Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons'

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' is drought tolerant and prefers time to dry out between waterings. This plant is succulent, meaning it stores moisture in its fleshy leaves and stem. Too much water can cause roots to rot, so it's important to allow its soil to dry out in between waterings. Overwatering can cause the leaves to fall off and yellow, while underwatering can also cause wilting and brown leaves. It is advised to let the soil dry out between waterings, however if they start to wilt, give it a nice long soak in lukewarm water.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate full sun. The leaves will start to burn when exposed to direct sunlight which can cause scorching and discoloration. If placed indoors, make sure to provide at least four hours of bright, direct or indirect light daily.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' is a tropical plant and is best kept in warm temperatures. Ideal temperatures should range from 40-85°F (4-29°C). When temperatures drop below 40°F, this succulent will start to die. Avoid keeping your plant in intense temperatures for extended periods of time.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' prefers a low humidity environment. This succulent can tolerate normal household humidity, but too much moisture in the air can lead to fungal diseases. If the humidity is too high, try setting up a dehumidifier.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' grows best in a light potting mix that drains quickly, such as cactus and succulent mix. It's important to ensure the soil has adequate drainage to avoid root rot. As long as the soil is light and well-draining, you shouldn't need to mix in additional material such as sand or perlite.

Fertilization is not necessary for Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons', however, if you want to fertilize your plant, a cactus and succulent fertilizer should be used. It should be applied during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing and at least once a month at half strength. When fertilizing, make sure to spray the leaves as they can absorb essential nutrients.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' is susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, aphids and scale. Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Aphids are tiny green or black insects that can travel in groups and cause wilting of leaves. Scale are small bumps on the stem and leaves that excrete a sticky substance. To control these pests, spray the plant with a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil. For heavy infestations, you may need to use a systemic insecticide.

Every two to three years, your Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' should be repotted to ensure its continued health. When repotting, check the root system and trim off any dead or damaged roots while also pruning back any overly leggy stems. Use a well-draining, fast-draining potting mix like cactus and succulent mix and place it in a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Pruning is not necessary for Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons', however, if you want to control its size or shape, you can trim back the stems with clean, sharp shears. Make sure to take off more than ⅓ of the plant as too much pruning can stress the plant and can cause it to die.

Mulching is not necessary for Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons', however, if you want to add more nutrients to the soil, you can use a fine layer of compost, pine needles, or other organic material around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture and additional nutrients that can benefit the plant.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a few stem cuttings and allow the cuttings to air dry for about a week so the ends can form a callous. Once the cuttings are dry, dip the ends into rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining, sandy soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and the cuttings should take root within a few weeks.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' has no special support requirements, but it may need some support if it becomes tall and leggy. You can put a stake in the soil next to the plant and gently tie the stems to the stake.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' generally doesn't require a rest period. It is a succulent and does not go into a dormant period like other plants. However, during the hottest months of the year, the plant may start to slow down and grow more slowly as it is not accustomed to intense heat.

Kalanchoe 'Silver Teaspoons' is not toxic to cats or dogs, however, it can cause vomitting and diarrhea if ingested. Also, its fuzzy leaves may cause skin irritation if handled directly.