A modest home doctor - Kalanchoe: medicinal properties, types, features of care
Many gardeners just dream of growing not only beautiful flowers, but also incredibly useful. It is worth noting that Kalanchoe refers specifically to medicinal plants, which are widely used in medicine.
Plants belong to succulent flowers, so their varieties already have more than two hundred species. They can look simply gigantic, reaching four meters in height. The trunk is in most cases lignified to calmly hold leaves and flowers. There are also varieties that are almost invisible. They grow on trees and stones, reaching twenty centimeters. Some varieties prefer a tropical climate, while others are easier to grow in deserts.
All varieties of Kalanchoe come from Asia, Africa and Australia. In Europe, it is customary to grow Kalanchoe as houseplants. They quickly adapt to different conditions both indoors and outdoors. If you take care of the plant according to all the rules, you can observe the regular flowering and propagation of flowers.
The healing properties of the plant
Often the stem and leaves of Kalanchoe are used for medicinal purposes. This plant is able to purify indoor air and destroy the microbes that spread there. The flower copes with flu and other colds.
Previously, only Kalanchoe could save from the first signs of a runny nose. In this case, drops should be made from the juice into the nose. You can wipe the inner walls of the nose to prevent the virus from entering.
It is worth noting that Kalanchoe has many useful, healing properties:
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- antibacterial and bactericidal property;
- quickly heals wounds, restoring damaged tissues, tightens burns;
- removes harmful substances from the body and purifies the blood;
- contributes to the rapid disposal of herpes, warts;
- boosts immunity;
- stops bleeding instantly.
Among other things, it is worth noting that the plant gives a person strength and energy for the whole day. The smell of Kalanchoe helps to wake up and feel good. More exposure from the plant can be experienced if you come close and stand for several minutes. Almost immediately, a person will feel a certain surge of strength. If you put the plant in the kitchen or in the living room, you can create the perfect atmosphere in the room.
You will learn about the healing varieties of Kalanchoe in a separate material.
Varieties of flower and their photos
This plant can be white, yellow, pink or red. Depending on the variety, you can choose your favorite color. There are also varieties of Kalanchoe that do not bloom at all. They most often relate to medicinal plants. Blooming varieties are used to decorate the room, because the flowers are quite interesting and unusual. We talked about feathery, white, red and pink Kalanchoe here, and you will find all the details about flowering varieties here.
Further, you can familiarize yourself with the names, description and photos of various (flowering and non-flowering) varieties of Kalanchoe.
Tubifloral (tubiflora)
The plant got its name because of the peculiar tubular shape of the flowers. Often it is also called "tubal". This variety is a shrub succulent., which sprouts, reaching a height of 70 cm. The leaves reach 60 mm in length and 13 cm in width. The leaves have an elongated shape, quite narrow. Basically, the color of this type of Kalanchoe is gray-green.
Upstairs there are a lot of children who will continue to spread. They look like red flowers with corollas. If you properly care for the plant, then you can easily grow it at home.
Viviparous
A perennial flowering plant native to Madagascar. The name of the variety was due to the characteristics of reproduction. The stalk of Kalanchoe is erect, and the leaves are green. They are incredibly fleshy, and resemble triangles in shape, with pointed jagged edges.
At the very edges of the leaves there are small processes with prepared roots that fall into the soil and again begin to sprout. To reach such a variety can be up to a meter high. Flowering continues for a relatively long time, and the flowers themselves are red or pink.
It is necessary to create all conditions for plant growth. The air temperature in summer should be no more than twenty-seven degrees. It is important to monitor the temperature in winter.
Attention! Experts do not recommend placing the plant near heating appliances, because problems with roots and leaves can occur.Kalanchoe does not require abundant watering, therefore Care should be taken to soil moisture.
Mangina
Fans of indoor floriculture prefer to grow ampel species of Kalanchoe. It is worth noting that the shoots of this variety are erect, but over time they wilted. Then in length they reach about forty centimeters. Leaflets in Kalanchoe mangina are round or ovoid. They are green and purple in color.
If the variety begins to bloom in winter, then the flowers will turn orange, located in the hands at the ends of the stems. Such The view is just perfect for suspended structures. The fact is that the plant will gradually stretch down, so it is worth creating all the conditions for its further growth. No special knowledge is needed in order to grow a healthy and beautiful plant.
