Kalanchoe 'Bronze Sculpture'

Water your Kalanchoe pumila when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. Water deeply and then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. During cooler months, water even less frequently than usual. During the summer, you may need to water your plant two to three times a week. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil is completely dry and refrain from water-logging the soil.

Kalanchoe pumila prefers bright, filtered light, and can benefit from a few hours of direct sun. Make sure to watch for signs of sunburn, because the leaves can quickly become over exposed. When necessary, you can move the plant to a slightly shadier spot to prevent some of the damage. Additionally, if your Kalanchoe pumila does not receive enough light, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.

Kalanchoe pumila prefers warmer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees Celsius). Never expose your plant to temperature extremes, as this will stress and possibly kill your plant. In the winter, when the temperature drops lower than 65 F, move indoors to avoid cold drafts.

Kalanchoe pumila likes low humidity levels and moderate moisture. During summer months, mist your plant daily with a spray bottle during the hours of highest humidity or set the pot on a pebble tray. In the winter, mist your plant only once a week.

Kalanchoe pumila requires excellent drainage to thrive, so use a well-draining potting or succulent soil. If you make your own soil, make sure to always mix in sand, pumice, or perlite to aerate the soil and increase the drainage rate.

Kalanchoe pumila can benefit from fertilization once in the spring and summer months. When fertilizing, only use mild, water-soluble fertilizers appropriate for succulents and dilute to 1/4 strength or as instructed by the manufacturer. During winter months, do not fertilize your Kalanchoe crenata.

Sap-sucking pests such as aphids and mealybugs can be a problem for Kalanchoe pumila. Take caution when moving the plant indoors because some of these pests can hide in between the leaves and be brought in with the plant. Spot treat any pests with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. Make sure to use any pesticides in a well-ventilated area and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Repotting should be done once a year or when the plant has outgrown the pot, typically during the warmer months. For best results, repot your plant in the spring when new growth is beginning to appear. When repotting, use a wider pot with a generous layer of drainage at the bottom and use a well-draining succulent or potting soil.

Kalanchoe pumila generally does not need to be pruned, though it’s still important to remove dead or wilted flowers and leaves as they appear. When pruning leaves, snip the stem just above the growing point to prevent disease or damage from occurring. To avoid cutting the wrong parts, use pruning shears to cut away any dead foliage.

Mulching is not necessary for Kalanchoe pumila, however it can help to keep the roots and the soil cooler during the hot summer months. To mulch your plant, you can use stones, gravel, or bark.

Kalanchoe pumila is relatively easy to propagate. To propagate, select a healthy leaf that has been exposed to a few hours of bright, indirect light. Leave the leaf for a few days until the cut portion forms a callus. After the callus forms, remove the leaf from the mother plant and set it on top of a potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soaked and keep the cutting in a warm and bright spot out of direct sunlight.

Kalanchoe pumila typically does not need a stake or support to stay upright, however, in very windy areas, you can add a support to help stabilize the plant.

Kalanchoe pumila does not have a set rest period. During periods of very cold temperatures, your Kalanchoe can slow down its growth, which may require adjusting your watering schedule. During the summer months, you may need to water your Kalanchoe pumila a tad bit more than normal.

The Kalanchoe pumila is considered to be non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).