Variegated Kalanchoe Daigremontiana Pink Butterfly

Description

Variegated Kalanchoe Daigremontiana ‘Pink Butterfly’, also known as Mother of Millions, is an easy-care succulent that can thrive indoors with the right conditions. Known for its delicate pink baby plantlets along the edges of its leaves, it adds unique beauty to any succulent collection. Here’s how to care for it and troubleshoot common issues.

Light Requirements

• Bright, Indirect Light: Place your Pink Butterfly in a spot where it receives bright sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight.
• Avoid Low Light: Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch, becoming leggy and losing its vibrant variegation.

Watering

• Water Sparingly: Water your Kalanchoe only when the top inch of soil feels dry. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves, so overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Winter Dormancy: During colder months, reduce watering, as the plant’s growth slows and it needs less moisture.

Humidity and Temperature

• Ideal Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or frost, as it’s not cold-tolerant.
• Humidity: This plant doesn’t have specific humidity needs, but average household humidity is sufficient. It’s adapted to dry conditions, so no additional humidity is required.

Soil

• Well-Draining Soil: Use our premium cactus & succulent potting mix, which provides excellent drainage and prevents water from lingering around the roots.

Fertilizing

• Occasional Feeding: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. There is no need to feed during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Propagation

The Pink Butterfly is known for its ability to produce baby plantlets along the edges of its leaves, which can easily be propagated using a variety of methods:

• Soil Propagation: Gently detach the baby plantlets from the parent plant and place them directly on top of well-draining soil. Mist lightly until they establish roots, then care for them like mature succulents.
• Sphagnum Moss Propagation: Sphagnum moss is a great medium for propagation as it holds moisture without being too wet. Place the baby plantlets on damp sphagnum moss, mist regularly, and they’ll root quickly.
• Water Propagation: You can also propagate the baby plants in water. Place the plantlets in a shallow container with just enough water to touch the base. Once roots develop, transfer them to soil.
• Perlite/Perlite Mix: Some growers prefer a perlite or perlite-soil mix for propagation. This method ensures excellent drainage while maintaining moisture for the new roots.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Leaf Dropping and Baby Plantlet Loss: If your plant’s leaves are dropping or the baby plantlets are detaching prematurely, this is often a sign of stress, such as overwatering or poor light conditions. Adjust watering and ensure the plant gets bright, indirect light.
• Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot, which is evident when the roots or stems become mushy and soft. If you suspect root rot, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and trim away any damaged roots.
• Pests: Kalanchoe plants are sometimes susceptible to pests like mealybugs or aphids. If you notice pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, wiping down the leaves and stems.
• Leggy Growth: If the plant becomes stretched or leggy, it’s likely due to inadequate light. Move the plant to a brighter spot with more indirect sunlight.