Bunny's Ears
Bunny's Ears, also known as Kalanchoe tomentosa, is a flowering succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family. It is native to the island of Madagascar and is known for having fuzzy, softened leaves. It produces bright orange and yellow bell-shaped flowers and grows in clusters of leaves that resemble furry ears of a bunny, hence its name. The leaves are soft and can grow up to 2 inches long, usually in shades of grey to grey-green. It is a popular houseplant due to its easy care nature, low maintenance, small size, and attractive appearance.
Bunny’s Ears require weekly watering during the summer months. During the winter months, the plant should be watered less often, about twice a month. It’s important to make sure that the soil is dried out completely between watering cycles, and that you make sure not to over-water the plant. Signs of over-watering include water marks on the leaves and yellowing of the leaves. If you notice these signs, cut back on watering immediately.
Bunny’s Ears prefer bright indirect sunlight whenever possible. They can tolerate some direct sun exposure; however, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause the leaves to become slightly sunburnt. If kept indoors, position the plant next to a bright window and away from any drafts. During the winter months, Bunny Ear plants may require a bit more light so you might want to consider getting some grow lights to supplement natural light.
Bunny’s Ears prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (16-21°C). Any higher than this and the plant will become stressed out. During the winter, temperatures should not drop below 50°F (10°C). If temperatures drop too low, the leaves may start to show signs of stress.
Bunny’s Ears prefer high humidity. Placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help to increase the humidity. You should also consider misting the plant with water regularly to keep the leaves soft and fuzzy. Make sure to check the humidity levels in your home from time to time as excessive dryness can also cause the leaves to become dry and brittle.
Bunny’s Ears prefer a well-draining potting mix that is made up of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite or sand. This will help to ensure that water drains away quickly and that the roots don’t become waterlogged. Additionally, the soil should be kept slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Fertilizing should be done on an as-needed basis for Bunny’s Ears. If the plant appears to be lacking nutrients or its growth is stunted, fertilizing can help to encourage healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 diluted to half strength can be applied in the spring and summer months. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as this can lead to too much growth in cool temperatures.
Bunny’s Ears are vulnerable to pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, it is important to act quickly and take measures to get rid of them. The best methods for controlling pests on houseplants are to use an insecticidal soap, or a mixture of alcohol and water to wipe down the leaves and stems. Additionally, check the undersides of the leaves as pests tend to be attracted to these areas. Systemic insecticides and horticultural oils are also effective against most houseplant pests but should only be used as a last resort.
Bunny’s Ears should be re-potted every 1-2 years, or when the plant has outgrown its pot. Re-potting should be done in the springtime when the plant is actively growing. When re-potting, use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with adequate drainage holes. Make sure to water the newly-potted plant well, but don’t over-water.
Pruning should be done on an as-needed basis for Bunny’s Ears. Pruning can be done to help promote branching and to remove any damaged or dead leaves and stems. When pruning, always wear gloves and use a clean pair of pruning shears or scissors. Cut the stem close to the base of the plant and make sure to remove any spent flowers as well.
Mulching your Bunny’s Ears is optional but it can help to retain moisture in the soil and protect the plant’s roots from the sun. A layer of peat moss, coconut coir, or mulch can be used to help keep the soil moist and cool.
Bunny’s Ears can be propagated from leaf cuttings or seeds. Leaf cuttings should be taken during the warmer months and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. It is best to let the leaves dry out slightly before planting. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm place with bright, indirect light. The seeds should be watered regularly and the seedlings should be kept in a well-ventilated area.
Bunny’s Ears, like most succulents, do not need any support when grown indoors. If you’re growing it outdoors in a container, you can provide a stake or trellis for the plant to climb on.
Bunny’s Ears require a rest period in the winter. During this time, the amount of water should be reduced, the temperatures should be kept at a moderate level, and the amount of light should be greatly reduced. This rest period is important for the plant to store up energy for the next growing season.
Bunny’s Ears are not considered toxic to pets. However, as a precaution, it is best to keep the plant out of reach as ingestion may cause gastrointestinal issues.
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