How to pinch Kalanchoe - step by step. Proper pruning of Kalanchoe is the key to its health and abundant flowering

Kalanchoe grows in many houses and apartments. The plant does not require special care, but like everything else it needs watering, fertilizing and, of course, pruning. In this article we will look at how to prune Kalanchoe correctly so as not to harm the plant.

Pruning home Kalanchoe means removing excess leaves and flowers. This procedure will help shape the plant so that it looks beautiful. A small bush looks more original than a long stem.

In addition to decorative purposes, pruning is also needed for lush flowering. When we remove excess shoots, juice accumulates in the stem, which is then evenly distributed among the remaining branches. Kalanchoe becomes juicy, and the plant's resistance to drying increases.

Note that there are three types of pinching:

• original;
• preventive;
• after flowering.

How and when each type of pinching is done, you will learn further. Sometimes, especially in sunny places, the flower may outgrow. Therefore, many gardeners are interested in how to prune Kalanchoe if it has become elongated. If it so happens that a long, ugly top has grown, you just need to cut it off. Try to constantly watch for escapes. As soon as they start to grow, you need to immediately pinch off two leaves from the top. Of course, the green inhabitant of your house can do without pruning, only then it will look ugly, and old shoots will interfere with the development of young shoots.

How to trim different species

Now we’ll figure out how to prune Kalanchoe different varieties. It is noteworthy that today about 200 varieties of this flower are known. However, only a few can be grown at home. For almost all varieties, pruning instructions are the same, but for some individual representatives there are special rules.

The most common variety is . The variety is excellent for growing at home. The plant blooms with beautiful red flowers. This Kalanchoe can be pruned to the very root. In this state, the flower will begin to develop intensively, its bush will become lush.
Species that bear flowers of yellow and white, you need to pinch differently. True, such varieties can rarely be found in homes. They need special care. It is necessary to form such a bush correctly. If you remove a lot of foliage, you can cause irreparable damage to the green space.
To perform pinching correctly, it is important to find out what variety you have. However, it is worth remembering that pruning is a necessary procedure and painless for the plant. If rotting has begun in the cut areas, these areas need to be treated charcoal. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary to disinfect pruning tools. Under no circumstances should you tear off excess leaves with your hands; such actions can weaken your green friend.

Initial and preventative sample

Initial pruning means that as soon as the plant has taken root after transplantation, it is immediately pinched. How to pinch Kalanchoe correctly - more on that below. On the shoots you need to cut off the top two leaves one by one. Young shoots with leaves will grow in the place where the pruning occurred.
Now they carry out preventive pruning. It is repeated time after time until the Kalanchoe looks like a nice and neat bush. Don't wait for the leaves to grow. As soon as the young ones appear, the procedure can already be carried out.

In late autumn, when winter is just around the corner, they stop pruning the flower. You can form the bush again late spring. But if the flower begins to bloom, pruning is prohibited.

Before you start picking, identify the type of Kalanchoe, as each type is pruned differently. If the flower is overgrown, remove the top without any remorse. To get a dense bush as a result, watch the growth of shoots. As soon as a young shoot appears, pinch off two leaves - in this place you will eventually see two shoots.

Let them grow until the third leaves appear, and pick at this level. Next, let the next pair grow to the third leaf, and pinch again. And so on until you get a beautiful spherical bush.

Pruning after flowering

Pruning Kalanchoe at home after flowering is simply necessary.

During the preventive procedure, leaves and flowers are removed. The leaves are cut as usual, one at a time, the outer two. Now let's talk about how to prune Kalanchoe correctly after flowering. The step-by-step procedure is as follows: first of all, you need to carefully examine the flower to find out whether all the flowers have faded; peduncles should be removed right to the base, otherwise the plant may begin to rot.
Whenever the plant has bloomed in full bloom, you should carefully remove every single flower stalk. Then pruning is carried out. It is better to carry it out early in the morning; in extreme cases, you need to finish it before noon. Thanks to this simple procedure, the formation of new stems that are ready to bloom is stimulated.
When completed pruning kalanchoe After flowering, the green space needs rest. There is less of it at this time

Kalanchoe - rich flowering plant with lush pink inflorescences. It belongs to succulents. The flower is used in folk medicine, therefore, its cultivation has not only a decorative, but also a practical function. Kalanchoe is an unpretentious indoor plant, but sometimes problems arise with its flowering. You can make Kalanchoe bloom at home by monitoring the light and watering conditions, the composition of the earthen clod, the presence or absence of pests, and humidity.

