Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri

Determining how often to water Donkey ears is not a strict rule. The soil should be thoroughly checked before watering, and it should be bone dry. You can use either your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil's moisture level below the surface. If the plant is in a deep pot, you can do this with a stick or chopstick. If the soil feels slightly moist, wait a few days before checking again. In summer, most people will need to water Donkey ears every two weeks, while in winter, it can be done once a month. However, there are various factors that can affect the frequency of watering. These factors are listed below to help you determine how often to water.

To properly water your Donkey ears, you need to consider several environmental factors. The size of the container and the type of soil will determine how often and how much water you should use. Make sure the container has proper drainage to prevent overwatering. Smaller containers hold less moisture, so they need to be watered more frequently. Larger pots, on the other hand, retain more water and require less frequent watering. Avoid using oversized pots as they can lead to overwatering. When repotting, choose a container one size larger than the current one and opt for shallow containers since Donkey ears has shallow roots. The watering frequency for Donkey ears varies with the seasons. In winter, when the plant is less active, it needs less water. The cooler winter air slows down evaporation, keeping the soil wet for longer periods. Your region's climate also plays a role in watering needs. If you live in a humid and rainy area, you'll need to water less frequently compared to a dry, arid climate. Additionally, keep in mind that conditions can change throughout the year, especially indoors with heating and air conditioning. If you have Donkey ears planted in the ground, it usually doesn't require additional watering once its root system is established. However, during extended dry periods, you may need to water it occasionally. If you're growing Donkey ears in a container, you can move it outside in spring and summer when the temperature is suitable and bring it indoors as temperatures drop. A potted Donkey ears kept outdoors generally needs more water due to increased sun exposure, even if it's on a shaded porch.

To effectively water Donkey ears, start by thoroughly soaking the plant but allow it to dry out before watering again. Since Donkey ears are somewhat drought tolerant, you can let the plant become quite dry before watering again. It's always better to underwater rather than overwater this type of plant. When watering, ensure that the soil throughout the entire pot is thoroughly soaked. Avoid pouring water in just one spot, instead, go around the whole rim of the planter to ensure all sides of the plant get wet. The amount of water required depends on the size of the container and how well the soil absorbs water. Give Donkey ears enough water to allow drainage through the holes, then ideally let the drained water sit in the saucer for 20-30 minutes to be absorbed by dry pockets of soil. Afterwards, discard any excess water to prevent waterlogging. Bottom-watering is also a great method for Donkey ears as it ensures the soil is thoroughly moistened. This involves placing the pot in a saucer of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. You'll know the soil has absorbed enough water when the top layer feels moist. This method takes longer than top-watering but it guarantees an even distribution of water throughout the pot. Donkey ears naturally thrive in relatively dry environments with occasional thorough watering. To simulate this, bottom-water your plant when the soil is completely dry. Deep soil bathing is more beneficial than frequently lightly watering Donkey ears.

Donkey ears and other succulents can survive without water for extended periods, but if you forget to water them for a month or more, they may show signs of dehydration or damage. Underwatered Donkey ears look dull and wrinkled, with some leaves drying up, turning brown, or falling off. The soil will be completely dried out. To remedy this, water the plant thoroughly by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes until the soil feels moist on the surface. Overwatering is harmful to Donkey ears and can cause root rot, where fungi and bacteria thrive in overly wet soil and prevent the roots from absorbing nutrients and water. Signs of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves or organs that may burst due to excessive water. If left untreated, the plant may turn brown or black and lose leaves easily. Check the soil to confirm overwatering, as similar symptoms can be caused by other issues. Saving an overwatered plant is challenging, but catching it early is crucial. Check the roots and soil by gently removing the plant from its pot. If the roots are rotting and appear dark brown or black, slimy, soft, or mushy, the plant may be beyond saving. In this case, propagate new Donkey ears using healthy stems. If only some of the roots are affected, remove the unhealthy-looking ones with a sterilized cutting tool. Dip the remaining firm, pale roots in fungicide to kill any remaining spores. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. While not guaranteed, this method often helps succulents recover and start growing again in the next season.

