Kalanchoe care pruning. Proper pruning of Kalanchoe is the key to its health and abundant flowering. Among the common diseases of Kalanchoe are:

CORRECT PRUNING OF KALANCHOE AT HOME Kalanchoe is an incredibly beautiful plant that can be found in almost every home. The flower is very popular among gardeners, not only for its amazing flowering, but Kalanchoe also has beneficial properties. Caring for this amazing plant is quite simple, since it is demanding in terms of maintenance conditions, but still some rules of care must be followed. Proper care at home includes: pruning, watering regimen, fertilizing. Pruning Kalanchoe is a simple process, but there are various nuances that you should be aware of.

Why do you need to prune? Thanks to pruning, you can give the plant a beautiful bush shape. Pruning also stimulates good flower growth and development. There are 3 types of pruning: Initial; For preventive purposes; After flowering. How to pinch Kalanchoe? To prune Kalanchoe at home, you need to use a sharp blade. It is not recommended to pick leaves with your hands, as you can damage the flower and it will begin to fade. Thanks to pruning, you will form a beautiful and lush bush.

Pruning depending on the species Today, there are about 200 varieties of Kalanchoe, but only a few of them are grown at home. Almost all varieties of Kalanchoe are pruned in the same way, but for some varieties there are certain rules. The most popular species is considered to be Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This variety is quite often grown at home; it blooms with red flowers. Kalanchoe Blossfeld can be cut off almost completely at the root, and only a “stump” can be left; nothing bad will happen to the plant. On the contrary, it begins to develop more intensively and increase green mass. His bush will become lush and beautiful.

But varieties that bloom with yellow and white flowers need to be pruned differently. It is also worth mentioning that such species can rarely be found at home, and they are also very capricious. You should pinch the bush wisely, since excessive removal of foliage can cause harm to the plant. Before pinching a flower, you should accurately determine its variety. Pruning must be done correctly. Basically, this process occurs painlessly for the plant. But if you notice rotting in the cut areas, then the damaged areas must be immediately treated with charcoal. Step-by-step instructions for initial and preventive pruning In order for the bush to have a lush and rounded shape, pruning must be carried out. Most novice florists are interested in how to pinch Kalanchoe correctly so that the plant develops well? A young specimen needs to be pinched almost immediately, as soon as it adapts to new conditions and begins to grow. To do this, cut off 1 - 2 leaves from each stem of the plant. This is considered the initial pruning. Then, preventative pruning is performed as necessary. In the places where the cuts are made, after some time you will be able to see new stems and young leaves on them. Professionals recommend doing this procedure at home several times until the plant forms a lush bush.

Proper pruning after flowering How to prune Kalanchoe correctly after flowering? Pruning is always required after flowering. Thus, you will not only rid your handsome man of excess leaves, but also free your handsome man of flower stalks. After flowering, the pruning process is carried out in the same way as at the initial stage. Before you start pruning your homely beauty after flowering, you need to make sure that it has actually completely bloomed. Peduncles can be removed almost at the root to prevent plant rotting. After each flowering, it is recommended to get rid of all flower stalks. Thanks to this procedure, there will be excellent formation of the bush and will allow the plant to get new shoots. At the end of pruning after flowering, you need to give the flower a rest. He enters a period of rest. During this period of time, it is necessary to minimize the frequency of watering and protect the flower from direct sunlight. Usually Kalanchoe regains its strength in about a month. It is best to trim leaves and flower stalks in the morning. In order to form a lush Kalanchoe bush, it is necessary to perform pruning in a timely manner. Proper pruning is the key to successful flower development.

Care It is necessary to care for Kalanchoe at home correctly in order to obtain abundant flowering. In addition to pruning, the plant must also be properly watered, fertilized and maintained at the optimal temperature. Watering regime and humidity Kalanchoe is a plant that retains moisture in its leaves. Therefore, the flower normally tolerates a certain period of time without moistening the soil. However, Kalanchoe has an extremely negative attitude towards the bay, this can have a detrimental effect on the plant. Kalanchoe at home should be watered correctly so that the flower grows and develops well. When watering, the water should thoroughly saturate the earthen ball. Do not allow excessive moisture in the ground. It is best to water the plant in the summer once every 3 days. In winter, watering is carried out as the soil dries.

