Will topping the Kalanchoe in November affect its flowering? What should I do if the leaves of the Kalanchoe are dry?

Kalanchoe is a fleshy herb that usually blooms around Christmas, with rich colors and abundant flowers. So will topping Kalanchoe in November affect its flowering?

Will topping the Kalanchoe in November affect its flowering?

It will affect flowering.

Kalanchoe has strong vitality and is particularly easy to survive. November is the best time for Kalanchoe to produce flower buds. Topping it at this time will definitely affect its flowering.

There are generally three stages for topping Kalanchoe: First, in the seedling stage, when there are more than four or five leaves, about 4 to 6 cm, topping is done to allow for more branches, so that the plant is no longer a single seedling and the plant is plump. Second, in spring, when the temperature is just right and Kalanchoe is in its peak growth season, with strong germination, topping, pruning, and cuttings are more suitable, so that it will continue to differentiate and grow. More flower branches will grow on the side. Third, in autumn, before flowering, topping is done to inhibit plant growth, differentiate flower buds, and concentrate nutrients for flowering. This is best done before October.

When the temperature reaches about 15 degrees Celsius, Kalanchoe enters the period of reproductive organ development, which is the period when the flower buds mature and differentiate, and then turn to the period of nurturing flower buds and blooming flowers. This is also the so-called "short-day" period. Short-day is suitable for Kalanchoe to differentiate flower buds, grow flower buds and bloom. Stop topping and then add fertilizer. Choose phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. We can directly use potassium dihydrogen phosphate, or we can use fertilizers with high phosphorus and potassium content and other elements. For example, Huaduoduo No. 2, we guarantee 2 to 3 fertilizer supplements a month, adhering to the principle of thin fertilizer and frequent application.

Because the climate in different places is different, the period of bud formation is also different. If you see that the plant has entered the stage of flower bud differentiation or bud formation, it will be difficult to bloom if you top it at this time, or it will not bloom. Because according to the physiology of Kalanchoe, it will only bloom once a year. At this time, you cannot top it, and you need to start maintenance to promote the blooming of flowers.

What to do if the leaves of Kalanchoe become dry

Improper watering

Insufficient or excessive watering may cause the center of the Kalanchoe leaves to turn yellow. Kalanchoe is a fleshy herb. Although it is not a succulent plant, its leaves are still fleshy and thick. If we do not water enough, the leaves will shrivel, turn yellow, or even fall off. However, if we water too much, it will cause root rot, and the Kalanchoe will also have yellow leaves and fall off! Therefore, we must pay attention to the principle of "water thoroughly when dry" and do not water frequently.

Improper fertilization

Applying too much fertilizer or too concentrated fertilizer will cause root burn, which will be manifested on the upper leaves as the new leaves turn yellow, curl and fall off. Therefore, when we apply fertilizer, we must follow the principle of "applying small amounts of fertilizer frequently" and do not apply raw fertilizer or concentrated fertilizer. We must apply fertilizer in moderation.

Improper lighting

Kalanchoe is very light-loving, but it cannot be exposed to strong light. Therefore, if the light is too strong, the leaves of the Kalanchoe will turn yellow. Similarly, if we do not have enough light, the leaves of the Kalanchoe will also turn green and yellow!

When is the best time to prune Kalanchoe?

The best time to prune Kalanchoe is after the flowering period in spring. In addition to pruning the remaining flowers, you can also top and repot. Kalanchoe will hibernate for a short period of time during the high temperature period in summer, and its growth will become slow or basically stagnate. It can only be placed in a cool and ventilated place to spend the summer. After the midsummer season, it will start to grow again in August and September. The elongated branches can be pruned again. After September, the focus of maintenance is on fertilization and flowering. Diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizers or Huaduoduo can be applied 1-2 times a month to facilitate more flowering. In most places with suitable climate and sufficient light, the flowering period can be ushered in around November, and the flowering will continue until around March and April.

Although Kalanchoe is a short-day plant, its flowering period can be adjusted by adjusting the light and ambient temperature, but it still has its own approximate growth cycle. It is generally not necessary to change the pot during the flowering period, and it is not necessary to do large-scale pinching and topping. In addition to Kalanchoe, other potted plants also follow the same rules. Pruning is generally done during the residual flowering period and vigorous growth period.