After flowering has finished, all flowers must be removed. Trim unnecessary shoots to give the plant a neat appearance. Break off the elongated top. Watch for new shoots to appear and pinch them back properly. If you do not pay attention to these aspects of caring for Kalanchoe, the flower will take on a sloppy appearance and refuse to bloom.

1. After treating the crown at the end of the flowering period, it is necessary to wait for the formation of new shoots and their slight regrowth. Remove top leaves.
2. After fresh shoots appear (up to the third pair of leaves), remove their upper parts.
3. With the following shoots, perform the manipulations described in point No. 2. The result should be a bush with a compact crown, ready to form buds.
4. If the plant has not bloomed before March, it is permissible to do another pinching. This will awaken the flowering.

Violation of the light regime in Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a sun-loving flower. But the successful growth of its green part and lush flowering depends on the strict regulation of daylight hours. In winter it should be brought closer to 12 o'clock using electric light. In summer, the flower can be covered with a paper bag to remove excess light hours.

• In winter, water the plant rarely, as the top layer of the earthen clod dries significantly. Frequent moistening can lead to unnecessary activity of the Kalanchoe during this period, which will prevent it from blooming in the spring.
• In summer, the flower needs to be watered generously a couple of times a week. Check the soil for dryness by touch. Lack of water will cause the plant to weaken, which will prevent the formation of buds.

Kalanchoe becomes vulnerable to harmful insects from overflow. weakens root system, leaves lose turgor. Can live on it spider mite, feltworm, aphid. You can save a flower by treating it by special means against pests.

Humidity for Kalanchoe

Dry air suits the plant. It does not need to be sprayed, as this may cause the Kalanchoe to wither. Spraying is permissible only when the air is excessively dry, but it should be carried out in moderation.

Video about caring for Kalanchoe at home

From all of the above it follows that in order to make Kalanchoe bloom at home, you first need to properly care for the plant, so we recommend that you watch this video about caring for it at home

Kalanchoe is a succulent that can be found much more often than others at home. What gives it such popularity is not only its excellent aesthetic characteristics, but also healing properties its juice. In addition, Kalanchoe is quite unpretentious and, subject to simple rules care, develops well and blooms with beautiful, bright inflorescences.

One of the most important conditions for the full development of a flower is its correct pruning and pinching, without which it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain a beautiful, lush crown of the plant. This will be discussed below.

What you need to know about pruning and pinching

First of all, it is worth saying that some varieties of Kalanchoe do not need pinching. They independently support a neat, compact crown. The most popular of these varieties is Kalanchoe Degremona or “doctor”. This species will tolerate pinching quite well, but it does not need it at all, since after pinching, lateral branching is not activated. This Kalanchoe sends out shoots between pairs of its leaves, thus maintaining the shape of the flower.

Kalanchoe varieties that bloom with yellow and white inflorescences are more whimsical. When pruning them, you should observe moderation, since excessive removal of leaves causes a painful reaction of the flower - its growth is greatly inhibited and may even die.

And yet, most varieties require regular and timely crown care. If this is not done, the flower stretches out and becomes untidy, besides, it loses the incentive to develop and may even stop blooming. At the same time, for example, the Blossfeld variety of Kalanchoe survives almost any pruning - it can be shortened to the ground, and soon it will recover, and become more active and decorative than before.

Simple rules for cutting and pinching

If the plant is provided optimal conditions, it is developing very quickly. Young shoots begin to stretch, and the leaves become smaller and, if no action is taken, eventually begin to dry out at the tips. In such a situation, the plant does not have enough strength for the normal development of all its green mass, which means that flowering may not be expected. This behavior of the flower clearly indicates that intervention is required:

• Weakened, elongated shoots must be pinched, and yellowing shoots must be cut off completely;
• The rapidly growing top, if it is a young flower, needs to be pinched, but if the plant is an adult, it should be cut off with a sharp knife. There is no need to be afraid of injuring the plant - Kalanchoe easily tolerates such a procedure, soon recovers and gives side shoots. If you are cutting a large area, it will be better to treat the cut areas with charcoal powder or ash. This will make recovery much easier for the plant;
• After trimming the tops, diseased shoots, and pinching the young shoots, their growth must be constantly monitored, pinching the ends from time to time.

As a rule, if the described procedures are carried out correctly, the bush retains a neat, compact shape for a long time, but still, it is necessary to constantly inspect it and, if necessary, carry out corrective pruning.

