Kalanchoe marnieriana, commonly known as the "penwiper plant," is a succulent native to Madagascar. It is a popular houseplant due to its distinctive appearance and low maintenance needs. The leaves of Kalanchoe marnieriana are elongated and narrow, featuring a velvety texture reminiscent of felt or suede. These leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, creating an eye-catching symmetrical pattern.
In late winter or early spring, Kalanchoe marnieriana produces small clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom on tall stalks rising above the foliage. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight if acclimated slowly. It thrives in well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Propagation of Kalanchoe marnieriana is easy; simply place stem cuttings in well-draining soil or water until roots form. With proper care, this unique succulent can thrive indoors for many years, adding a touch of natural beauty to any home decor.
Marnier's kalanchoe has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It is vulnerable to disease when humidity is high and can develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, Marnier's kalanchoe is drought tolerant but requires more water during the growing season. Watering should be drastically reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Marnier's kalanchoe is best for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to care for, especially during dormancy. It is particularly suitable for those who have the time to tend to it over the winter months.
How to keep Kalanchoe Marnieriana.
Light
Marnier's kalanchoe prefers an environment with plenty of sunlight, so a bright, sun-filled spot is ideal. It can also tolerate areas with less generous light. If the plant consistently receives either too little or too much light, harmful effects can appear.
Water
Marnier's kalanchoe, a plant native to Madagascar, thrives in arid conditions and requires very little water. To keep it healthy, water the plant every three weeks and make sure it has good drainage to prevent root rot. Because it is sensitive to cold, it is usually grown indoors.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Marnier's kalanchoe, a woody plant from temperate regions, originates from habitats where it prefers temperatures of 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100.4 ℉). To accommodate seasonal variation, provide warmer conditions in summer and cooler conditions in winter.
Fertilizer
For Marnier's kalanchoe, small doses of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you fertilize. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
To keep a mariner's kalanchoe in good shape, it's important to prune any extra or dense branches in the spring and autumn. If you want to propagate the plant, choose strong stems with 5-6 leaves, cut them, and apply sulfur powder to the cut area. After the wound has healed, plant the cuttings in soil that is kept slightly moist.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Marnier's kalanchoe, pick a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, 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, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 46 cm
- Mature Spread
- 76 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Madagascar
Other names.
Reader questions.
How can I properly water my Marnier's kalanchoe?
To water Marnier's kalanchoe properly, follow these steps: 1. Wait until spring when new leaves are growing before watering. 2. Only water when the soil is completely dry inside the pot. 3. Use tap water or distilled water when watering. 4. Avoid watering from above; instead, water at the base of the plant. 5. Apply water slowly and evenly across the soil surface. 6. This method ensures consistent moisture for the soil without wetting the above-ground parts of the plant. 7. Keep watering until you see a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why should I put plant food on my Marnier's kalanchoe?
To support healthy growth, it is beneficial to fertilize Marnier's kalanchoe during the growing season. Despite its ability to store water and nutrients, applying plant food enhances the nutrient content in the growing medium. Additionally, fertilizing can stimulate mature specimens to produce blooms during the growing season.
How much sunlight does Marnier's kalanchoe require for growth?
To ensure the healthy growth of Marnier's kalanchoe, it is recommended to provide it with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily, although more would be preferable. The specific number of hours may vary depending on factors such as sunlight intensity and the environment, but it is unlikely that the plant will receive an excessive amount of sunlight. In fact, it can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun per day without any issues.
What temperature is best for Marnier's kalanchoe?
For the best growth of Marnier's kalanchoe, it is recommended to keep the temperatures between 60-75℉ (15-25℃). This range is optimal but they can tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures. However, temperatures below 40℉(10℃) or above 95℉(35℃) will cause the plants to go into dormancy and stop growing. Extended periods of temperatures above 95℉ (35℃) can be damaging and potentially fatal for these plants.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Marnier's kalanchoe?
