How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Little Dragon
Learn to successfully cultivate the Kalanchoe 'Little Dragon'. This guide offers key techniques for maintaining its unique form and avoiding common growing pitfalls.
Kalanchoe ‘Little Dragon’ is a succulent hybrid appreciated for its unique foliage. The plant features fleshy, wing-like leaves scalloped along the margins. These green leaves develop striking reddish-brown or deep burgundy edges, a characteristic that intensifies with sun exposure. It maintains a compact growth habit, making it well-suited for container gardening. As a succulent, its care is straightforward for both new and experienced plant owners.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Light Requirements
Proper lighting is important for the health and vibrant coloration of the Kalanchoe ‘Little Dragon’. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal indoor location is near a south-facing window, where it can receive several hours of light daily. Direct, intense afternoon sun can be damaging and scorch the leaves. To encourage even growth, rotate the plant a quarter turn each week.
Soil and Water Needs
A well-draining soil mix is necessary to prevent water from stagnating around the roots. Many growers use a commercially available cactus or succulent mix, while others create their own by amending standard potting soil with materials like perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage. A terracotta or clay pot can also help by wicking excess moisture away from the soil.
Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently. The best approach is the “soak and dry” method, where the soil is completely saturated and then allowed to dry out entirely before the next watering. You can check the soil’s moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Temperature, Humidity, and Fertilizer
This plant prefers household temperatures between 65 and 85°F (18 to 29°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures that drop below 45°F (7°C). Average home humidity levels are perfectly suitable, as it does not have special humidity requirements. During its active growing season in spring and summer, provide a diluted fertilizer for cacti and succulents once every one to two months.
Propagation Methods
Creating new Kalanchoe ‘Little Dragon’ plants is most effectively done through stem cuttings. The process begins by selecting a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, take a cutting that is a few inches long and includes several leaves.
After taking the cutting, it is important to allow the cut end to dry and form a callus. This step is a defense against rot when the cutting is planted. Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for several days until the wound has sealed over.
Prepare a small pot with the same well-draining succulent mix used for the parent plant. Insert the callused end of the cutting about an inch deep into the soil. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering as new roots form.
Common Issues and Solutions
One of the most frequent problems is root rot, a direct result of overwatering or soil that retains too much moisture. The primary symptom is a mushy, blackened stem base and yellowing leaves. To resolve this, unpot the plant, trim away all rotted roots and affected foliage with a sterile tool, and repot it in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Insufficient light exposure leads to etiolation, where the plant becomes “leggy.” Stems will appear stretched and pale, with smaller, more spaced-out leaves. The solution is to move the plant to a brighter location with adequate indirect sunlight. You can also prune the stretched stems to encourage more compact growth.
Pests can become a problem, with mealybugs being a common culprit. These small, white, cotton-like insects feed on plant sap and can cause stunted growth. They often hide where leaves join the stem. To eliminate them, dab the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Toxicity Information
It is important for pet owners to be aware that all parts of the Kalanchoe ‘Little Dragon’ are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains bufadienolides, a type of cardiac glycoside. Ingestion can lead to symptoms like vomiting, excessive drooling, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause more serious heart-related issues.