Kalanchoe hildebrandtii
Silver spoons Β· Silver Spoon Β· Dusty Spoons
Description
Source: leafsnapSilver 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.
Care Guide
π§ Water Every 1-2 weeks
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.
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.
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.
How can I water my Silver teaspoons?
The most effective way to water Silver teaspoons is to thoroughly soak it and then let it dry out before watering again. This plant can tolerate drought, so you can let it become quite dry before watering. It's always better to give too little water than too much to this type of plant. When watering, ensure that the soil is soaked throughout the entire pot. Instead of pouring water in just one spot, try to water around the whole rim of the planter. This will ensure that all sides of the plant get wet. The amount of water needed depends on the size of your container and how much water the soil can absorb. Give the Silver teaspoons enough water so that it drains out from the drainage holes. Ideally, leave the drained water in the saucer for about 20-30 minutes to allow it to absorb into dry pockets of soil. After that, discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent waterlogging the soil. Bottom-watering is also a great method for Silver teaspoons, as it ensures that 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 that the soil has absorbed enough water when the top layer is moist. This method takes longer than top-watering, but it guarantees an even distribution of water throughout the pot. The original habitat of Silver teaspoons is relatively dry with little rainfall. However, when it does rain, the soil becomes thoroughly moistened. To mimic this, bottom-water your plant when the soil is completely dry. Deep soil bathing is better than frequent light watering for Silver teaspoons.
βοΈ Light Full sun
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.
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 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.
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.
What will happen if Silver teaspoons don't get enough sunlight?
Silver teaspoons require sufficient sunlight for optimal growth. Insufficient sunlight can result in various symptoms such as pale coloring, wilting leaves, and leaf drop. Additionally, the plant may become leggy or exhibit etiolation as it stretches in an attempt to reach the light source. This can cause the plant to appear sparse and have weak stems.
What will happen if silver teaspoons get too much sunlight?
Silver teaspoons may change color to shades of red, pink, or orange to protect themselves from excessive sunlight. As a result, many people intentionally subject these plants to mild sun stress during the summer. This process is not harmful, and the plants will return to their normal coloring when the level of light decreases in autumn and spring. However, if silver teaspoons are exposed too quickly to direct sun, they can experience sunburn. This is characterized by white or brown spots on the uppermost leaves that have been most exposed to the sun. In such cases, it is advised to move the sunburned plant to a shadier location and water it if necessary. Damaged leaves can be removed, and new growth will eventually replace them.
π‘οΈ Temperature 20β37.8Β°C
Silver teaspoons is native to warm climates and does best in temperatures of 68 to 100 Β°F (20 to 38 β). If temperatures move outside this range, moving it to a more suitable condition is recommended, especially during extreme seasonal shifts.
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 75-90β (25-32β). During the early winter season, it is important to prevent the temperature from dropping below 75β (25β). 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 50β (15β), it is best to bring them inside if winter conditions are expected outside.
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 75-90β (25-32β) to sprout. For vigorous growth, it is best to provide them with the ideal temperature of around 85β(30β) during the summer. To ensure enough sunlight, you can move your Silver teaspoons from indoors to a sunny spot during the hot summer months.
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.
What happens to my Silver teaspoons when it gets too hot or too cold?
Silver teaspoons thrive in warm temperatures, around 90β (32β), during the summer. However, it's important to shield them from extreme heat. In contrast, during the winter, it's best to keep the plant dry. Silver teaspoons prefer temperate climates with temperatures between 75-90β (25-32β). Some gardeners may expose their Silver teaspoons to extreme temperatures, which can stress them out. While temperatures between 90-95β (32-35β) can enhance the plant's colors, caution should be exercised when experimenting with such conditions. In hot summer weather, excessively high temperatures can scorch the plant, causing damage to its stem and roots. When the temperature is particularly high, it is advisable to either move the plant to a shaded area or protect it with a shade cloth.
How do I change the temperature for my Silver teaspoons in different seasons?
During the summer, the high temperatures slow down the growth of Silver teaspoons. However, when the cooler periods and rainfall arrive, the Silver teaspoons start to grow again. If you live in a place with hot summers, warm winters, and plenty of rainfall, you don't need to make any changes. However, if you live in a place with cold winters, it's best to let your Silver teaspoons grow more during the summer and rest during the winter. This is because there isn't enough sunlight for them to grow during the winter. If you live in a cold climate, you can help your Silver teaspoons enter dormancy by reducing the temperature to 50β to 75β (15β to 25β).
π¨ Humidity
πͺ΄ Soil 6-7
π± 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.
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.
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.
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.
What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Silver teaspoons?
To properly fertilize Silver teaspoons, use a liquid plant food specifically made for succulents and cacti. Dilute the fertilizer with water, making it half-strength to prevent buildup in the soil. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water it thoroughly, ensuring any extra moisture drains away.
How can I make my Silver teaspoons grow better?
When fertilizing Silver teaspoons, it is recommended to use liquid plant food as it is easier. However, granules are also an option. Regardless of which type of plant food you choose, make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. For liquid fertilizers, remember to dilute them to half-strength. When applying the plant food, always do so directly to the soil. If using granules, cover them with a thin layer of soil and water the plants.
πͺ΄ Pot & Repot Every 2 years
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.
βοΈ 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.
πΏ Propagating
π Diseases & pets
β οΈ Toxicity
Characteristics
- 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