Stapelia in your house

Posted under Succulents by ruola

Water: heavy from spring to autumn, moderate in spring

Light: bright scattered, maybe direct in winter

Temperature:  ~25° in spring to autumn, ~15° during dormant period

Blooming: in summer

This plant appeared in my house long time ago though it started to bloom only about 3 years ago. Before my Stapelia found itself on the north window and probably that was the reason why it didn’t want to bloom. Everything changed when i put it on the east window — the plant started to grow better and to give numerous flowers about 100-150mm in diameter in summer. Most species of Stapelia are known to have unpleasant smell but the type i have (Stapelis gigantea) has no strong and distinct smell so it never troubled me. At the same time i admire the beauty of its flowers — they are pleasant to touch and the color is quite deep so it can be a nice decoration of the house.

It is recommended to replant Stapelia every 2-3 years. During replanting remove the old stems in the center because they won’t bloom any more. Take one part of sand and 2 parts of humus to provide best conditions for the plant. Wait for one week before to start watering. This will prevent roots against rot.

The best time for propagating is a period of growth which ensures that the plant will enroot well. The easiest way is to cut a stem, put it into the water and wait till the roots will grow out and after that put it into the pot with appropriete soil. It will take about a year or maybe year and a half before the new grown Stapelia will start blooming.

For my Stapelia i chose neighbours among other succulents such as Kalanchoe and Crassula. All these plants are placed in alike ceramic pots so they delight my eyes even in winter by unusual elegant shapes.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Posted under Blooming plants, Succulents by ruola

 

Water: moderate/generous in summer and spring, moderate/sparing in winter

Light: direct summer during a blooming period, moderate in winter time

Temperature: 16-18

Blooming: February till May

 

Kalanchoe blooms with numerous tiny flowers about 1 cm in diameter collected in clusters. The flowers color can be red, pink, yellow, violet and others. The plant belongs to succulent group.

Kalanchoe came to us from South Africa.

The best time for seeds is April when temperature is not very high.

 Reasons to have this plant in your house.

1. Kalanchoe is one of the most popular indoor plants thanks to its low requirements and a generous blooming.

2. There was a tradition to give Kalanchoe as a present for Christmas. Nowadays you can present it on a different holiday.

3. It is a compact plant which you can put even on a narrow window-sill.

4. The plant is easy to combine with other plants.

 

 If you want this plant to bloom on a certain date you need to put it into light for 8-10 hours every day. This should last for 4-6 weeks after that it starts blooming. When flowers fade remove them and put the plant into a shady place for about a month.

 Tips. Do not overwater this plant. In summer the soil should remain wet slightly, in winter – almost dry.

In winter put it in a light but a cool place (10-15˚C). In summer make sure there is no hot sun shining directly on the plant. (This is though a general rule for many plants with tender thin leaves).When the outside temperature is high enough it will be good to put your Kalanchoe outside on the balcony or in a garden. Replant Kalanchoe yearly in spring or if worst comes to worst once in two years.