Air Plant, Life Plant, Goethe Plant
kalanchoe pinnata
Also known as: ["Air Plant","Miracle Leaf","Goethe Plant","Cathedral Bells"]
Overview
A succulent plant known for its ability to produce plantlets along the edges of its leaves, which can root while still attached to the mother plant.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Kalanchoe |
| Botanical Name: | Kalanchoe pinnata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright location or outdoor in sheltered garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix like cactus or succulent soil 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 some direct morning sun; adjust for stronger light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in bright indirect light indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid intense afternoon sun; provide shade during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water less in winter.
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; use a mix designed for succulents.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm conditions; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; protect from extreme heat; maintain stable temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; both methods are effective and straightforward.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a day.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder or gel can be used.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium lightly moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove spent flowers to redirect energy to growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or leggy stems; shape the plant; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or pumice 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 curl in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop brown edges; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe pinnata, which can lead to severe cardiac and gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe pinnata can cause significant cardiac toxicity in dogs, leading to arrhythmias and other serious cardiovascular disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicKalanchoe pinnata contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance when ingested. The plant's effects are particularly dangerous due to their potential to cause severe cardiac issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kalanchoe pinnata toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How does Kalanchoe pinnata reproduce?
A: It reproduces vegetatively by producing plantlets along the edges of its leaves that can root while still attached to the mother plant.
Q: What are the care requirements for Kalanchoe pinnata?
A: It requires bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering, making it suitable for low-maintenance care.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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