Kalanchoe 'Desert Surprise'

This plant is drought-tolerant and doesn't need to be watered very often. It should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch; in general, this should be about once a week during the summer months and once every two weeks during the winter months. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this will cause the roots to rot, resulting in plant death.

Desert Surprise prefers bright, direct sunlight, and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It does best in direct sunlight in the mornings, and partial shade in the afternoons. During the winter, this plant should be kept out of direct sunlight, as it can suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much heat for too long.

Desert Surprise prefers temperatures between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit (10-29 degrees Celsius). It can handle temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) if it is in a shaded area. It shouldn't be kept in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).

Desert Surprise isn't too sensitive to humidity levels, but will do best in a somewhat humid environment. If kept indoors, it's advisable to mist the leaves occasionally with warm water. Outdoors, it's best to keep the plant in a spot with some shelter from the wind to avoid the leaves drying out.

When planting your Desert Surprise, it's important to use well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent soil mix is usually best as this type of soil has the right amount of aeration and drainage. Additionally, it's important to provide the base of the pot with a layer of gravel or pebbles in order to ensure good drainage.

Desert Surprise doesn't require much fertilization. If desired, it can be fertilized with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause the leaves to droop and the plant to become weak. It's best to water the plant first and then fertilize, in order to avoid burning the roots.

Desert Surprise is susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. To get rid of these pests, you can use a natural insecticidal soap or an insecticidal oil such as neem oil. These soaps and oils should be applied directly to the pests and will suffocate them without harming the plant. Be sure to reapply the cleaning products every few days until the pests are no longer present.

Desert Surprise doesn't need to be repotted very often. In general, it should only be repotted when it has outgrown its current pot. When repotting, it's best to use a pot with good drainage, as this plant doesn't like to stand in water for too long. It's also best to use a cactus or succulent soil, as this will provide the right amount of drainage and aeration for the plant.

This plant doesn't need much pruning, but if you want to encourage new growth and fuller blooms, you can gently prune the stems and remove any dead or damaged leaves. It's best to do this in the spring, when the plant is just starting to bloom.

Desert Surprise doesn't require mulching; however, if desired, a layer of mulch such as bark chips or pebbles can be added around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds away.

Desert Surprise can easily be propagated by taking cuttings from the plant and dropping them in a container filled with well-draining soil. The roots should appear in about a week. After the roots have developed, you can transfer the cuttings into individual pots and care for them as you would a fully grown plant.

Desert Surprise doesn't need any support and can usually stand on its own. However, if you do wish to train the plant on a trellis or other structure, it's best to do this when the plant is still young and more flexible.

Desert Surprise goes through a period of dormancy during winter, usually from late October to February. During this time, it needs less frequent watering and should be kept in a cooler area. If possible, it is best to move the plant outdoors, but be sure to protect it from frost.

Desert Surprise is not toxic to cats, dogs, or other pets. However, it is not recommended for consumption.