Kalanchoe, in principle, does not need spraying. In the cold season, it is generally not advisable to spray. To eliminate dust on the leaves, Kalanchoe should sometimes be bathed in the shower. And also use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves, as a result of which you will protect the flower from various pests. Feeding Kalanchoe for good growth must be fertilized - approximately once every 3-4 weeks. In order for the plant to bloom profusely, you should use complex fertilizers, but you need to apply half the dose than indicated on the package. Just feed the plant carefully, otherwise it may negatively affect the Kalanchoe. In winter, the flower should not be fed. Temperature regime Kalanchoe tolerates heat well, but in order to avoid drying out of the soil, the frequency of watering must be increased. In warm weather, the flower pot is taken out into the fresh air or placed on the balcony; in these places, Kalanchoe feels great. In summer the temperature should be about 25 degrees, and in winter - 13-15°C.

This plant can be seen in many houses and apartments of Russian indoor floriculture lovers. Kalanchoe does not require complex care, but the plant requires moderate watering, periodic feeding and pruning. The plant not only blooms lushly and often, which makes its owners very happy, but is also a good assistant in the treatment of various diseases of the nasopharynx, ears and skin.

To ensure that the flower does not stretch out, but has a neat round shape, it must be trimmed in time. Despite the fact that many people plant this medicinal plant species in their homes, decorative species are in no way inferior to it in popularity. Lush and variegated flowering, green stems and luscious foliage throughout the year make them a spectacular decoration for any home.

Today there are more than 200 species of this plant. Some of them are suitable for indoor floriculture. The most popular are Kalanchoe single-flowered and pinnate, as well as Kalanchoe Degremont and Blossfeld. Original inhabitants of the tropics, Kalanchoe of all types tolerate drought and high humidity equally well. Plants practically do not need fertilizers and are resistant to diseases and pests.

In this article we will talk about how to properly prune Kalanchoe at home, why such a procedure is needed and how to carry it out so as not to harm the plant.

As already mentioned, caring for the plant is not difficult, but certain rules must be followed when growing Kalanchoe. This determines how comfortable the plant will feel in your home and how it will develop.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for flowering Kalanchoe in summer is considered to be in the range from +23 °C to +29 °C. The plant will tolerate higher temperatures, but in this case, if it blooms, the frequency of watering should be increased, otherwise the buds may dry out.

Surprisingly, this tropical plant tolerates low temperatures well. In autumn and winter, when the temperature rises slightly above +10 °C, it can be exposed to fresh air without fear.

Lighting

You can place Kalanchoe anywhere in the room where the sun's rays reach. The plant feels most comfortable in partial shade or in diffused light. Direct sunlight is dangerous between 11:00 and 15:00 from March to September.

Watering Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a succulent, in other words, it is a plant that can accumulate moisture in its leaves. Thanks to this, it can survive drought. Excessive watering is harmful for Kalanchoe. Water this indoor plant in such a way that the water wets the earthen ball, and excess water must be drained. On hot summer days, the frequency of watering is increased (not forgetting about excess water). In winter, it is enough to moisten the soil no more than twice a week.

Humidity

This is not the most important indicator for the normal development of Kalanchoe. This is explained by the fact that the plant retains moisture in its leaves. That is why drought is not a problem for this flower. You just need to make sure that when watering, water does not get on the leaves, as this can cause plant disease.

Top dressing

Once a month, Kalanchoe should be fertilized with compounds intended for succulents. This is necessary for the plant to flower regularly. Experienced gardeners recommend using half the dose indicated on the packaging of nutritional mixtures. In winter, the plant is in a dormant period, so it does not need feeding.

Is Kalanchoe pruning necessary?

