Air Plant

kalanchoe tetraphylla

Also known as: ["Mother of Thousands","Air Plant"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant with fleshy, four-lobed leaves and small, tubular flowers, native to Madagascar.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe tetraphylla

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement seasonally to avoid scorching.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh mix annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild fluctuations but avoids extremes. Grows best in moderate temperatures with cooler nights.

Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden drops.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; use sterile tools.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove spent flower stalks.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/leggy stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetting

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water to the base, avoiding wetting leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering; use a heat mat if necessary.

Hot Stress

Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop brown edges; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Kalanchoe tetraphylla may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Kalanchoe tetraphylla can result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which impair nutrient uptake and turgor pressure.

Leaf spots on Kalanchoe tetraphylla may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to necrotic areas on the leaves, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Kalanchoe tetraphylla is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe tetraphylla, which can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction, electrolyte disturbances, and gastrointestinal distress. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent fatal outcomes.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling lethargy tachycardia difficulty breathing seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure plants are inaccessible to cats. Seek emergency veterinary care if poisoning is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe tetraphylla can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal upset, and electrolyte imbalances in dogs. Toxicity can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Kalanchoe tetraphylla contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance in humans. Ingestion can lead to serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain irregular heartbeat dizziness confusion
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Kalanchoe tetraphylla toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe tetraphylla?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Q: Does Kalanchoe tetraphylla require direct sunlight?

A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright, indirect light to part
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers"]
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