Hey everyone! I recently got some kalanchoe plants and I'm worried they might be getting 'leggy.' Most of the ones I see online have sturdier stems compared to mine. I've read that when they lean upwards, it could be due to not enough light, but they get plenty of direct sunlight here in Alaska. I repotted them about six weeks ago and have fertilized them once. I also give them about 8 ounces of water each week. Am I missing something in their care, or is this how they naturally appear?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're doing a lot right! Kalanchoes can naturally grow leggy if they haven't established a good root system or if the light conditions change. Since you repotted them not long ago, give them some time to settle in. Also, check if the soil drains well – bad drainage can mess with their growth too. Keep an eye on the watering, too; they prefer to dry out a bit between waterings. Keep up the good work!
Leggy stems are often a sign of insufficient light, but since yours get full sun, it might not be the main issue. Kalanchoe can sometimes stretch out even in good light if they're looking for something to climb on. Make sure to give them adequate space and possibly rotate the plants weekly to ensure they're getting even light exposure. If they keep stretching too much, you might also consider cutting them back to promote bushier growth!
That's a great point! I had similar issues with mine before, and pruning helped a ton. Just a few snips can really encourage denser growth.
Exactly! My kalanchoe looked leggy too, and after adjusting the watering and giving it time, it started to look fuller. Just be patient!