Yes, I need it. Moreover, this is the most important condition for proper care. Pruning Kalanchoe at home involves removing excess flowers and leaves. This procedure will help to form a beautiful plant. Flower growers believe that a small compact bush looks much more attractive than a long and unkempt stem. And for lush flowering, pruning Kalanchoe is simply necessary.

When removing excess shoots, juice accumulates in the stem, which after the procedure is distributed among the remaining branches. The flower becomes succulent, the plant becomes more resistant to drying out. It should be noted that there are three types of pruning Kalanchoe:

• initial;
• preventive;
• after flowering.

Often, especially when placed in the sun, the flower outgrows. Therefore, many novice gardeners are interested in how to properly prune a Kalanchoe if it has become elongated, so as not to injure the plant. If a long and not very beautiful top has grown, you should simply cut it off. Constantly watch for escapes. When they start to grow, pinch off two leaves from the top.

Pruning different types of Kalanchoe

Of the numerous types of Kalanchoe, only a few of them are common in indoor floriculture. The pruning technique is almost the same for all varieties, but for some varieties there are special rules that must be followed. The most common variety in our country is Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This variety is ideal for growing indoors. The plant has beautiful flowers of different shades.

This one can be cut at the root. In this state, the plant begins to actively develop, the bush becomes beautiful and lush. Varieties that bear white and yellow flowers are pruned differently. But these varieties are quite rare in indoor floriculture. Such plants require special care. Pruning of these types of Kalanchoe should not be drastic. Removing too much foliage can harm the plant: it may not recover from such stress.

In order for the formation of Kalanchoe to be carried out correctly, you need to find out what variety is growing in your home. Remember that pruning is a necessary and painless procedure for the plant. If rotting has begun in the cut areas, treat them with charcoal. To avoid such complications, use a tool that has been previously disinfected for pruning. It is strictly forbidden to pick off excess leaves with your hands. This pinching can weaken the plant.

Initial and preventive pruning

Once the plant has taken root in its new location, it requires initial pruning. On the shoots, you should cut off the top two leaves one at a time. Young shoots will soon grow at the pruning site.

Now it’s time to carry out preventive pruning of Kalanchoe (we posted the photo in this article). It can be done many times until the flower looks like a nice and compact bush. You don't have to wait for the leaves to grow. As soon as young shoots appear, the procedure can be carried out.

Flower pruning is stopped in late autumn. The next formation of the bush can begin in late spring or early summer. But if the flower has bloomed, pruning is prohibited.

Do I need to prune the plant after flowering?

Every year the lush cap of inflorescences and leaves becomes noticeably smaller. The exquisite beauty of Kalanchoe is losing its former splendor. But this is not a reason to abandon the plant. The flower simply signals that it needs pruning. It depends on the variety of Kalanchoe.

For example, the Blossfeld variety blooms until the end of May, and then enters a dormant period. After pruning and wound treatment, the plant is transferred to a cool place until spring.

For hybrid varieties, it is important not to overdo it and remove leaves and inflorescences to a minimum. Only shoots that have lost their former attractiveness are removed. Don't forget about cutting cuts. Kalanchoe is also pruned to renew its decorative forms.

A few words in conclusion

Kalanchoe is a very beautiful flower. Connoisseurs of indoor plants love it for its attractive appearance during the flowering period, but also for its healing properties. As it became clear from the article, pruning Kalanchoe is an absolutely simple procedure. But it should be done regularly so that the bushes always have a beautiful shape. If all the rules are followed, the flower looks amazing and actively develops.

Kalanchoe is successfully grown by both professionals and amateur gardeners. Almost all varieties of this plant do not require and are considered medicinal. However, even the most unpretentious plant needs to be properly maintained, and therefore every gardener should know not only how to water and what to feed, but also how to prune a Kalanchoe if it has become elongated.

Pruning Kalanchoe at home is a simple process that does not require much skill and knowledge. But it is still necessary to have minimal skills and information. Pruning is the mechanical removal of leaf blades, flower stalks, and stems. With the help of the procedure, the decorative appearance of the bush is maintained, because the rounded shape looks neater and more refined than the stems chaotically growing in different directions.

