Kalanchoe refers to succulents. To date, about 200 plant species are known. Sizes can range from 4 cm to several meters. Some varieties may develop at home. The flower is popular in alternative medicine. Kalanchoe is a fairly strong and strong flower that can adapt to different conditions, but, regardless of the place of growth of the plant, it is characterized by some diseases.
The main diseases of Kalanchoe
The main and most common diseases of Kalanchoe include:
- Yellowing of leaves;
- Drying out;
- White plaque;
- Stem rot, etc.
Kalanchoe - home "doctor"
Yellowing leaves
There are several reasons why Kalanchoe leaves turn yellow. The first reason is the lack of light. Most often this happens in the winter time when the daylight hours are too short. In such cases, the plant is illuminated with a phytolamp. The second reason why Kalanchoe leaves turn yellow and dry may be too low air temperature. Kalanchoe is a non-frost-resistant plant, it does not withstand temperatures below + 10 ° C. The ideal temperature for flower development is an indicator of + 18 ° C. Also, yellowing of the leaves can provoke improper watering. It can be either rare or too plentiful. The plant needs watering about 1 time every 3-4 days.
Drying out
In some cases, hardy Kalanchoe may begin to dry. There are also reasons for this. If you do not notice the yellow leaves in time and do not take any of the actions described below, the main trunk may begin to dry out of the flower. In addition to air temperature, lack of light, amount of watering, it is recommended to pay attention to the quality of the water that the plant is watered. The flower may die when used for watering hard water. Another factor that affects the color of leaves and stems is depletion. In most cases, it begins in the period after the color is reset. At this time, a mix of mineral fertilizers must be introduced into the soil.
Kalanchoe leaves begin to curl
White plaque
White plaque on the leaves of the plant is a sign of powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease with a characteristic plaque.
Note! The disease affects not only Kalanchoe.
What to do if on Kalanchoe a white coating on the leaves? The very first action should be to move the flower to the quarantine zone, because in a short period of time, powdery mildew can infect all nearby flowers. The main reason for the appearance of this fungal disease is over-dried indoor air. The flower is treated by transferring it to a cooler and wetter place, increasing the amount of watering, and treating with fungicides.
Stem rot
When a plant is affected by this disease, its trunk begins to darken and dry, the leaves become watery and sticky. If no action is taken, after some time the flower withers. The very first action that needs to be done in case of stem rot rot disease is to measure the temperature of the water used to water the plant. Low water and air temperatures provoke stem rot, simply put, the Kalanchoe is frozen. It is possible to get rid of the disease exclusively in the early stages. With a complete defeat of the trunk, it is not possible to save the flower.
Stem rot
Other
There are diseases in which the plant cannot be saved. This includes ring spotting. It manifests itself as brown spots of a round shape on the leaves of Kalanchoe.
Another common disease that Kalanchoe is susceptible to is called late blight. Brown spots of irregular shape begin to appear on the plant. The tips of the leaves dry out and begin to curl. The main causes of this disease are:
- Excessive watering;
- Lack of ventilation.
The appearance of a sticky layer on the leaves is a sign of gray rot. With this disease, the leaves cease to hold shape, become lethargic, soft. The plant discharges the affected leaves on its own, but if you start to pluck them, they turn into a mushy mass.
Causes of disease
The causes of Kalanchoe diseases can be errors in the care of the plant. For example, most common diseases appear after heavy and prolonged watering, since constantly moist soil is an ideal place for the formation of mold, fungal spores and bacterial activity. The earth should dry before the next watering. Sometimes the cause of wilting can be pests.
Pests
Kalanchoe can attack such insect pests:
- Worm;
- Aphid;
- Shield.
Mealyworm, or mealybug, is a small pest of white color. It is clearly visible on the sheet. When a powdery worm appears on the flower, the leaves begin to thicken, a plaque similar to wax becomes visible on the surface. This pest can provoke the appearance of fungal diseases in the root system of the plant.
Aphid is an insect of dark green color. Most often appears in early spring on the lower surface of the leaf. Frequent introduction of nitrogenous fertilizing can provoke its appearance. Aphids suck out fluid from the leaves and stems of the plant, and they change color to light, gradually begin to fade. The surface of the flower becomes watery and sticky. Among other things, the insect secretes a substance that is toxic to Kalanchoe. As a result of the ingress of this poison into the plant, it ceases to bloom. Barely emerging buds immediately fall off.
Kalanchoe can be treated for aphids only by cutting the affected leaves. The remaining healthy stems and leaflets are recommended to be treated with insecticides. Aphids are a tenacious insect. Get rid of it should be phased. At least 4 times the plant needs to be sprayed. The interval between them should be about 7-10 days.
Aphid is a dangerous pest
The scabbard is not as dangerous for the plant as the two pests listed above, but it very often attacks Kalanchoe. A pest appears on the underside of the leaf. The scabbard is able to secrete a substance that is an ideal environment for the development of soot fungus. It is recommended to deal with this pest by treating the stems and leaves with a solution containing laundry soap.
Disease Control Options
When the first symptoms of the disease appear in Kalanchoe, it is necessary to place it in the quarantine zone and create ideal conditions for the plant. Kalanchoe does not like direct sunlight, so it must be placed in a place with diffused light. It is also recommended not to abuse watering. It is necessary to water the plant when the soil dries after the previous moisture hit. Experienced growers are advised to produce watering in the pan of the pot. Then the flower will take the liquid when it is needed. This method eliminates the possibility of drying and strong moistening of the root system of Kalanchoe.
Examples of flower treatment at home
Kalanchoe has healing properties and is often used in alternative medicine to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, with sore throat, inflammation of the adenoids, damage to the upper layers of the epidermis, etc.
Interesting. To treat a cold with Kalanchoe, mix the plant's juice with water in a 1: 1 ratio. This solution is dripped into the nasal passages 3 times a day. After a few days, a runny nose passes.
In acute respiratory diseases, 1 tsp. the juice of the plant is mixed with the same amount of honey. The resulting mass must be eaten 2 times a day.
Alcohol tincture with Kalanchoe juice will help reduce joint pain. For this, the ingredients are mixed in a ratio of 1: 1. The resulting mixture is rubbed joints several times a day.
Preparation of tinctures with Kalanchoe juice
How to pinch Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a growing plant. What to do if Kalanchoe is stretched? Only one option - crop. How to pinch Kalanchoe, so as not to harm him? Pruning itself consists in removing the upper weak shoots that lack nutrients. The plant may not be prepared for the apex removal procedure.
How to pinch Kalanchoe at home? This can be done with scissors, you can just pick shoots with your hands. As a rule, wounds do not form at the cutting site. If the wound still appeared, it must be sprinkled with ash or coal. After a while, two new shoots will appear at the cut site, which will soon begin to stretch.
Pinching Kalanchoe is recommended when there is no flowering for a long time.
Kalanchoe does not require much attention. This is a fairly hardy flower, but in Russia it can grow only at home or in a greenhouse. In the open ground without transplants for the winter, this plant will not survive.
