kalanchoe plant yellow

Kalanchoe is a beloved plant among hobby and serious gardeners because of its attractive flowers, hardiness, and rich diversity among its varieties. The Kalanchoe with yellow flowers enjoys special attention because of the vivid brightness of its shade – these plants can easily transport you straight into joy and good mood, chasing away all the gloom and decay of the present-day world. This article will cover in detail everything you could possibly be interested in about Kalanchoe plants with yellow flowers – their prominent characteristics, peculiarities of care and maintenance, major benefits, and drawbacks.

What is the Kalanchoe Plant?

The genus Kalanchoe belongs to the Crassulaceae family of succulents, which are native to Madagascar and other tropical areas. Crassulaceaesucculents are characterised by their waxy leaves and clusters of small, often brightly coloured flowers. The Kalanchoe is well-known for being found in homes and gardens across the world. There are more than 200 species of the Kalanchoe genus, and each has different characteristics, but they share the common trait that they are relatively undemanding to look after.

Kalanchoe is especially valued for its lasting flowers. A good one will last multiple weeks or months. Kalanchoe is also particularly drought-tolerant, making it a good long-term houseplant or one suited to people who travel a lot or live in arid areas.

Yellow-Flowered Varieties of Kalanchoe

Although Kalanchoe may be available in several other colours such as red, pink, orange, or white, the yellow-flowering varieties are perhaps the most popular as their blooms provide a cheery sunny accent to a flower arrangement. Some of the possible yellow-flowering Kalanchoe species and hybrids are:

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

One of the most common Kalanchoe species, with a version in bright yellow. Photo by the author. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, sometimes known as the flaming Katy, is possibly the most common Kalanchoe species, and it is available in yellow but also green and pinkish-red, flowering from winter to spring. It is typically used as a houseplant or when planted in a container.

Kalanchoe luciae

This hanging succulent has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can be blue-green or take on a reddish hue in strong light. It can have either white or pale yellow flowers, although some cultivars bear more vibrant blooms in shades of yellow.

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora

Another plant similar in appearance to Kalanchoe luciae and sometimes confused with it. It tends to have a stronger yellow flower display.

These cultivars are particularly appealing to those seeking to add a little colour to their homes and gardens.

How to Care for Yellow Kalanchoe Plants

With its succulent leaves, caring for a yellow Kalanchoe is simple. But if you follow these basic care guidelines, your plant will flourish and bloom as much as possible.

Light Requirements

Kalanchoe grows best in bright, indirect light. Your plants will grow happily in the path of dappled sunlight, but too much direct light can scorch your Kalanchoe. Over time, excess exposure to light can etch brown spots along the midrib of the leaves. When your plant is indoors, keep your Kalanchoe near a south- or west-facing window. If your plant is outdoors, be sure to put it in a place where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates.

Watering

Kalanchoe belongs to the family of succulents, which means they need to dry out between waterings. Overwatered succulents are susceptible to root rot, which can kill them, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out completely before you water again. During the growing season (spring and summer), water your Kalanchoe once every one to two weeks, depending on climate and soil conditions. In the winter, water once a month or less, as the plant is going into a state of dormancy.

Soil and Potting

Kalanchoe tends to do better in well-draining soil – a cactus or succulent mix should be fine – that lets water drain away from the roots. If you’re potting a Kalanchoe, make sure the container has a hole at the bottom so it can drain. Potting is usually only necessary every two to three years or when your Kalanchoe outgrows its container.

Temperature and Humidity

They prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C), and although some Kalanchoe species can manage a light frost, most need to come indoors before temperatures plummet. Kalanchoe can grow in average humidity and handle dry air, making them well-suited to most indoor conditions.

Fertilization

Kalanchoe doesn’t really benefit from heavy fertilising. In the growing season, feed your plant with half-strength, balanced, water-soluble fertiliser once a month. Avoid fertilising in winter, when the plants are resting, as this leads to the accumulation of fertiliser salts in the soil.

Benefits of Growing Yellow Kalanchoe Plants

Yellow Kalanchoe plants are beautiful to look at and have several practical uses. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to grow one yourself:

Vibrant Aesthetic Appeal

The most noticeable advantage of yellow kalanchoes is their eye-catching beauty. The flowers’ bright yellowness can be a perfect touch for house greenery or gardening – no matter how the interior is decorated. Kalanchoes can go with any style and match any design of a flowerbed, basement, or balcony. Besides, the beauty of Kalanchoe persists for a while – while other plants can bloom for only a day, kalanchoes will delight you for a long time.

Air Purification

Kalanchoe are also scrubbing your indoor air like many other houseplants. They aren’t the best air-scrubbers – think snake plant or peace lily – but they do absorb CO2 and give off oxygen.

Versatility

You can cultivate Kalanchoe in pots, which you can place on any windowsill or plant them as part of a succulent garden – or even put them into hanging plant baskets. As you can see, Kalanchoe plants can be easily inserted in different settings and plots so you can use them in so many different ways. You can also combine them with other plants such as succulents and flowering plants, which is a perfect way to decorate your garden or home furniture.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Although easy to care for, there are some problems that Kalanchoe plants can commonly come across. If you know how and when to look out for them, these problems can be dealt with quickly and your plant can look good as new!

Overwatering and Root Rot

The second-most-common misstep with these plants is overwatering, which can cause root rot: yellowing leaves, a squishy stem, and a rotten smell emanating from the pot. Let the soil dry between waterings, and repot to ensure your plant is in a well-draining pot. If it has root rot, you may have to remove the plant from the soil, trim the rotten pieces from its roots, and repot in fresh dry soil.

Pests

Occasionally, kalanchoe plants may be infested with pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. These potentially harmful critters could create problems like wilting or opportunistic fungus attacks on the leaves or flowers. To prevent this, routinely check on your plant for signs of insect pests and treat it with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil if any are found. You can also manually remove pests using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.