Pruning promotes uniform distribution of nutrients throughout all elements of the plant. Branches that are too long do not receive enough nutritional components, the trunk becomes frail and unattractive.

There are 3 types of pruning:

• The initial one, which is considered formative for a young bush.
• Preventive, helping to maintain plant health.
• Rejuvenating, which is carried out after the peduncle has withered.

Advice! The pruning procedure should be carried out with sharp scissors or a stationery blade after preliminary disinfection.

How to prune Kalanchoe depending on the type of flower

When determining whether Kalanchoe can be pruned, you should own.

More than 200 species of amazing flowering bushes grow in nature, but only a few are grown at home. The most popular is the Blossfeld species with bright red blooms. You can trim the plant regularly, without any restrictions. Even if you trim the bush completely, leaving a barely noticeable stump, after 1-2 months you will be able to admire the new greenery.

It is worth pruning hybrid plants with white, orange and yellow blooms more carefully and responsibly. When performing the procedure, the gardener should remember that significant removal of leaves and stems can cause great harm to the bush as a whole.

Initial and preventative pruning

The initial procedure for Kalanchoe is the formation of a bush. It is carried out immediately as soon as the young sprout has taken root and started to grow. Trimming the top growth points helps the crop bush more vigorously. Cut 2 leaves on each shoot.

Some gardeners do not use the method of removing shoots with a sharp knife, but rather pinching the Kalanchoe with their hands. If such an ancient technique is preferred, then it is worth carrying out the procedure very carefully, since plant tissues are easily injured. To avoid such an unpleasant phenomenon and unnecessary trauma to the culture, professionals prefer the use of tools.

Further removal of shoots, shortening them and forming a bush is called preventive pruning. The procedure is repeated periodically, removing the tops of the most elongated shoots or stems that develop “not according to plan.” With the help of sanitary pruning, the bush acquires the desired shape.

Pruning is carried out in the summer-autumn period. In winter, it is worth abandoning the procedure. When keeping the plant on a south-facing window sill, the last preventative pruning is performed in November. If the plant is located on a western or eastern window, then the timing of the procedure is shifted by a month.

The procedure is repeated in the spring. But if, with the advent of warmth and sufficient lighting, the plant has formed peduncles and, then removal of the shoots should be abandoned.

Preventive pruning is carried out during the warm period of the year at those moments when the plant does not bloom. The trimmed bush is kept relatively cool, as heat and light promote its active growth.

Pruning Kalanchoe after flowering

Kalanchoe must be pruned after the flowering period. The procedure is carried out immediately after the flowers wither. Remove dry flower stalks and 2 leaves on each shoot.

Important! Before you start pruning, you should inspect the bush and make sure that it has completely completed the flowering period.

How to prune Kalanchoe after flowering:

Pruning after flowering stimulates the formation of young shoots, which will soon bear flowers. After removing the flower stalks, the bush goes into a dormant phase. During this period, watering is reduced and the plant is moved to a darker place. The rest period is 25-45 days.

Pruning Kalanchoe is a necessary process to give the plant the correct shape and beautiful appearance. Depending on the age and period of development of the plant, the pruning process differs, so we will consider detailed information about each type of pruning and the rules for further care of the flower.

Optimal conditions for growing Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is an undemanding plant and grows well in apartment conditions. In winter, the plant tolerates direct sunlight well. You can place the pot on a south, east or west window. In summer, the rays of the scorching sun can burn the leaf plates, which will affect the growth process of the flower, so it is better to shade the pot.

The northern window is not suitable for growing Kalanchoe; due to lack of light, the shoots stretch out, flowering is very sparse or absent altogether.

Did you know? Kalanchoe is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, for example, Kalanchoe Degremona is medicinal, its leaves and shoots are highly valued in folk medicine.

The temperature range at which the plant feels comfortable is quite wide - from +15 to +29 °C, which allows you to grow Kalanchoe at home at any time of the year without any problems. However, at temperatures below +10 degrees, the flower may stop developing and begin to hurt, so it is not recommended to place the pot near an air conditioner or on a cold windowsill in winter.