Terry
An amazing variety of plants is striking in its beauty. The fact is that the native of Madagascar resembles cat ears in all external features. Leaflets are ovoid, pointed at the tips and have a felt coating. The impression is smoothed out that the plant is fluffy, therefore it attracts even more attention to itself.
The shoots of the plant are erect with dense silver leaves. Right on the peduncles are inflorescences in the form of a panicle and an umbrella. The flowers themselves are not very large, but their peculiarity is a lowered silver tube with a red, purple or brown corolla.
Rosaline
A small plant with incredibly bright flowers and slightly rounded glossy leaves very popular all over the world. Flowers can be pink, yellow, white, red or orange.
Often there are other colors, but this is the work of breeders. This kind of Kalanchoe accumulates moisture in its own leaves, so it is not surprising that special care is not required.
Ti sento
The plant is very small, so it can be grown at home. Such a variety is preferred by a lot of heat and sun, so these features should be taken into account. The most important thing is the fact that the flower should not be exposed to direct sunlight at noon. Do not increase the watering of the plant, because the roots can rot.
Care Features
General rules
In order for the plant to be healthy, grow without problems and please its owner, you should adhere to simple rules for care.
- Lighting. The day length for the plant should be no more than twelve hours. To put a flower in spring and autumn should be on the east or west side. In winter, the flower should be on the south side. If there is not enough light, then you need to put additional lighting fixtures.
- Temperature. This flower tolerates temperature changes very well. If everything is within reasonable limits, then the plant will not fade, do not rot. In summer, the temperature should be no more than twenty-eight degrees, but in winter not exceed eighteen degrees. In the event that the temperature drops to ten degrees, diseases may occur or the plant will die.
- Watering. The flower does not like cold water, so you need to water the Kalanchoe with a warm and soft liquid. Watering should be with extreme caution so that moisture does not linger on the top layer. In winter, you need to water the plant once every few days, as soon as the topsoil dries. Watering can also be done through the pan.
- Spraying. It is worth noting that there is no need to spray the plant, but if the summer is too hot, you can cool the flower a little. This will contribute to the rapid growth of leaflets. They are fleshy, therefore retain moisture.
- Top dressing. In the summer, it is necessary to feed Kalanchoe with all minerals. Fertilizers can be chosen the same as for cacti. It costs four times a month to add substances, but in winter only two times.
- Pruning. Some varieties of Kalanchoe independently discard old leaves. The shoots remaining should be cut and planted separately. Many species of plants have hanging shoots that can be left or trimmed by doing the already known actions.
- Bloom. Everyone knows that Kalanchoe flowers can be cut and put in water. Such a bouquet will stand for a long time. As soon as the plant has faded, it is worth it to carefully trim, without throwing shoots. They are used for further cuttings.
- Transfer. Such an action can only be carried out if the plant has grown. Expanded clay or crushed bricks are poured at the very bottom of the potter. They will get rid of excess moisture. Kalanchoe should be planted in a substrate, which consists of land, deciduous soil, peat and sand.
- Propagation by cuttings. It is worth noting that for rooting use a piece of leaf, stem. You just need to plant the separated part in the soil and carefully monitor the growth. Be sure to cover this part with a jar, sometimes spraying. In a few weeks, roots will appear.
- Propagation by seed. At the end of winter, it is worth sowing seeds in deciduous soil. Experts recommend sowing seeds to the very surface, crushing with a finger and sprinkling with soil. The potter is covered with glass, airing necessarily in the evening and in the morning. The earth must be constantly watered with warm water. As soon as the first sprouts appear, you need to remove the glass. After a few days, you can transplant the sprouts into a large container.
How to care after purchase?
Of course, caring for Kalanchoe is not so difficult, so anyone can do everything right. The only thing. what should be taken into account is the fact that the store is much warmer and the house will have a slight temperature difference. It is necessary to gradually accustom the plant to sunlight, because otherwise the flower may get burns.
The plant is placed on the window and slightly darkened with gauze. For a while, you can remove such a device, but only a few days after purchase. Experts do not recommend rearranging a flower from one place to another.so as not to damage. Since Kalanchoe is a succulent, watering it only needs to be done.
If a person wants to please himself with a beautiful plant, and even useful for health, then you do not even need to think about it. It’s just worth buying a Kalanchoe of the kind you like. Many beginner summer residents and experienced flower growers prefer such unique plants.