Silver Teaspoons (Kalanchoe hildebrandtii) is a little compact shrubby succulent that grows to about 4 feet tall and is native to Southern and South-Western Madagascar. This shrubby succulent may reach a height of 3 feet. It has oval leaves that are 1 to 2 inches long with a little point at the apex and short petioles. Our plants have a pubescence of appressed small stellate hairs and a waxy material that coats the leaves and the young, 4-angled stems, making them seem grayish-silvery-white. This plant has red blooms on branching terminal inflorescences.
Silver teaspoons has moderate disease resistance but is relatively sensitive to humidity. It is prone to illness when humidity levels are high and can develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, Silver teaspoons tolerates drought but requires more frequent watering in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Silver teaspoons is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly while dormant. It is especially suited to those who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.
How to keep Kalanchoe Hildebrandtii.
Light
Silver teaspoons does best in locations where sunlight fully bathes it for most of the day. Still, it can tolerate spots where light is somewhat subdued for part of the day. Too little or too much sun can lead to problems like wilting leaves or slowed growth. The habitat it originates from gets abundant sunlight.
Temperature
Silver teaspoons is native to warm climates and does best in temperatures of 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). If temperatures move outside this range, moving it to a more suitable condition is recommended, especially during extreme seasonal shifts.
Fertilizer
For Silver teaspoons, small amounts of fertilizer applied once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer for plants that have been repotted, and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start feeding again. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.
Pruning
To keep silver teaspoons in good shape, it's important to prune them in both spring and autumn. This involves removing any unnecessary or densely packed branches. For propagation, start by cutting stems that have 5-6 leaves. Apply sulfur powder to the cut areas to help the wounds heal, then plant the cuttings once they are ready. When planting cuttings, make sure to keep the soil slightly moist.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Silver teaspoons, choose a pot just a bit larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a well-draining, gritty succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and replant it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and place the plant in a brightly lit spot.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Native Area
- Madagascar
Other names.
Reader questions.
What if I give my Silver teaspoons too much or too little water?
Silver teaspoons and other succulents can survive without water for long periods, but if you neglect to water them for a month or more, you may find your Silver teaspoons looking thirsty or damaged. Signs of underwatering include a lackluster and wrinkled appearance, dried up leaves, and completely dried out soil. To remedy this, give your plant plenty of water by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes until the soil feels moist. Overwatering is dangerous for Silver teaspoons and can lead to root rot. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves, which may burst open. If not treated, the plant may turn brown or black and lose leaves easily. To address overwatering, change the growing conditions, provide more air ventilation, and adjust the frequency of watering. Saving an overwatered plant is challenging but possible if caught early. Start by removing the plant from its pot and examining the roots and soil for signs of root rot. If the roots are dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy, root rot has occurred. In this case, it's best to remove any healthy stem and propagate a new plant. If only some roots are affected, remove unhealthy roots, dip the remaining ones in fungicide, and repot the plant in fresh potting soil. While this doesn't always work, most plants will recover and produce new growth in the next growing season.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Silver teaspoons?
Fertilizing Silver teaspoons can enhance the growing medium by adding nutrients. Applying plant food during the growing season not only helps with water and nutrient storage but also promotes healthy growth. Moreover, fertilizing can stimulate mature specimens to produce blossoms in their growing season.
How much sunlight does Silver teaspoons require to grow?
To ensure the optimal sunlight exposure for silver teaspoons, they should ideally receive at least 6 hours of sun per day, although the exact number of hours can differ due to factors like sunlight intensity and the environment. However, it is unlikely that the teaspoons will be overexposed to sunlight, as they can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun per day without any issues.
What temperature is best for your Silver teaspoons?
To keep your Silver teaspoons in the best condition, it is recommended to maintain them within a specific temperature range. Ideal temperatures for storage range from 75-90℉ (25-32℃). During the early winter season, it is important to prevent the temperature from dropping below 75℉ (25℃). If possible, it is advisable to move the Silver teaspoons indoors to provide better protection during extreme temperature changes. Although Silver teaspoons can withstand some extreme temperatures, it is not ideal for their long-term preservation. While they may survive in low temperatures such as 50℉ (15℃), it is best to bring them inside if winter conditions are expected outside.