Air humidity should be average - from 50 to 70%; at low humidity the plant may get sick. Also, dry air is a habitat for pests, so it is recommended to regularly spray the plant or install a container with wet expanded clay next to the pot.

Kalanchoe prefers soil with an acidity level of 5 to 6.5 pH.

Why and when can you prune a plant?

The main purpose of pruning Kalanchoe is to preserve the decorative appearance, splendor and compactness of the bush. The shoots of the plant grow quickly and can stretch upward strongly, becoming bare at the base; also, old stems interfere with the normal growth of new young shoots.

In addition, timely shortening of Kalanchoe shoots allows:

• rest the plant after the flowering period;
• rejuvenate old specimens;
• use cut cuttings to propagate the flower;
• stimulate sap flow processes in the shoots, as a result of which all parts of the flower receive uniform nutrition, which increases resistance to drying;
• have a preventive effect on the development of common diseases by stimulating the immune system.

Did you know? Kalanchoe comes from Madagascar, and even now you can find this plant in the wild there; the flower was brought to Europe in 1920.

Depending on the purpose of pruning, it is carried out at different times. It is necessary to shorten the shoots of a young plant that you have grown yourself from a cutting as soon as you notice its active growth (this will indicate rooting and successful adaptation to the environment).
Pruning for preventive purposes is carried out in early spring and late autumn (early winter), during the period of activation of shoot growth, after rest. If Kalanchoe grows on a southern window sill, it is better to do the last pruning in November, if the place of growth is a western and eastern window - in early December.

How to properly prune Kalanchoe at home: step-by-step instructions

Trimming is a simple procedure, so let’s consider whether certain rules need to be followed when carrying out the manipulation:

• Only a sharp knife or scissors should be used for trimming, so as not to seriously injure the tissue by tears;
• the instrument must be disinfected before use so as not to infect the flower;
• Hands are thoroughly washed with soap and water before performing any manipulation;
• Pruning is best done in the morning;
• the sections are sprinkled with crushed activated carbon to quickly dry the wound;
• After pruning, the plant is removed from the sunny windowsill, providing it with light partial shade.

Initial and preventive pruning

The initial and subsequent preventative pruning of Kalanchoe is carried out with some differences, so let’s look at how to trim the shoots in each case.

A stronger plant, which has begun to produce additional shoots from the main stem, is pruned as follows: on each shoot, the highest point of its growth, 2-3 leaves are cut with a prepared tool.

Important! It is necessary to remove excess shoots only with a stationery or kitchen knife; pinch off with your hands is prohibited.

Preventive pruning is different in that it can be carried out at any time during the growth of Kalanchoe, without waiting for the young shoots to get stronger.
In the place of the cut where the initial pruning was previously done, young shoots begin to appear, which can be left or partially removed to stimulate the emergence of new shoots for the “lushness” of the flower. Depending on the height of the grown shoots, they are cut by 2–10 cm.

If it is not necessary to greatly shorten the shoots, count the 3rd leaf from the top growth point and cut off the shoot under it.

After flowering

After the Kalanchoe has finished blooming, it is necessary to trim the flower stalks. Before starting pruning, the flower is carefully inspected for the presence of unopened buds; if there are none, pruning can be done; if there are, it is worth waiting until they bloom.

During the pruning process, all inflorescences that have already wilted are removed, and the shoot (where the flowers grew) is cut 1 leaf down. This procedure will stimulate rapid further flowering.

How to properly form the crown of Kalanchoe

The crown formation procedure is very similar to pruning. It is recommended to carry it out after preventative pruning, when the bush has acquired a beautiful spherical shape. To prevent further strong regrowth of shoots, it is recommended to pinch the top of each shoot as soon as it has reached the desired length.

Pinching the tip should be done with clean hands; it is most convenient to do this by pinching the tip with your index finger and thumb. The plucked leaves must still be very small so that the wound heals as soon as possible.

Thus, you can form the desired shape of the flower crown and minimize the amount of trimming so as not to further injure the Kalanchoe.

