Alligator Plant
Alligator plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is an ornamental succulent plant with a low-growing habit of growth and attractive foliage. It cascades over the edges of containers and hanging baskets with its trailing stems and oval green leaves with toothed edges. The leaves have a brownish-red pattern that looks like tiny alligators and gives rise to its common name. Alligator plant produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or pink. It is easy to care for and maintain, making it a great choice for inexperienced gardeners.
When it comes to watering, Alligator plant's needs are quite simple. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. During the summer months, the soil should be moderately moist and during the winter, keep it on the drier side. Overwatering can cause root rot. To prevent this, use a pot with drainage holes and avoid watering the plant from overhead.
Alligator plant grows best in bright indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. Keep the plant in a bright window that gets at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day. A south-facing window is ideal but east-facing or west-facing windows will also work. Avoid putting the plant in a location where it receives direct noon sun. Too much sun can cause the leaves to burn.
Alligator plant prefers average household temperatures between 65- 75°F (18- 24°C). It doesn't tolerate extreme hot or cold temperatures, so keep it away from open windows, air vents, and heating/air conditioning units. During the winter months, temperatures should not dip below 55° F (12° C).
Alligator plant prefers moderate humidity and standard household humidity levels are usually sufficient for this plant. It can tolerate dry climates with relative ease, but it's a good idea to mist the leaves occasionally to raise the relative humidity near the plant.
Alligator plant prefers a well-draining soil with plenty of organic material. A good mix for Alligator plant would be a combination of 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part organic matter such as compost or bark chips.
Alligator Plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with equal parts NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Avoid over-fertilizing as too much fertilizer can burn the plant's roots. Apply the fertilizer to damp soil and avoid contact with the plant's leaves.
Alligator plants are relatively free from common plant pests. The most common pests are mealybugs, which can be eliminated with a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Other pests that might present problems for alligator plants include mites, aphids, and thrips. In these cases, try using an organic insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
Although Alligator plant is fairly slow-growing, it may need to be repotted every 1-2 years to provide the plant with fresh soil. Be sure to use a potting soil that drains well and has plenty of organic matter. When choosing a new pot, make sure it has several drainage holes and is big enough to accommodate the plant's root system.
Alligator plant does not need to be pruned often as it stays relatively small. It's a good idea to occasionally prune off any dead or dying leaves and stems to promote healthy growth. Pruning will also help keep the plant neat and manageable.
Mulching can be beneficial to Alligator plants in two ways: it can help to retain moisture in the soil and it can help to reduce weeds and other debris from entering the potting mix. Use a lightweight mulch such as bark chips or pine needles.
Alligator plant can be propagated fairly easily by stem cuttings. Cut off a healthy stem from the parent plant using sterile scissors or a sharp knife. The stem should be about two to three inches long and should have several nodes. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with potting mix. Water the potting mix and place it in a bright, well-ventilated area. In a few weeks, the stem should begin to sprout roots.
Because of its low-growing nature, Alligator plant does not need any sort of support. If you choose to grow it in a hanging basket, provide it with a sturdy support such as a wire hanger or copper hook.
Alligator plants do not need a rest period, but it is beneficial to give them a period of dormancy. During the winter months, decrease waterings, reduce fertilizer, and keep the plant in a location with lower light levels. This will help keep it strong and healthy in the long run.
No, Alligator plants are not toxic to pets. The leaves may be slightly poisonous, but ingestion is highly unlikely as the plant tastes quite bitter.
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