How often do I need to water my Silver teaspoons?
Determining how often to water Silver teaspoons is not set in stone. The easiest way to do this is by checking the soil and only watering when it is completely dry. You can use your finger or a moisture meter to check the moisture level below the surface. In a deep pot, you can also use a stick or chopstick. If there is even a slight moisture, wait a few days before checking again. In general, most people will need to water Silver teaspoons about every two weeks in the summer and once a month in the winter. However, the frequency may vary depending on certain factors. The following section provides some considerations to help you determine the appropriate watering schedule.
When should I fertilize my Silver teaspoons?
Silver teaspoons plants require a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season, preferably applied 1-2 times a year. It is recommended to fertilize in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when the plant is dormant. When repotting, be cautious with the amount of fertilizer used and wait a few months before applying it.
What kind of sunlight do Silver teaspoons need?
Silver teaspoons thrive in bright sunlight. These plants are considered full-sun plants and can do well when exposed to direct light or bright indirect sun. While some varieties may tolerate partial sun, it is generally best to provide them with as much sunlight as possible.
How do I change the temperature for my Silver teaspoons as they grow?
Silver teaspoons go through different stages of growth. In the initial stage, the dormant seed grows and becomes a seedling. These dormant seeds require specific conditions in their surroundings for growth. The seeds need a temperature range of 75-90℉ (25-32℃) to sprout. For vigorous growth, it is best to provide them with the ideal temperature of around 85℉(30℃) during the summer. To ensure enough sunlight, you can move your Silver teaspoons from indoors to a sunny spot during the hot summer months.
What things should I think about when giving water to my Silver teaspoons?
To ensure proper watering for your Silver teaspoons, there are a few environmental factors to consider. The size of the container and type of soil will determine how often and how much water you should use. It's important to use a container with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Smaller containers hold less moisture, so they need to be watered more frequently. On the other hand, larger pots retain moisture for longer periods, requiring less frequent watering. Avoid placing your Silver teaspoons in an oversized pot to prevent overwatering. When repotting, choose a container just one size larger than the current one, and opt for a shallow container, as Silver teaspoons have shallow root systems. In terms of seasons, Silver teaspoons need less water in the winter when growth slows down. The cooler air reduces evaporation, causing the soil to stay wet longer compared to the summer. The local climate also plays a role in watering frequency. If you live in a humid area with abundant rainfall, you can water less often compared to a dry, arid climate. Keep in mind that the same geographic location may experience different conditions throughout the year due to seasonal changes and indoor heating or air conditioning use. For outdoor planting, once Silver teaspoons establish a root system in the ground, they usually don't require additional watering beyond precipitation and dew. However, during prolonged dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary. In areas where Silver teaspoons can only be grown in containers, you can move the plant outside in suitable spring and summer temperatures and bring it back indoors when temperatures begin to drop. Keep in mind that potted Silver teaspoons kept outside typically require more water due to increased sun exposure, even on shaded porches.
When should I not put fertilizer on my Silver teaspoons?
Silver teaspoons, like most plants, has a dormancy period where it stops growing. During the summer and winter, it's best to avoid applying fertilizer. Additionally, after repotting in the spring, it's recommended to wait a couple of months before resuming fertilizer applications.
Should I keep Silver teaspoons out of the sun?
Silver teaspoons typically thrive in hot and sunny environments and are well-suited to such conditions, meaning they do not require sun protection. However, if your Silver teaspoons is not accustomed to intense sunlight, it is important to introduce it gradually to prevent shock. Begin by exposing the plant to a few hours of sunlight daily, gradually increasing the duration over time. Once acclimated, most varieties of Silver teaspoons can tolerate full sun without any additional protection.
How can I make sure my Silver teaspoons stay warm during cold seasons?
To protect your Silver teaspoons during winter, it's best to bring them inside. Some people choose to purchase grow lights to provide extra sunlight for their plants. However, if your home is not very dark, you can skip this step. Instead, keep your plants in areas where they'll receive the most natural sunlight possible. This should be sufficient for the Silver teaspoons to thrive in winter. If you have multiple Silver teaspoons, rotate their placement so each one gets enough sunlight. If you live in a northern area with extremely cold temperatures, avoid placing your Silver teaspoons too close to the window, as the cold may damage them.