Kalanchoe tetraphylla: the plant of good wishes
Kalanchoe Tetraphylla, commonly known by the name Calancola, is an ornamental succulent plant with an incredible ornamental effect. It is an indoor plant that boasts colorful and colorful flowers, which make it very decorative indeed. Let’s see together everything there is to know about this plant.
Characteristics
The Calancola belongs to the Crossulaceae family, is of exotic origin and there are 120 different species. This succulent was introduced into the trade at the beginning of the twentieth century and has been the subject of incredible diffusion ever since. Kalankoe Tetraphylla has African origins and in particular comes from Madagascar.
This plant generally has a height of 40 cm and has large, fleshy leaves with a rounded appearance; the leaves meet in a central rosette with a compact shape. One of the most popular features of this plant is the color of the leaves, which are covered with a layer of bloom and are green with the edges tending to purple.
During the flowering period erect stems emerge from the center of the rosette, from which small flowers have life; the latter, tubular in shape, can have different colors: from pink to white, also passing through yellow, orange or red. Calancola blooms in winter and its flowers are similar to those of Echeveria.
As mentioned, the Calancola blooms in winter. During the winter months it is advisable not to water it, while from the vegetative restart until the autumn season, watering must be occasional: the advice is to water it when the soil is completely dry.
For fertilization it is important to use a specific fertilizer for succulent plants; the advice is to fertilize once every 4 weeks, mixing the fertilizer with water and following the recommended doses on the package. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer every 60/90 days to be dispensed at the base of the head.
Diseases and treatments in brief
Like most succulents, the Calancola also fears attack by parasites. The main dangers for this plant are:
- Botrytis fungus, which manifests itself with the presence of necrotic areas and attacks the leaves by covering them with mold.
- Phytophthora fungus, which causes leaves and stems to wilt and risks rotting the plant.
- Puccinia fungus, a parasite that develops in conditions of extreme humidity and that manifests itself on the leaves, which are covered with light and soft spots.
- Mealy cochineal, a parasite that generally proliferates in the lower part of the leaves.
In short, Kalanchoe Tetraphylla suffers greatly from humidity, excesses and stagnation of water. To combat the parasites described so far, there are many natural pesticides on the market, completely harmless for the plant and very effective against diseases.
As for plant care, as mentioned, it is very important not to overdo it with water. It is also advisable to dust the leaves periodically using a damp cloth and favoring transpiration. Also remember to always remove dried leaves and flowers.
Curiosity
Not many know this, but Kalankoe Tetraphylla has an interesting symbolic meaning. In fact, many are often used to give a gift to a loved one when they go to live in a new home; this plant is in fact considered a good omen for a new beginning. Being a succulent plant it does not need special care and attention and for this very reason it is very often chosen as a gift to give to people who do not have much time to devote to the green thumb. With its bright and special colors it will be able to give a touch of class to your home!
