Kalanchoe It is a genus of succulents that includes 125 species that are very different from each other. Although throughout the blog we have talked about several of them, today we dedicate this article to the species Kalanchoe marmorata, very characteristic for the shape of its leaves and, above all, for the flowering that does not seem to come from this plant succulent.
Kalanchoe has its origin in hot climatic zones and subtropical environments of various African countries. However, it grows easily and is propagated by pot cuttings. A perfect gift to enjoy at home in well-lit environments and consistent temperatures.
Other Kalanchoe to grow:
Contents
Characteristics of Kalanchoe marmorata, a very striking succulent
Origin: native to Africa, especially Zaire, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.
Sheets: They can reach up to 20 centimeters in length. They are rounded in shape and intense green in color with purple spots.
taxonomy
| Ordered | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| sex | Kalanchoe |
| Species | kalanchoe marmorata |
Etymology: the scientific name of kalanchoe marmorata comes from the term Kalanchoe (temple plant) and marmorata (marble, due to the veining of its leaves).
Flowering: the most striking of the plant
kalanchoe marmorata It is one of the succulents of this genus with the most spectacular and largest flowering. Generally, the flowers produced by succulents are usually numerous, small in size, and grouped in clusters.
In the case of K. marmorataproduces medium-sized flowers in spring, although depending on conditions they may also appear in mid-winter.
These flowers are composed of 4 petals with pointed tip White color very attractive, providing a great contrast to the mottled greenery of the leaves.
care guide for kalanchoe marmorata
Kalanchoe plants are famous for their ease of care, highly recommended for interiors.
1. Location and weather
In general, they tolerate hot, dry climates well.. Even direct sun, but with caution as it can scorch the leaves.
May grow in the garden if it has a Mediterranean environment, grown in full sun and without risk of frost. Otherwise, it fits perfectly to the pot culture inside the house or on interior patios.
temperatures: warm environments and constant temperatures (18-25 ºC as optimal). It does not tolerate cold and stops growing below 5-10 ºC.
lighting: needs a lot of light. They tolerate direct sun with caution.
Humidity: specialty in dry environments, although it is easily grown in coastal areas.
2. Soil type and growing in pots
It is practically extended and generalized the cultivation of kalanchoe marmorata in pots, we will therefore prepare an ideal mixture between universal substrate and porous materials with excellent drainage, such as the following:
A recommended option is to mix equal parts universal substrate (50%) and any porous substrate (50%), also incorporating a gravel base at the bottom to improve the exit of excess water at the base of the pot .
If grown in the garden, in warm areas, a light texture like sand or loam, deep fertile soils and a pH that can be either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline are recommended.
3. How to water and fertilize kalanchoe marmorata
Being a succulent, kalanchoe marmorata It has the ability to store a large amount of water in its leaves, with a thick epidermis that prevents its evaporation.
For this reason, the risks in this factory must be small and light, never giving it more water than it needs or its roots will rot. Hence the importance of choosing a sufficiently draining substrate.
In this case, like cacti and succulents, we will follow the law of our finger, inserting the yolk up to the first joint (2 or 3 cm) and looking for humidity. If there is, we will leave the irrigation for the next day. Otherwise, we will irrigate with an approximate amount of 1/6 or 1/8 volume from the pot.
Data to pay our kalanchoe marmorata
It is not a very demanding plant for nutrients, especially if you play with 50% of the share of universal substrate or earthworm humus. with contribution 2 or 3 times fertilizeris sufficient to ensure adequate flowering and budding of the plant throughout spring and summer.
For succulents, we prefer the use of granular fertilizer, which dissolve easily with the supplied irrigation water. An ideal mix is the NPK 12-8-16 formula or similar, as it has an excellent ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for a succulent plant.
4. Propagation by cuttings
A quick and easy way to get new plants identical to the mother is by cuttings. To do this, stems 8-10 cm in length are selected, cleaning the base of the leaves (this will be the part that we will bury in the substrate).
This technique is reread in spring and summer, with sufficient sap movement, it is advisable to introduce the stem for a few days (5 to 7 days) in water and then transplant it into a pot with a substrate that is always moist (formula 50% universal substrate and 50% porous substrate is perfectly valid in this case). We will place the cutting in a lighted environment but without direct sun.
It is interesting and advisable to have rooting hormones on hand, because it speeds up the rooting operation and we are more likely to be successful.
5. Pests and diseases
The most common pests of succulents such as kalanchoe marmorata are the piglets. The most common are cottony scale and shell scale (lice or caparretas).
- Cottony scale: without a hard shell and without movement, formed by distinct white threads on the plant, similar to cotton.
- Brown mealybugs: hard-shelled, motionless and brown colors. Classified as lice, snakes or caparretas.
The most comfortable way to remove this pest is directly with a cloth soaked in soapy water or water and alcohol. In cases where we cannot do this (because there are a large number of plants), we can use potassium soap or resort to fast-acting insecticides, the most common being the active ingredient Pyriproxyfen 10%.
As for diseases, even if kalanchoe marmorata it is a fairly resistant plant, high humidity conditions can generate rot fungi.
Neck diseases: they appear when the substrate is very humid and we water too frequently, affecting the trunk of the plant and slowly rising towards the aerial part, showing stems and leaves with brown and soft spots.
leaf diseases: also caused by humid environments and of fungal origin (fungi such as gray rot) or bacteria, creating chlorotic and brown spots on the leaves in the form of small dots.