Scientific Name
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva' is a bushy succulent with erect, little-branched stems that bear large, scallop-edged leaves and dense clusters of showy, double flowers that resemble rose blossoms. It can grow up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) tall.
The flowers appear in early spring and last for at least six weeks. The colors of the flowers include white, cream, yellow, salmon, light pink, rose, lavender, red, and burgundy.
Origin
The Calandiva series was discovered in 1998 by a Swedish grower who noticed a purple Kalanchoe blossfeldiana mutant with 32 petals instead of 4. The plant was intensively bred and then introduced to gardeners in 2002.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like other succulents, Calandiva needs well-draining soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Add sand or perlite to your potting soil, or buy a blend made for succulents and cacti. Plant Calandiva outdoors, about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart. Give the plant full sun outdoors and as much sunlight as possible indoors, either with direct or bright, indirect sunlight. A spindly-looking plant may result from too little light.
Because Calandiva is a drought-tolerant plant, it's best to err on the side of too little water rather than too much. Water the plant thoroughly every week or less, but wait until the soil is dry before rewatering. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage flowering, using a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants and a liquid or granular type for outdoor plants.
Minor pruning and pinching are all that Calandiva needs to encourage flowering and create a more bushy, full shape. Cut back the tallish stems that rise above the leaves after the flowers finish blooming. Leave small new plant shoots that form at the ends of the leaves remaining if you want your plant to grow larger.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Calandiva.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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