Growing the Kalanchoe Marnieriana Plant at Home

If you’re searching for an indoor plant to add color to your home, the Kalanchoe Marnieriana is the perfect succulent! The Marnier’s Kalanchoe requires little water or indirect light and can sprout beautiful red and pink flowers without any fertilizer.

But how much of each does it require? Let’s find out.

What Is the Kalanchoe Marnieriana Plant?

The perennial (evergreen) plant called Kalanchoe Marnieriana is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is indigenous to northern Madagascar. It has thin, spherical blue-green leaves with light pink margins. Along its vertical stem, the succulent leaves develop in opposite directions.

These plants usually reach a height of 18 inches (45 cm) at their tallest, with leaf clusters extending as far as 36 inches (91 cm) in circumference.

What Is So Unique About the Kalanchoe Marnieriana Plant?

With its beautiful blue and green leaves with shades of pink and red flowers, the Marnier’s Kalanchoe plant is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive-looking succulents on the market.

If the striking leaves and vivid leaf colors aren’t enough to persuade you to get this plant, think about how this plant sprouts pink to reddish stalks in the spring, making your indoor, succulent garden come alive.

As the plant develops, the pink foliage and scarlet blooms of Kalanchoe Marnieriana appear at the tips of the branches and hang downward. The blooms, which have five petals and are either white or pinkish-red in color, bloom in clusters from late spring through summer.

Now that we’ve sold you how vivid the plant is let’s talk about how you can take care of it.

How to Take Care of the Kalanchoe Marnieriana Plant

Like other succulents, Kalanchoe Marnieriana is a houseplant that is simple to maintain and grows wonderfully with minimum care.

Marnier’s Kalanchoe is an indoor plant but needs to be placed in sunny locations with ample bright light. However, don’t forget about them. These drought-tolerant plants love their water too.

Also, to experience the true beauty of your succulent garden, remember to use clay pots instead of plastic pots.

Watering the Plant

The Kalanchoe Marnieriana is drought-resistant. So, it requires less watering than other succulents do. In the summer, when the temperature is high, you only need to water the plant once a week.

But is there a specific way to water the plant? Here’s what to do:

·      Water the Marnier’s Kalanchoe until it’s saturated using the soak-and-dry technique.

·      Let the plant air dry thoroughly before watering it again. This helps you avoid overwatering and waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and microbial infections.

Excessive moisture in the soil can lead to a systemic bacterial infection known as soft stem rot, which can affect the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant. One indication of this illness is the drooping and yellowing of the plant’s leaves.

Plus, to protect the other plants in your home garden, you should completely isolate and remove the affected plant from the rest of your indoor plants.

Care in the Winters

To prevent waterlogging, water the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant either once or twice a month. This is because the soil takes a long time to dry up during winter due to the colder temperatures.

Plus, avoid directly watering the plant. Instead, sprinkle the water directly into your chosen clay pot to minimize the risk of rotting.

Light

Indirect light is essential for the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant, as excessive brightness can hinder stem etiolation.

To regulate light exposure, place the plant in direct sunlight during the mornings and late afternoons. This way, you can control the amount of light it receives.

Window Placement

If you are cultivating the Kalanchoe Marnieriana indoors, position it near windows that face east, west, or south. For example, put the plant on a south-facing window in winter for five to six hours daily. This location provides ample sunshine for the plant’s needs.

And to ensure uniform light distribution, remember to rotate your Kalanchoe Marnieriana throughout the day, allowing every part of the plant to receive equal light.

Moreover, the Kalanchoe Marnieriana blooms well when subjected to a few hours of darkness each day. However, extended periods without adequate sunlight may cause the plant to grow weak and elongated.

So, it is crucial to strike a balance between sufficient sunshine and periods of darkness.

Soil 

To promote proper drainage and prevent water accumulation, cultivate Kalanchoe Marnieriana plants in soil that drains well or in pots equipped with drainage holes.

When growing the plant in a container, utilize a cactus potting mix and incorporate coarse gravel, perlite, and pumice to increase drainage and aeration.

Moderate Temperatures

For optimal growth of Kalanchoe Marnieriana, it thrives best in temperatures around 70˚ F during the day and 60˚ F at night. If the outdoor conditions are too cold, artificial lighting can be used to help maintain the ideal temperature for the succulent’s health.

Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can hinder the flowering process of the plant. For example, exposure to low temperatures of 32˚ F and high temperatures of 70˚ F can lead to the demise of Kalanchoe Marnieriana.

If you reside in a frosty region, it is advisable to care for your plant indoors during winter. Similarly, when the weather is scorching, providing partial shade to the succulent is necessary to prevent leaf sunburn.

Fertilizer

Due to the sufficient mineral content present in most potting soils, the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant typically does not require fertilizer. However, if you wish to promote enhanced growth and flowering, you may consider utilizing a water-soluble fertilizer.

To avoid potential plant damage caused by fertilizer chemicals, it is recommended to use a diluted solution of half-strength fertilizer. Applying the fertilizer sparingly, such as once a month, further reduces the risk of overfertilization for the Marnieriana plant.

Pruning

Continuous pruning of the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant is not recommended. Instead, it is advisable to prune selectively when there is a need to remove dying leaves or blossoms. This practice encourages the growth of new leaves and facilitates the plant’s ability to bloom again. It is worth noting that these dead leaves could be a result of pests or diseases.

When trimming the flowers and foliage, it is important to use a pair of pointed gardening shears to avoid causing any harm to the Marnieriana plant.

Repotting

Regular repotting is necessary for the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant. So, upon purchasing the plant, transfer it into a slightly larger clay pot than its current size. Repotting every two years is sufficient.

Avoid using glass or black plastic pots as they impede proper water drainage. For optimal results, go for glazed ceramic or terracotta pots when repotting the plant.

How Can I Propagate This Plant at Home?

Kalanchoe Marnieriana can be quickly grown by taking cuttings from its leaves and stems. And it doesn’t take long before you can start taking pleasure in watching your lovely plant grow.

You can also grow the plant from seeds, but it takes more time and effort to see results with that method. Let’s check out both methods below:

Growing Kalanchoe Marnieriana From Leaves

Select healthy leaves or stems of the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant, ensuring they’re free from pests and diseases. With a sharp and sterilized knife or scissors, carefully detach the leaves from the mother plant, ensuring the entire connected portion is removed.

Allow the detached leaves to callous for a period of two to three days before planting them in well-draining soil. Follow the watering instructions mentioned earlier.

Maintain a temperature above 50˚ F and position the cuttings in a location where they can receive indirect sunlight, preferably near a window. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as it may cause leaf burn.

Growing Kalanchoe Marnieriana From a Stem

To propagate the Kalanchoe Marnieriana plant, a viable method is using a stem. It is recommended to select a mature and healthy stem with leaves, avoiding those in bloom.

The ideal seasons for stem propagation are summer and spring when the plant is not in bloom but is actively storing energy for future flowering.

When taking a stem cutting, ensure it is several inches long and devoid of nodes or leaves. Allowing the stem to dry out for a few days before planting can help prevent rotting.

Conclusion

Although the Kalanchoe Marnieriana is a reasonably simple plant to look after, there are a few considerations to make. Remember to keep it in a bright, sunny location and water it frequently. This lovely succulent will thrive in mild temperatures and some sunlight.

The proper care you give your Marnieriana plant is so worth it. The long stems, vivid leaves, and rose-pink blooms of Kalanchoe Marnieriana are distinctive additions to your house or garden that are worth considering. They bring freshness to any succulent landscape.

However, they are poisonous if consumed, so keep kids and animals away.