Hello! I was given this plant a year ago by a friend who was leaving the country. It used to be covered in leaves but they've all fallen off (last picture shows what it looked like when I got it). It's still alive but I don't think it's healthy. Is there any way to restore it to its former glory? Should I repot it? I'm not sure what it is either (doesn't look like Kalanchoe as it says on the pot). It rests in sight of a window too. I was watering it once a week but now I water it once a month. There's an inner and outer pot so hopefully drainage is OK. Many thanks!
by MartyDonovan
17 Comments
Yeah its a kalanchoe. I guess it needs some light. Like if given less light spaces between leaves increases, plant becomes spindly in search of light. But again never had my kalanchoe like that, its kept on the patio. Any succulent expert might guide you better.
Is this rage bait…
Was it by chance grown with disco grow lights?
Looks root bound. Along with more light like others have said, it looks like you should repot it.
Maybe re-pot into a well draining substrate and give it some more sun.
Looks like an alien planet shrub 😂 yes it’s a kalanchoe, just chop the stems down to like 3 inches from the dirt and repot.
Kalanchoes are usually viewed as “throwaway” plants; when they’re done blooming, many people just toss them.
Yours needs some attention. Here’s a guide that should be of help to you:
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-kalanchoe-plants-1902982
It’s just going through a modern art phase.
Cut off the roots coming out the bottom of the pot. Cut back most of the stems to 2-3” above the soil.
Take it out of this pot and gently shake pff the old soil. Repot in a new pot just big enough for its roots with a well draining succulent soil. Do not water immediately – wait a few days and water lightly. Keep watering sparingly until new growth emerges from cut stems.
Place in much brighter light. Only water when the leaves very wrinkle slightly.
I would cut down some of the stems and see if they make more leaves before cutting all of them down. I’d put it as close to the light as you can, and put it outside in the spring next to the house so it’s not in direct sun all day. You might want to transition it, put it out for half a day and then increase the time. You will need to set a reminder to water it. Honestly I have a ton of plants but some plants don’t like me and my house. If I were you I would buy a ZZ plant and make sure not to overwater it.
Listen, it’s reaching for light like crazy. A lot of people are going to advise you to chop and prop, but I think it looks hella sculptural as is and super cool!
I’d repot, bump up the light, and see if you can get new growth on the ends for a really unique looking plant!
This is actually hilarious
kalanchoe and… no lol
mine gets full sun and still acts like this
Always let the soil fully dry out before watering
Repot and give fresh soil, but dont trim it. Put on some trailing plants to climb on it! IMO, trailing plants like pothos or some philodendrons will look amazing on those stems!
If this is a real question, here goes. Repot it in a terracotta pot with drainage and use 2 parts cactus and succulent mix and 1 part perlite. Chop it back severely. Give it waaaay more light. You can get a little clip on grow light from [sansi](https://www.sansiled.com/products/upgraded-10w-pot-clip-led-grow-light) and set the timer to 8hrs a day. Sit it in a plastic saucer and bottom water it (pour water into the saucer and let the plant suck it up. After an hour, pour out excess water) when the soil is nearly dry. This might not be on a schedule. Just check it frequently to see if it needs water. Eventually, you’ll know if you’ve gone too long because the leaves will get a little less firm and not look so plump. It can handle that happening if you catch it immediately, but it’s better to water it before that happens. It will start pushing out new growth in no time.