How to pinch Kalanchoe for the first time

Kalanchoe, regardless of its variety, needs to be pinched immediately after planting. All shoots without exception are subject to pinching - no more than a couple of outer leaves are left on each of them, the rest are removed.

The next pinching is carried out as the young shoots grow and leaves form. Its principle is the same as with the first pinching. This procedure is very important for the formation correct form crown of the flower, therefore young plant requires especially careful care. Pinching is carried out regularly, until the moment when you get the correct, branched shape of the flower.

Sanitary pruning of Kalanchoe after flowering

After flowering ends, you need to remove the flower stalks along with the faded leaves. They are removed completely, and the leaves are removed as with normal pruning. This will save the flower strength and allow it to develop more fully and quickly.

When removing flower stalks, you need to make sure that they are cut off at their very base, otherwise they may begin to rot.

Immediately after such pruning, Kalanchoe requires a period of rest - rest. It is placed in a shaded place and watering is greatly reduced. The flower must remain in such conditions for at least 25–40 days, otherwise you are unlikely to wait for the next flowering.

The best time to trim a flower is the first half of the day.

IN winter time, starting from December, pruning is extremely undesirable; it is better to wait until spring.

If it is necessary to form the crown of Kalanchoe, shoots can be pinched and even removed without waiting for their development.

During the initial pruning, it is worthwhile to provide the plant with moderate lighting for a while, otherwise it will very actively grow green mass and pinching will have to be done almost constantly.

The last spring pinching is allowed no later than March and only if the flower has not yet formed peduncles, otherwise you risk interrupting the process of bud formation.

Preparing for flowering

In order for the Kalanchoe to bloom profusely and in a timely manner, in addition to pruning and pinching, you need to provide it correct lighting during the formation of flower buds. This happens in winter, when the daylight hours are short, as is usual for the plant. The artificial light of the room is also taken into account, therefore, in order for the buds to form normally, the pot with Kalanchoe must be shaded after 17.00. It's best to just cover it with a plastic bucket. If this is not done, the Kalanchoe is unlikely to bloom.

This plant can be seen in many houses and apartments of Russian indoor floriculture lovers. Kalanchoe does not require complex care, but the plant requires moderate watering, periodic feeding and pruning. The plant not only blooms lushly and often, which greatly pleases its owners, but is also a good helper in the treatment of various diseases of the nasopharynx, ears and skin.

To ensure that the flower does not stretch out, but has a neat round shape, it must be trimmed in time. Despite the fact that many people have this in their homes medicinal type plants, decorative types in no way inferior to him in popularity. Lush and variegated flowering, green stems and lush foliage throughout the year, make them spectacular decorations any home.

Today there are more than 200 species of this plant. Some of them are suitable for indoor floriculture. The most popular are Kalanchoe single-flowered and pinnate, as well as Kalanchoe Degremont and Blossfeld. Original inhabitants of the tropics, Kalanchoe of all types tolerate drought equally well and high humidity. Plants practically do not need fertilizers and are resistant to diseases and pests.

In this article we will talk about how to properly prune Kalanchoe at home, why such a procedure is needed and how to carry it out so as not to harm the plant.

As already mentioned, caring for the plant is not difficult, but certain rules at growing Kalanchoe must be observed. This determines how comfortable the plant will feel in your home and how it will develop.

Temperature

Optimal in summer for blooming kalanchoe The temperature is considered to be in the range from +23 °C to +29 °C. The plant will tolerate more high temperature, but in this case, if it blooms, you should increase the frequency of watering, otherwise the buds may dry out.

Surprisingly, this tropical plant tolerates it well low temperatures. In autumn and winter, when the temperature rises slightly above +10 °C, it can be set to Fresh air.

Lighting

You can place Kalanchoe anywhere in the room where the sun's rays reach. The plant feels most comfortable in partial shade or in diffused light. Direct sunlight is dangerous between 11:00 and 15:00 from March to September.

Watering Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a succulent, in other words, it is a plant that can accumulate moisture in its leaves. Thanks to this, it can survive drought. Excessive watering is harmful for Kalanchoe. Water this indoor plant in such a way that the water wets the earthen ball, and excess water must be drained. On hot summer days, the frequency of watering is increased (not forgetting about excess water). In winter, it is enough to moisten the soil no more than twice a week.

Humidity

This is not the most important indicator for the normal development of Kalanchoe. This is explained by the fact that the plant retains moisture in its leaves. That is why drought is not a problem for this flower. You just need to make sure that when watering, water does not get on the leaves, as this can cause plant disease.

