Kalanchoe laciniata aka Christmastree Plant
Taxonomy
Kalanchoe laciniata, commonly known as the christmas tree plant, cathedral bells, or fir tree kalanchoe, is a small succulent plant originating from Morocco and the Southwestern part of Africa, and is also native to the Arabian Peninsula, Eritrea, and the Middle East, as well as parts of India and Sri Lanka. It has reddish erect stems, and its lush green leaves are compound or dissected and can reach up to 140 mm (5.5 in) long and 80 mm (3.1 in) wide. In the springtime, it blooms with fragrant yellow-orange flowers that can measure up to 15 mm (0.59 in). It grows up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in height and resembles a bush in its first few years, ultimately developing into its recognizable shape as a Christmas tree with maturity. While its name may evoke cozy winter Christmases, this easy-care plant is just as much enjoyed year-round, with its beautiful, evergreen leaves. Plants in the Kalanchoe genus are valued for their water-storing succulent leaves, and come in a variety of shapes and colors, from rubbery green leaves to leopard print, and some even fuzzy!
Common names
Christmastree Plant, Christmas Tree Kalanchoe, KalanchoeHow to care for Christmastree Plant
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Christmastree Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Christmastree Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
When growing the Christmastree Plant, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.
Lighting
Christmastree Plant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Christmas Tree Kalanchoe is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Christmastree Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Humidity
Christmastree Plant plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.
Fertilizer
The Christmastree Plant should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Christmastree Plant’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Kalanchoe Genus
Kalanchoe marnieriana Marnier's Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe laciniata Christmastree Plant
Kalanchoe pumila Flower Dust Plant
Kalanchoe manginii Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe longiflora Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe laxiflora Milky Widow's Thrill
Kalanchoe densiflora Miracle Plant
