How can I best maintain my Kalanchoe at work?
by
Teresa D
+4
I bought a Kalanchoe for my desk at work a month or so ago when I was having a bad day. I'd like to keep it here but I may have some environmental challenges. I sit near a window but get only about an hour of direct sunlight in the afternoon. I also have the HVAC vent blowing down along the window in my cube. Because of these factors, I moved her (Miss Kalanchoe Prime) to the top of my credenza, directly under flourescent lights. The care tag says she requires a well lit room.
Now that the flowers are fading, I'm wondering if I should do anything. Should I clip off the stems once the flowers are completely gone? Pinch off just the parts that had the flowers? Leave it alone? Also, is the flourescent light too much? I'd really rather have it near the window (like it is in the picture) but I'm afraid the air may harm it. On top of my credenza it may be getting this air as well but maybe not as direct. Or maybe I should just take it home and find something more suitable for the environment here (Requiring low/moderate light and not temperature sensitive)?
All suggestions and comments are appreciated! Hope you all are having a GREAT day!
Now that the flowers are fading, I'm wondering if I should do anything. Should I clip off the stems once the flowers are completely gone? Pinch off just the parts that had the flowers? Leave it alone? Also, is the flourescent light too much? I'd really rather have it near the window (like it is in the picture) but I'm afraid the air may harm it. On top of my credenza it may be getting this air as well but maybe not as direct. Or maybe I should just take it home and find something more suitable for the environment here (Requiring low/moderate light and not temperature sensitive)?
All suggestions and comments are appreciated! Hope you all are having a GREAT day!
7 answers
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This site recommends trimming back the old flower and giving the plant a "rest" with some reduced watering. http://houseplants.about.com/od/succulentsandcacti/p/Kalanchoe.htm
KMS Woodworks
on May 09, 2013
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Deadheading, pinching off the blooms, will help your beautiful plant! Moving this plant will shock it. This dead heading will eventually help. Keep this plant at work! Also look this plant up online. More advice might help you feel secure about the care of this plant!
Jane
on May 09, 2013
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Teresa, I think this plant might be happier at your home. Kalanchoes really do want bright light, and even a location directly under a florescent light is not going to supply that. And you're right about the AC draft as well.
Douglas Hunt
on May 10, 2013
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Hi Teresa, Definitely pinch off dead blooms or leaves when they begin dying so that the plant doesn't waste energy on trying to send nutrients to those. Pinching as Jane wrote above does work. You might also take the plant home and check the container. Normally when we buy plants they are a bit root-bound. The roots may need a bit more room to relax - plants like to relax too :-) Hope this helps. Oh and you may already know this but if you break off a leaf and either pin it to a curtain or place it semi-exposed in a bit of soil, roots will begin to form at the tips of the leaf = more Kalanchoes !
Marei
on May 31, 2013
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Didn't know that about the leaf growing. Thanks @Marei !
Teresa D
on May 31, 2013
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I actually took it home. All the blooms are gone now and some of the leaves are turning yellow. I set it outside, hopefully in a sunny spot. I don't get alot of sun around my house because of all the trees. I may need to repot it or something. My mom was just commenting this morning about how it looked crowded in the pot.
Teresa D
on May 31, 2013
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Yeah, cool huh? You're welcome Teresa :-)
Marei
on May 31, 2013
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