A plant for gardens that, through its aesthetic flowers, attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, as well as being ideal for decoration.It is the Kalanchoe pumila, a variety belonging to the Kalanchoe group, which has various subspecies widely used both indoors and outdoors.The Kalanchoe pumila is characterized by being a succulent of short stature and growth in the form of a bush.This condition, together with the aesthetic pink flowers that appear in abundance, make it a perfect specimen to decorate large gardens.The plant has some particular characteristics.Although it has simple care and reproduction, it is convenient to know under what conditions it grows.Kalanchoe pumila, also known as flower dust plant, calanchoe or Kalanchoe brevicaulis, is a species of the Crassulaceae family, characterized by its succulent leaves.Its ability to retain water through the thick leaves allows less frequent watering.It is a species with short stature and bush shape.It does not usually exceed 30 centimeters in height and, in the flowering stage, it presents a large number of small and aesthetic pink flowers.In addition, the rounded leaves are characterized by a series of tiny white hairs.All these conditions make the Kalanchoe pumila an ideal plant for decorating terraces and gardens.On the other hand, its flowers have the peculiarity of attracting various pollinating species.Among them, butterflies, bees and even hummingbirds, which add a wild environment to the external space.This species is native to Madagascar, an island in East Africa where the tropical climate predominates, with minimum temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius.Therefore, the Kalanchoe pumila is not suitable for climatic conditions below these temperatures.If the region has very cool environments, below 10 degrees Celsius, it is recommended to use it as an indoor plant.As for the etymology, its name reflects its short stature.Kalanchoe means "temple plant", while the word pumila refers to low growth in Latin.See also How to fight pests in succulentsThis species does not present major difficulties for its care.Coming from environments with tropical conditions, it withstands hot temperatures and dry climates well.In any case, it is not recommended to expose it to direct sunlight throughout the day.The Kalanchoe pumila is suitable for indoors and outdoors, however, it is convenient to know some particularities.Supplying organic fertilizer with the necessary nutrients for its growth is key.In this case, it does not require any special product, although it is convenient to feed it every 20 days in the warm months.It is recommended to use mineral fertilizer for cacti.As for the substrate, prefer thick materials that avoid moisture, such as sand or perlite.The succulent condition allows it to store water in its leaves.With this reserve, the plant better withstands periods of drought and arid climates.It does not require such frequent watering, although it does need abundant watering.During the cold months, reduce the amount and always avoid waterlogging.A good method to know when the plant needs watering is by inserting a wooden stick into the substrate.If it is dry when removed, then proceed to water the Kalanchoe pumila.On the other hand, it is important not to wet the leaves during the process.It is a plant that requires a lot of lighting.Outdoors, expose to direct sun, but not permanently.Indoors, it should be located in spaces where a good amount of natural light arrives.To care for this plant, special care must be taken with excess moisture, since it does not tolerate waterlogging.Therefore, it is convenient to generate good drainage at the time of watering it, so that the water circulates and does not accumulate in the roots.The pruning of this plant should be light.It is not necessary to prune it abundantly or as often.However, pay attention to the small flowers that are withered and cut them off.After flowering, it is usually pruned a little to maintain the shape of the plant.The easiest way to reproduce the plant is through cuttings or stems.A leaf or stem must be cut with the precaution of not damaging the adjoining leaves.Let dry for a while, especially in the cut area.Then plant the cutting in new soil.Wait 2-3 weeks as this is a slow growing species.Discover 11 indoor plants that are safe for your petsThe Kalanchoe pumila is an ideal plant for those who do not have much time, since its care is simple.Like most succulents, it requires infrequent watering, so daily watering is not necessary.It is an ideal species for ornamental use.It is usually installed in hanging pots for gardens and also indoors.In those cases, the space should be well lit and ventilated.Cacti and succulents are plants that require little care.Some of them are proper light, good drainage, and frequent watering.Select from the 0 categories from which you would like to receive articles.Better with Health Magazine on good habits and care for your health © 2012 – 2022 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