How to grow Kalanchoe in winter?

Kalanchoe is a beautiful and easy-to-grow succulent plant that is popular for its drought tolerance, easy care, and rich flower colors. Its flowers are colorful, especially in the cold winter, they can bring a touch of warmth and vitality. So how to grow Kalanchoe in winter? Let’s take a look below.

1. Winter light requirements

Kalanchoe is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers an environment with plenty of sunlight. In winter, the sunlight becomes weaker and the lighting time is shortened. At this time, it is necessary to provide sufficient light for the Kalanchoe. Place it in a sunny windowsill, making sure it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If there is not enough sunlight indoors, you can consider using plant growth lights to make up for it.

In winter, if the Kalanchoe does not receive enough sunlight, it may cause yellowing of the leaves and reduced flowering. Therefore, maintaining good lighting is essential to its health.

2. Temperature management

Kalanchoe adapts to warm environments, and the minimum temperature in winter should be kept above 10℃. Temperatures that are too low may cause the plants to grow slowly or even get frozen. Therefore, when caring for it in winter, be careful to avoid placing it near a cold window or in a place with strong air circulation. The ideal room temperature is 15-25℃. Too high a temperature will cause the Kalanchoe to grow too tall and affect the morphology of the plant.

In colder areas, if the room temperature is low, consider moving the pot to a warmer area indoors to ensure the plant does not freeze.

3. Watering in winter

The growth rate of Kalanchoe is slower in winter, and because of the lower temperature, the evaporation rate of water slows down, and the soil will remain moist for a longer time. Therefore, special attention should be paid to watering in moderation in winter to avoid water accumulation and root rot. Check the soil dryness and wetness, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering, and avoid a long-term wet soil environment.

When watering in winter, it is best to use warm water rather than cold water to prevent the cold water from irritating the roots and affecting the health of the plants. Especially when watering, avoid direct contact of water with the leaves to prevent water droplets from freezing on the leaves and causing frost damage.

4. Control fertilization

In winter, the growth rate of Kalanchoe slows down, so it does not need too much fertilizer. Excessive fertilizer not only fails to promote plant health, but may also cause fertilizer accumulation and damage the root system. It is recommended to stop fertilizing completely in winter, and then start fertilizing appropriately when the temperature rises in spring and the plants enter the growth period. Use diluted liquid fertilizer in spring and summer to promote new branch growth and flowering of Kalanchoe.

5. Ventilation and humidity control

The air is dry in winter, but Kalanchoe does not like an overly humid environment. Therefore, maintain good ventilation and avoid prolonged water accumulation or overly humid environments. When maintaining indoors, especially in places where air conditioning or heating is used frequently, the air will become abnormally dry. You can increase the air humidity appropriately, but avoid excessive moisture.

If the air is too dry, you can increase the humidity by placing a water tray near the flower pot or using a humidifier to help the plant maintain a good growing environment.

6. Pruning and cleaning

In winter, the growth of Kalanchoe is relatively slow, but it is still necessary to clean the yellow leaves and withered flowers regularly. Proper pruning can help the plant concentrate nutrients so that it can better resume growth in the spring. If you find that the plant has branches that are too long, you can prune it appropriately to control the plant shape and maintain a neat shape.

7. Avoid pests and diseases

Winter is cold, plants grow slowly, their immunity decreases, and they are more susceptible to attacks by pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, etc. Check leaves and branches regularly and deal with pests and diseases promptly if found. You can wash the plant gently with warm or soapy water, or use an appropriate insecticide for control.

Although Kalanchoe is a drought-resistant and cold-resistant plant, it still requires special care in winter. Appropriate lighting, temperature control, watering methods and proper ventilation environment are the key to ensuring the healthy growth of Kalanchoe in cold seasons.