Donkey Ears requires full sun exposure of above 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive optimally. However, it can also manage under partial sun conditions, receiving about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to monitor the sunlight movement through your garden to ensure spots provide the ideal balance of light and shade for your plants. The right amount of sunlight encourages healthy growth, while too much sun can scorch the leaves, and insufficient light might slow growth and cause foliage discoloration.

Lighting is crucial for the optimal growth of Donkey Ears, especially for indoor plants. In environments where natural sunlight is limited, particularly during winter or in less sunny areas, artificial lighting becomes essential. Choosing the correct type of artificial light, such as LED lights, can substantially promote healthier and faster plant growth. For plants requiring full sun, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is recommended; those needing partial sun require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need around 10-20W/sq ft. Setting the artificial light 12-36 inches above the plant for 8-12 hours per day can mimic natural sunlight conditions and support the plant's needs effectively.

Symptoms of insufficient light for Donkey Ears include small and lighter-colored new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and symptoms of excessive sunlight like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. To address insufficient light, gradually move the plants to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, avoid sudden changes in light intensity, and consider using artificial light if necessary. For plants affected by low light, parts that have suffered may not recover, but with increased light exposure, new growth should be healthy.

Donkey ears, also known by its botanical name Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, is indigenous to warmer temperatures and thrives best in temperatures ranging from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C). During winter, it can tolerate slightly lower temperatures but should be kept above 0°C to avoid entering a dormant state. If the temperature drops below this point, it's advised to move the plant indoors to continue its cultivation near a south-facing window to ensure it receives as much sunlight as possible. In conditions where natural light is insufficient, supplemental lighting may be an alternative.

In low temperatures, particularly when it falls below 20°C, the growth of Donkey ears slows down significantly. It's crucial to reduce or even stop watering to prevent root rot, especially when the temperature drops below 0°C. If your Donkey ears plant is outdoors, halt watering entirely during cold periods. In case of mild frost damage where the plant may wilt or show signs of weakness without initial symptoms, you should trim off the frostbitten areas. Check the roots for rot - if affected, cut off the rotted roots and propagate the plant through cuttings. Moving it indoors to a warm spot and ensuring it receives ample sunlight or supplemental light if necessary are also effective measures to foster recovery.

Donkey ears should ideally be kept below 38°C (100°F) during the summer months. Exposure to temperatures above 43°C (109°F) halts the plant's growth, leads to water loss, wilting, and increases its susceptibility to sunburn. Should your plant suffer from sunburn or water loss due to high temperatures, remove the damaged parts immediately. Shield the plant from the harsh afternoon sunlight until it recovers. In cases where root rot is observed, watering should be ceased until new root growth is noticed, indicating recovery.

Donkey ears benefit from fertilization as it adds nutrients to the growing medium. Despite already storing water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season further promotes healthy growth. Fertilizing can even stimulate mature specimens to produce blooms in the growing season.

Donkey ears plants only require a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize them 1-2 times a year in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when they're dormant. If you have recently repotted your Donkey ears, be cautious and reduce the amount of fertilizer. It's also best to wait a few months after repotting before starting to apply fertilizer.

Donkey ears, like most plants, goes through a dormancy period during which you should refrain from fertilizing. This occurs in both summer and winter when the plant stops growing. Similarly, it's advisable to avoid fertilizing for a few months after repotting in the spring.

When fertilizing Donkey ears, it is recommended to use a liquid plant food specifically made for succulents and cacti. To avoid fertilizer buildup in the soil, dilute the fertilizer with water to half-strength. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant and make sure to water it thoroughly, allowing any excess moisture to drain or seep into the ground.

When fertilizing Donkey ears, it is recommended to use liquid plant food as it is easier to use. However, you can also use granules if you prefer. Whichever option you choose, make sure to follow the directions on the packaging. If using liquid fertilizers, remember to dilute them to half-strength. Regardless of whether you use granules or liquid plant food, always apply it to the soil. After applying granules, cover them with a thin layer of soil and water.