Top dressing

Once a month, Kalanchoe should be fertilized with compounds intended for succulents. This is necessary for the plant to flower regularly. Experienced flower growers It is recommended to use half the dose indicated on the packaging of nutritional mixtures. In winter, the plant is in a dormant period, so it does not need feeding.

Is Kalanchoe pruning necessary?

Yes, I need it. Moreover, this the most important condition proper care. Pruning Kalanchoe at home involves removing excess flowers and leaves. This procedure will help to form beautiful plant. Flower growers believe that a small compact bush looks much more attractive than a long and unkempt stem. And for lush flowering, pruning Kalanchoe is simply necessary.

When removing excess shoots, juice accumulates in the stem, which after the procedure is distributed among the remaining branches. The flower becomes succulent, the plant becomes more resistant to drying out. It should be noted that there are three types of pruning Kalanchoe:

• initial;
• preventive;
• after flowering.

Often, especially when placed in the sun, the flower outgrows. Therefore, many novice gardeners are interested in how to properly prune a Kalanchoe if it has become elongated, so as not to injure the plant. If a long and not very beautiful top has grown, you should simply cut it off. Constantly watch for escapes. When they start to grow, pinch off two leaves from the top.

Pruning different types of Kalanchoe

Of the many species of Kalanchoe in indoor floriculture Only a few of them are common. The pruning technique is almost the same for all varieties, but for some varieties there are special rules that must be followed. The most common variety in our country is Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This variety is ideal for growing in room conditions. The plant has beautiful flowers of different shades.

This one can be cut at the root. In this state, the plant begins to actively develop, the bush becomes beautiful and lush. Varieties that bear white and yellow color, cut differently. But these varieties are quite rare in indoor floriculture. Such plants require special care. Pruning of these types of Kalanchoe should not be drastic. Removing too much foliage can harm the plant: it may not recover from such stress.

In order for the formation of Kalanchoe to be carried out correctly, you need to find out what variety is growing in your home. Remember that pruning is a necessary and painless procedure for the plant. If rotting has begun in the cut areas, treat them with charcoal. To avoid such complications, use a tool that has been previously disinfected for pruning. It is strictly forbidden to pick off excess leaves with your hands. This pinching can weaken the plant.

Initial and preventative pruning

Once the plant has taken root in its new location, it requires initial pruning. On the shoots, you should cut off the top two leaves one at a time. Young shoots will soon grow at the pruning site.

Now it’s time to carry out preventive pruning of Kalanchoe (we posted the photo in this article). It can be done many times until the flower looks like a nice and compact bush. You don't have to wait for the leaves to grow. As soon as young shoots appear, the procedure can be carried out.

Flower pruning is stopped in late autumn. The next formation of the bush can begin in late spring or early summer. But if the flower has bloomed, pruning is prohibited.

Do I need to prune the plant after flowering?

Every year the lush cap of inflorescences and leaves becomes noticeably smaller. The exquisite beauty of Kalanchoe is losing its former splendor. But this is not a reason to abandon the plant. The flower simply signals that it needs pruning. It depends on the variety of Kalanchoe.

For example, the Blossfeld variety blooms until the end of May, and then enters a dormant period. After pruning and wound treatment, the plant is transferred to a cool place until spring.

For hybrid varieties, it is important not to overdo it and remove leaves and inflorescences to a minimum. Only shoots that have lost their former attractiveness are removed. Don't forget about cutting cuts. Kalanchoe is also pruned to renew its decorative forms.

A few words in conclusion

Kalanchoe is very beautiful flower. Connoisseurs indoor plants love him for being attractive appearance during the flowering period, but also for its healing properties. As it became clear from the article, pruning Kalanchoe is an absolutely simple procedure. But it should be done regularly so that the bushes always have a beautiful shape. If all the rules are followed, the flower looks amazing and actively develops.

An important procedure in caring for Kalanchoe is the formation of the crown. Pruning Kalanchoe includes pinching the top, removing fading flower stalks and old side shoots. The plant looks more attractive in the form of a compact bush with a rounded crown.

Why prune Kalanchoe?

The Kalanchoe flower is characterized by rapid growth of shoots. If you do not participate in the formation of the plant crown, then it takes on a shape that is far from ideal.

Pruning Kalanchoe has several purposes.

