Calandiva Plant:
Outdoor Growing Tips for a Beautiful Garden

If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant to add to your outdoor garden, the Calandiva plant is an excellent choice. This plant is a type of Kalanchoe, a succulent that’s native to Madagascar. The Calandiva is known for its stunning blooms, which come in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, and red. In this article, we’ll go over some tips for growing Calandiva plants in your outdoor garden.

Choosing the Right Location

When it comes to growing Calandiva plants outdoors, choosing the right location is key. These plants thrive in sunny locations, so aim to place them in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, consider placing your Calandiva plants in a spot where they’ll get some afternoon shade to protect them from the hottest part of the day.

Soil Requirements

Calandiva plants prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. You can also plant your Calandiva plants in containers filled with a high-quality potting mix designed for succulents.

Watering

One of the great things about Calandiva plants is that they’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to watering. These plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to be on the dry side rather than too wet. Aim to water your Calandiva plants deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

Fertilizing

To keep your Calandiva plants healthy and blooming, it’s important to fertilize them regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) every two weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.

Pruning

Calandiva plants don’t require much pruning unless you want to shape them or remove dead or damaged foliage. If you do need to prune your Calandiva plant, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node.

Pests and Diseases

Like most succulents, Calandiva plants are relatively pest-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites if conditions are too humid or the plant is overwatered. If you notice any signs of pests (such as webbing or white cottony spots), treat your plant with insecticidal soap according to package instructions.

FAQ Section

Q: How often should I water my Calandiva plant?

A: Aim to water your Calandiva plant deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

Q: Can I grow Calandiva plants indoors?

A: Yes, Calandiva plants can be grown indoors as long as they’re placed in a sunny location and provided with well-draining soil and regular watering.

Q: What should I do if my Calandiva plant isn’t blooming?

A: If your Calandiva plant isn’t blooming, make sure it’s getting enough sunlight (at least six hours of direct sun per day) and regular fertilization. You may also need to adjust watering frequency or check for signs of pests or diseases.

Q: How big do Calandiva plants get?

A: Calandiva plants typically grow to be around 8-12 inches tall and wide when mature.