Pinching out shoots is also very effective in stimulating the formation of side shoots in areas where "voids" have formed.

Further care of the plant

Since the pruning procedure injures the ground part of the flower, we will consider whether it is necessary to create special conditions indoors and be more attentive to the plant after the planned shortening of the shoots.

Caring for a flower after pruning is no different from usual. You need to water the flower as the soil dries out, in summer - 1–2 times a week, in winter - once every 2 weeks.

The fleshy leaves and shoots of Kalanchoe allow you to store moisture in sufficient quantities and use it at the right time, so if you forget to water the flower a couple of times, nothing will happen to it. For irrigation, you should use settled soft water at room temperature.

Watering can be carried out both at the root and in the pan; the numerous roots of the flower will absorb the required amount of moisture.

Important! The remaining water in the pan must be poured out in a timely manner so as not to provoke rotting of the root system.

Kalanchoe does not need frequent feeding; in some cases, feeding can cause excessive growth and deformation of long shoots, which spoils the appearance of the flower. It is recommended to apply fertilizing only during the flowering period in order to extend the life of the buds.

Feed the flower once a month until flowering is complete. Any fertilizer complexes for ornamental flowering plants, which are prepared and used in accordance with the instructions on the package, are suitable as fertilizer.

Transplantation is carried out annually, at the end of March, since Kalanchoe is a fast-growing flower. For replanting, choose a pot with a diameter 3–4 cm larger than the previous one.
Suitable soil composition:

• 1 part of turf land;
• 1 part leafy soil;
• 1 part sand;
• 0.5 parts of humus.

When replanting a Kalanchoe, you need to remove it from the old pot and, without destroying the earthen ball, place it in a new pot, ¼ filled with expanded clay, fill the voids with the prepared earth mixture.

What problems may arise

Usually, problems with Kalanchoe do not arise after pruning, but only if the growing conditions and care coincide with the recommendations. Sometimes, after pruning, plants’ resistance to diseases or pests decreases, they become more demanding in terms of maintenance conditions or care, and therefore require additional attention.

Among the common diseases of Kalanchoe are:

• late blight- the appearance of brown spots or brown plaque on the foliage. The cause of the disease can be waterlogging of the soil or poor ventilation in the room. To cure the plant, it is recommended to review the watering regime and ventilate the room more often. It is better to remove the diseased parts, after which the flower should be sprayed with “Fitosporin”, according to the instructions;
• powdery mildew- a fungal disease that is characterized by the appearance of a white coating on the leaves. The cause of the problem is dry and warm air. To cure the disease, it is necessary to change the conditions of detention according to the recommendations and treat the flower with “Fundazol”, according to the instructions;
• gray rot- appears as a sticky gray coating on the leaves of Kalanchoe. The cause of the problem is improper care. The flower should be treated with Teldor and the diseased parts should be removed;
• stem rot- blackening of the stems at the base. The cause of the disease is low temperature. You can cure a flower by treating the ground part with Discor according to the instructions.

• mealybug- an insect that sucks the juice from the plant and leaves a white waxy discharge on the leaves. If possible, all insects are collected by hand, severely affected parts are removed, after which the flower is treated with “Aktara”;
• scale insect- appears on the plant in the form of small brown bumps on the stems and the back of the leaves. To kill an insect, wipe the affected areas with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol and treat the plant with Aktara;
• spider mite- small insects that settle on the back side of the leaves, after which they curl, turn yellow and fall off; the mite also weaves a thin web around the ground part of the plant. The flower should be treated with Fitoverm.

Thus, pruning Kalanchoe is a necessary process of caring for the plant to preserve its decorative appearance and better growth of shoots. To ensure that the plant does not suffer from the consequences of pruning, you should pay attention to quality care and maintain optimal microclimate in the room.

Note that this is one of the unpretentious and decorative indoor plants. It is very popular among flower growers, because it is not only an easy-to-care and beautiful-looking flower, but also has a whole range of medicinal properties. Kalanchoe is popularly called the “Tree of Life.”