1. Pinching the top shoots to form a beautiful crown and to maintain a compact, rounded shape. The top of the plant actively stretches upward in spring. It needs to be pinched, then the bush will grow in width and acquire a decorative appearance.
2. When rejuvenating a bush, old shoots are removed, which eventually shed lower leaves. Such parts of the flower become unattractive.
3. Timely removal of wilted flower stalks is necessary to prevent infection and for lush flowering.
4. Pruning to maintain the health of the bush, as a result of which the juice is evenly distributed over all shoots and leaves. A healthy plant with fleshy leaves that is resistant to disease is formed.

There are about 200 varieties of Kalanchoe, which react differently to crown formation.

Kalanchoe varieties Blossfeld and Kalandiva tolerate pruning easily. Their crown can be safely shaped without fear of harming the plant. Some hybrids with yellow and white inflorescences react painfully to pruning, so only the tops are pinched off.

Timely and correct pruning promotes growth beautiful bush Kalanchoe with lush inflorescences. The crown formation process has nuances that you need to know.

1. Before starting the procedure, the type of plant is determined, since the pruning method will depend on it.
2. You cannot prune a newly acquired crop; give it time to acclimatize to new conditions.
3. You should not prune in the winter when the flower is dormant.
4. Need to use sharp stationery knife or pruning shears. Disinfect the tool before use.
5. Do not pick off leaves and inflorescences with your hands - the plant will be damaged and begin to wither.
6. Kalanchoe should be pruned in the morning or evening hours, avoiding the effects of bright sun rays for culture during the procedure.
7. Treat the cut areas with crushed charcoal.
8. Do not pinch the plant immediately after transplanting. Rooting and adaptation takes 2–3 weeks.
9. There is no need to prune Kalanchoe that shows signs of disease or pests. They begin to form a bush no earlier than 15 days after the complete destruction of insects.

Initial and preventative pruning

The first pruning of the plant is carried out in the spring. It is worth remembering the main nuances of initial pruning at home.

1. In the spring, a month after the Kalanchoe awakens, you need to remove new, young shoots with leaves. To begin, cut off two or three leaves on each shoot.
2. After pruning, do not place the plant on a south or southeast windowsill where exposure to bright sunlight is possible. Kalanchoe in such a place will begin to grow intensively, and the shoots will quickly stretch out. The bush will lose its shape.

Preventative pruning is carried out as the flower grows. It is used for several reasons.

1. In places where shoots and leaves are cut from the buds in the axils of the leaves, new shoots appear over time. Two or three leaves are also cut from them. This process can be continued until the fall, until the crown of the required shape is formed.
2. To prevent the appearance of stem rot and other diseases, all damaged leaves and broken shoots are removed from the plant.
3. As the Kalanchoe grows, the old leaves are shed and its base is exposed. This spoils the appearance of the bush and also interferes with the growth of young shoots. Therefore, the old parts of the flower must be gradually removed and thus rejuvenate the plant.
4. In the summer season, the top of the plant will actively stretch upward and disrupt the shape of the bush. It is pinched to stimulate the growth of young side shoots.

Apical shoots up to 10 cm long are used for propagation of the plant. Kalanchoe cuttings and leaves have a high survival rate. They can be left in a glass of water to form roots, or planted in prepared soil for rooting.

Removing shoots after flowering

Kalanchoe flower stalks form during short daylight hours. Therefore, flowering begins at the end of winter and continues throughout the spring. Some hybrid varieties They can bloom again in the fall, after which they require a period of rest.

If Kalanchoe continues to grow green mass at the end of spring and is not going to bloom, then pruning is carried out to stimulate flowering. To do this, remove 3–4 top sheets on each shoot so that the plant begins to grow in width and lay flower stalks.

After flowering, it is important not to let the branches with falling petals dry out completely. Pinch off flower stalks immediately after wilting. Buds with new buds appear in the pruning areas, and space is also freed up for new shoots with leaves.

Upon completion of pruning after flowering, you need to give the plant a rest. Conditions during the rest period:

• rare watering - once every 3 weeks;
• dark place, without sunlight;
• reduced air temperature - up to +16 °

Two months after rest, Kalanchoe begins to actively grow.

It is better to remove shoots with flowers after they have withered almost at the root, so as not to provoke rotting of the buds and the plant itself.

Pruning a Kalanchoe bush can be easily done by both experienced and novice gardeners. Timely pinching tops, removal of peduncles and damaged shoots - a condition for the growth of healthy and lush crown Kalanchoe.

A well-formed bush has a rounded shape. Its shoots are evenly covered with foliage; buds with delicate petals are visible above the top.