daylight hours are limited to 8 hours. The rest of the time the pot is covered.
- The amount of watering decreases.
Abundant flowering Kalanchoe Mini Mix
It takes 30 days to rest. Then they go to the normal containment regime.
Flowering extension methods
To prolong flowering, when caring for Kalanchoe Mini, they adhere to the following rules:
- maintain a sufficient level of illumination throughout the day;
- feed the plant with potassium and phosphorus before and during flowering;
- remove faded peduncles.
These rules not only prolong flowering, but also help make the Kalanchoe bloom at the right time.
Reproduction of Kalanchoe Mini
Kalanchoe Mini Mix is propagated in two ways.
Seeds
This breeding option is rarely used, since the hybrid practically does not transmit maternal traits. The flowers received may not correspond to the description in the catalog.
Seed propagation
Vegetative way
Well-ripened shoots will provide fast germination. Cuttings are planted in moist soil (sand or loose substrate). After 7-10 days, the first roots will appear, and after 6-7 months the culture will bloom.
Sometimes leaves are used for propagation instead of cuttings. But this method is laborious and can only be done by experienced flower growers.
Propagation by cuttings
Possible problems in growing Kalanchoe
When caring for a plant, one must not forget about protecting the bush from diseases and pests.
Are there diseases and pests
The plant is rarely sick. When white, brown or gray spots appear, which occur when the soil is highly moistened or with improper feeding, they change the approach to caring for the bush.
Spots on leaves indicate improper care
Aphids are noted among the pests. Signs of the presence of insects are yellowing and falling foliage. It is required to treat the affected areas with a solution of laundry soap.
The appearance of aphids on the bushes
If you follow the rules for caring for Kalanchoe Mix at home, the flower will delight you with abundant and beautiful flowering. In addition, the plant will help get rid of some diseases, as it is medicinal.