Today there are more than two hundred varieties of this flower that are successfully grown at home. Proper care of Kalanchoe includes:

• landing;
• watering;
• feeding;
• soil heaving;
• pruning

In this article we will dwell in more detail on how to prune Kalanchoe and why it should be done.

Why do you need to prune Kalanchoe?

Caring for Kalanchoe at home, in addition to watering and feeding, should also be aimed at pruning the plant. There are absolutely no difficulties in this process. All varieties of this indoor plant, without exception, tolerate pruning. The main task of the florist is to adhere to certain rules when performing it.

What is pruning? First of all, this means removing a certain part of the leaves and peduncles. These manipulations make it possible to form a beautiful and compact bush from the long stems of Kalanchoe, which grow in a random direction.

Pruning is also carried out in order to give the plant vitality. The fact is that Kalanchoe is a fairly juicy and fragile flower, so the formation of its ground part not only makes the bush visually beautiful, but also more viable, since the juice inside the flower spreads evenly along its stems, making them more elastic and strong. This means that in the event of unfavorable conditions, the plant will have a much greater chance of surviving (not drying out or dying).

There are three main types of pruning:

• primary;
• preventive;
• after flowering.

All of them are carried out according to certain rules that must be followed so as not to harm the plant. Let's look at how to properly prune Kalanchoe in detail.

How to do your own pruning

Pruning Kalanchoe at home should be carried out in compliance with safety precautions, both for the grower and for the plant. Leaves and peduncles are strictly trimmed and in no case are broken off. This should be done with a sharp knife or a stationery blade. To prevent infection of the flower, the knife must be heated over a fire before use.

Also, before you start removing leaves, you need to remember that despite the fact that all types of Kalanchoe tolerate pruning well, there are some nuances to this process. Some varieties, for example, Blossfeld, this type of Kalanchoe can be recognized by its beautiful flowers of a juicy red color, and is completely restored even after the most radical pruning. Its bush can be cut almost to the ground, and it will soon grow a green mass again, even denser than before.

But varieties of Kalanchoe with white and yellow flowers are difficult to recover after excessive removal of their leaves, and may even die.

Therefore, when starting pruning, it is necessary to take into account this feature of the plant.

And so, let's look at all types of pruning leaves of Kalanchoe in stages.

Primary pruning of the bush. These actions are aimed at preserving the strength of the young plant and establishing a beautiful form in the future. The first time the Kalanchoe bush is pruned is at a fairly early age, when the plant is completely rooted and has formed a small but already branched green mass. Technically, pruning is carried out by pinching young shoots. You should also remove one top leaf from each young branch. After the manipulations, the flower must be removed from the bright sun; it requires light partial shade over the next ten days to restore and accumulate strength for further development.

Preventive pruning. As the indoor plant grows and develops, preventive or formative pruning is carried out. It consists of periodically removing new leaves and part of the shoots. To give Kalanchoe a presentable appearance. When cutting leaves from a bush, you need to make sure that no infection gets into the wound. It is best to immediately crush the cut areas with crushed charcoal.

Preventive removal is carried out immediately after the appearance of young leaves on pinched or previously pruned shoots. This way the flower will not waste its energy.

Leaves and shoots should not be trimmed during Kalanchoe flowering and in winter.

Pruning Kalanchoe after flowering. Even a formed Kalanchoe bush must be maintained in proper shape. It is necessary not only to periodically remove excess leaves, which spoil the appearance of the plant, but also the flower stalks.

Before you start pruning Kalanchoe after flowering, you need to inspect the plant and begin active actions only when all the flowers on the bush have already faded.

First of all, remove all faded inflorescences and cut off one or two leaves on the apical shoots.

Removing flower stalks not only has an aesthetic function, but also stimulates the plant to form new flowers.

Kalanchoe pruning is carried out in the morning. Afterwards, the flowers are removed from the sun and provided with light partial shade for ten to fifteen days.

For complete recovery, Kalanchoe will take about a month.

Correct actions will be of great benefit. The Kalanchoe flower will delight you with its lush shape and abundant and long-lasting flowering.