Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’: A Splash of Pink in a Reclaimed Wood Container
Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’ or Pink Kalanchoe Plant offers a delightful burst of vibrant pink blooms, elegantly set against glossy green foliage. These low-maintenance plants thrive in bright natural light and require infrequent watering thanks to their water-storing fleshy leaves. This hardy plant showcases an abundance of small, colorful pink flowers, all blooming from a compact group of waxy leaves. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’ warms hearts with its delightful presence.
Family and Characteristics
Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’ belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes relatives like the jade plant and money tree. These plants, known for their lovely succulent leaves, are a gardener’s dream, especially during the winter season. They have a reputation for thriving both in garden beds and pots.
A Season-Long Display of Color
Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’ graces us with its beautiful pink flowers from June through September, or sometimes even longer. These small, starry, four-petaled flowers create the illusion of countless bouquets, adding vibrancy to the gloom of winter. The vivid colors, including hot pink, bright yellow, brilliant orange, and intense red, make a striking statement during the colder months. Recently, double-flowering Kalanchoe varieties have also become available, further diversifying the color palette.
Compact Habit and Versatile Leaves
Kalanchoes have a compact habit, boasting oval leaves with scalloped edges. They typically feature lush green foliage, though some varieties showcase gray leaves, offering a delightful contrast to dull garden spots or containers.
Versatility and Resilience
One of the best things about Kalanchoes is their adaptability. They thrive in full sun or shade, making them perfect for shaded balconies or the western side of houses. They can be kept indoors while flowering or spend their lives outside. These plants shine when mass-planted in gardens, used as specimen plants in pots, or even featured in hanging baskets. No matter where you plant them, they bloom gloriously.
Cultivation and Care of Kalanchoe ‘Single Pink’
Bloom Time and Encouraging Reblooms: With proper care and conditions, Kalanchoes can rebloom almost year-round if given 14 hours of darkness nightly for a 6-week period, which resets the bloom cycle. Removing spent flowers also encourages reblooming.
Placement: Display your Kalanchoe plant indoors where it will receive bright indirect sunlight but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and reduce blooms. During the growing season (spring through fall), ensure good air circulation and maintain a minimum temperature of 50°F. In the winter months, when the plant goes dormant, temperatures of 50° to 55°F are required. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures.
Watering and Feeding: Allow the soil to become moderately dry during the growing season (spring to fall), typically once every week or two, ensuring the top 1/2 inch of soil is dry to the touch. Water less frequently during winter, about once every four weeks, or when the soil has dried out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as succulents need well-draining soil. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season, typically mid-spring to early fall.
Insect Control: Kalanchoes are not commonly attacked by insects, but it’s wise to occasionally inspect new growth, especially the underside of leaves, for signs of aphids, mealy bugs, or scale bugs. If pests are present, remove them by hand or gently spray the leaves with water. Avoid using insecticidal soap, as it may damage the foliage.
Transplanting:
When your plant outgrows its current pot, transplant it in early spring. With each repotting, increase the pot’s depth and diameter by 2 to 3 inches. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and well-draining soil. Center the root ball in the new pot, place soil around it to about 1 inch below the lip, and maintain an even top surface with the soil.
Smart Watering Practices
Kalanchoes do not require much water and prefer to be on the dry side. Watering once or twice a week is generally sufficient to keep these plants looking their best. Avoid allowing potted plants to sit in saucers of water and ensure that plants in the ground have good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
