Throughout the first 100 old age of Kalanchoe Culture , allKalanchoeshad 4 - petaled flowers . In 1998 , a Swedish retailer ofKalanchoes account to his provider that he had found a rum specimen in many plants of ' Bromo , ' a cultivar with purple flowers . alternatively of the typical four flower petal , this mutation had 32 petal , forming a small rose .

This mutation was launch as a cultivar under the name ' Leonardo . ' It was at the origin of a major hybridizing broadcast lead in 2002 to the launching of new serial of full doubleKalanchoes , ' Calandiva . ' Six cultivars were introduced in the first twelvemonth , but others followed . Now the serial includes 50 cultivar in dissimilar shades of red , pink , orange , purple , and white , although only 25 are still listed in the catalog of the Dutch provider . Calandivas took the indoor horticulture mankind by storm and are now the best - sellingKalanchoes worldwide .

Calandivas are usable all twelvemonth round , not just at Christmas . When you buy them , they are compact plants forming a slow rose window whose center is solely hidden by flowers . The flower are gorgeous , stay in flush for six weeks or more , and the works only require minimal care .

Grow and Care Calandiva

Photo via bakker.com

Like other succulents , Calandiva need well - draining soil with a slightly acidulous or neutral pH. Add gumption or perlite to yourpotting soil , or buy a portmanteau made for succulents and cacti . Plant Calandivaoutdoors , about 8 to 12 inches ( 20 to 30 centimetre ) apart . Give the plant full sunshine outdoors and as much sunshine as possibleindoors , either with direct or bright , indirect sunlight . A spindly - looking plant may lead from too fiddling lighter .

Because Calandiva is a drought - tolerant plant , it is skillful to err on the side of too little water rather than too much . Water the plantthoroughly every calendar week or less , but hold back until the soil is ironic before rewatering . Apply a balanced fertiliser once a month during the growing time of year to encourage blossoming , using a smooth fertilizer for an indoor plant and either a fluid or granular type for outdoor plants .

modest pruning andpinchingare all Calandiva ask to advance flowering and create a more bushy full embodiment . Cut back the tallish stem that come up above the leaves after the flowers finish blooming .

Calandiva necessitate long night , from 14 to 16 hours of darkness , and shortsighted day to grow flower bud , which form during the recent crepuscule and winter months . If possible , keep indoor plants out of artificial light during the winter by placing them in a moody room or closet from the recent good afternoon until morning . Once the bud form , let the flora persist anywhere , and look for the first blossoms on your plant in January .

Problems with pests and disease are minor with Calandiva , but the plant life can originate powdery mildew or shank rot fromoverwatering . If your plant has discolored leave or you see furry web - similar heart and soul , the problem could bepowdery mildew . If the leaves are just wilted , the industrial plant may haveroot moulder . In either character , consider whether the soil is too lactating and curve back on watering or apply a commercial-grade product as directed on the packet for powdery mildew . If you see tiny bugs on the flora , such as aphids , brown plate , ormealybugs , wipe them off softly by handwriting .

Source :   sfgate.com

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