Kalanchoe is a genus of succulents that includes 125 species very different from each other. But in today’s article, we will focus on the Kalanchoe Marmorata specie, very distinctive by the shape of its leaves and, above all, for the flowering that seems not to come from this succulent plant.
The Kalanchoe is native to warm climatic zones and subtropical environments of various African countries. However, it grows easily and can be propagated by cuttings in pots. A perfect gift to enjoy at home in well-lit, constant temperature environments.
Origin: Native to Africa, notably Zaire, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.
Leaves: they can reach up to 20 centimeters long. They are rounded and of intense green color with violet speckles.
Taxonomy
- Order of Saxifragales
- Family Crassulaceae
- Genus Kalanchoe
- Species kalanchoe Marmorata
Etymology: the scientific name of Kalanchoe Marmorata comes from the term Kalanchoe (temple plant) and Marmorata (marble, because of the veining of its leaves).
Flowering: The Most Striking of the Plant
Kalanchoe Marmorata is one of the most spectacular and largest flowering succulents of this genus. In general, the flowers produced by succulent plants are usually numerous, small and grouped in clusters.
In the case of K. Marmorata, it produces medium-sized flowers in spring, although, depending on the conditions, they can also appear in mid-winter.
These flowers are composed of 4 petals with pointed tips and a very attractive white color, offering a great contrast with the mottled greenery of the leaves.
How to Care for the Kalanchoe Marmorata
Location and Climate
In general, they do well in warm, dry climates. Even direct sunlight, but with caution as it can burn the leaves.
It can be grown in the garden if it enjoys a Mediterranean environment, grown in full sun and without risk of frost. Otherwise, it is perfectly suitable for growing in pots indoors or in indoor 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: it needs a lot of light. They tolerate the direct sun with caution.
Humidity: speciality of dry environments, although it is easily cultivated in coastal zones.
Type of Soil and Cultivation in Pots
The cultivation of Kalanchoe Marmorata in pots is practically widespread and generalized, so we will prepare an ideal mixture between a universal substrate and porous materials with a beautiful drainage, such as the following:
- Coconut fiber
- Vermiculite
- Raw sand
- Perlite
- Akadama
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 drainage of excess water at the base of the pot.
If grown in the garden, in warm regions, a light texture such as sand or silt, deep fertile soils and a pH that can be either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline are recommended.
How To Water and Fertilize the Kalanchoe Marmorata?
Being a succulent plant, Kalanchoe Marmorata 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 for this plant must be reduced and light, never providing it with more water than it needs, at the risk of rotting its roots. Hence the importance of choosing a fairly draining substrate.
In this case, as for cacti and succulents, we will follow the law of the finger, inserting the tip up to the first phalanx (2 or 3 cm) and feeling the humidity. If there is any, we will leave the irrigation for the next day. If not, we will water with an approximate quantity of 1/6 or 1/8 of the volume of the pot.
Nutrients
It is not a very demanding plant in terms of nutrients, especially if you play with 50% of the share of universal substrate or earthworm humus. It is enough to add fertilizer 2 or 3 times to ensure adequate flowering and budding of the plant throughout the spring and summer.
For succulents, we prefer to use granular fertilizers, which dissolve easily with the supplied irrigation water. The ideal mix is NPK 12-8-16 or similar, as it has an excellent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio for a succulent plant.
Multiplication by Cuttings
A simple and fast way to obtain new plants identical to the mother is the cutting. For that, one selects stems of 8-10 cm length, by cleaning the base of the leaves (it will be the part which one will bury in the substrate).
This technique is carried out in spring and summer, with sufficient sap movement, and it is advisable to introduce the stem for a few days (5-7 days) in water and then transplant it into a pot with a substrate that is always moist (the formula of 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 on hand rooting hormones, because it accelerates the rooting operation and we have more chances to succeed.
There you are! With those tips, you should easily be able to grow Kalanchoe Marmorata plants in your garden. What else do you already grow? Share everything with us in the comments below.