Overwatering is a common problem with Marnier's kalanchoe plants and can quickly cause them to die. To avoid overwatering, it's important to let the soil completely dry before watering. Many people mistakenly water their plants too much, especially during dormancy. If you notice signs of overwatering, it's best to repot the plant and remove any rotten or diseased roots. Some roots may be salvaged with a simple cleaning. After repotting, use soil with good drainage to prevent future overwatering. Underwatering is less common but can still occur. If this happens, simply water your plant slightly more frequently without overcompensating and overwatering it.
When should I fertilize my Marnier's kalanchoe?
Marnier's kalanchoe, like all plants, benefits from extra nutrients. However, it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during its growing season. To fertilize effectively, apply it 1-2 times a year in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when the plant is dormant. If you have recently repotted your plant, be cautious and use less fertilizer. It is also recommended to wait a few months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.
What kind of sunlight does Marnier's kalanchoe require?
Marnier's kalanchoe is a plant that loves bright sunlight. It thrives when placed in direct light or bright indirect sun since it is a full-sun plant. While some types can survive with partial sun, it's generally better to provide them with more sunlight.
Is Marnier's kalanchoe grown at different temperatures during different stages of growth?
Marnier's kalanchoe go through different phases of life that are influenced by temperature. During the summer, they enter a dormant phase, while during the winter, they go into a growing phase. For active growth, cooler temperatures are needed, but not too cold. If the temperature drops below 40℉ (10℃), they will go dormant regardless of the season. On the other hand, high temperatures can also trigger dormancy, reducing the plant's watering needs. During this dormant period, overwatering can lead to drowning and root rot. It's important to only water the soil when it feels dry.
How frequently should I give water to my Marnier's kalanchoe plant?
Marnier's kalanchoe is a succulent plant with low water needs. This is because it comes from a hot and dry region. To properly care for this plant, you should allow its soil to completely dry out between waterings. It usually takes about two weeks to a month for the soil to dry completely. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, you can water it every 2-3 weeks. In the summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature is below 60 degrees or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will go into a dormant or semi-dormant state and does not need watering. In this case, you should reduce or stop watering until the temperature becomes suitable for growth again.
When is not a good time to fertilize my Marnier's kalanchoe?
Marnier's kalanchoe, like other plants, goes through a dormancy period where it stops growing. During this time, it is important to refrain from applying fertilizer. This dormancy period occurs in both summer and winter. Additionally, after repotting in the spring, it is advisable to wait a couple of months before resuming fertilizer application.
Should I keep Marnier's kalanchoe away from direct sunlight?
Marnier's kalanchoe is a plant that thrives in hot, sunny environments and is well-suited for such conditions. Because of this, it does not require protection from the sun. However, if you plan to move your Marnier's kalanchoe to a very sunny location that it is not accustomed to, you need to proceed with caution. Plants need time to adapt to new conditions, so it is best to gradually introduce the plant to more sunlight. Begin by moving it into the sun for a couple of hours each day, increasing the duration of sun exposure over time. Once the plant has adjusted, most types of Marnier's kalanchoe can handle full sun without any need for protection.
Three ways to manage the temperature of Marnier's kalanchoe.
Here are a few tips to help care for your Marnier's kalanchoe: 1. Tip #1: Be cautious of overwatering during high temperatures. Despite the common belief, Marnier's kalanchoe actually require less water in the summer. To determine if your plants have enough moisture, touch the soil about two inches below the surface with your finger. If it feels dry, then it's time to water. Avoid continuing to water if the soil is already wet, as this can cause root rot. 2. Tip #2: Don't worry if temperatures occasionally become too high or too low. While it's ideal to keep Marnier's kalanchoe within the optimal temperature range, they won't instantly die if the temperature fluctuates. These plants can even survive for short periods of time in temperatures below freezing. When faced with temperature changes, they will enter a dormancy state and require less water. It's important to return them to the correct temperature range as soon as possible, but don't panic if the temperature suddenly changes. 3. Tip #3: Avoid exposing your Marnier's kalanchoe to extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause irreversible damage. Initially, you may notice aesthetically pleasing changes in leaf colors, such as muted shades of red, yellow, and orange. However, over time, the plant will start to wither, leading to stunted growth and eventually death due to sun damage.