How to Grow and Care for Mariner’s Kalanchoe

Mariner’s Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe marnieriana) is a distinctive succulent from Madagascar with flat, paddle-like leaves of a soft, blue-green color. These leaves grow in opposing pairs up the stems, creating a symmetrical, layered look. The leaf edges often develop a pink or purplish hue when the plant receives plenty of bright light. While the plant starts upright, its stems arch or cascade as they lengthen, making its trailing habit ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.

Mariner’s Kalanchoe Care

Light

The plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight for about four to six hours daily. An ideal placement indoors is near an east-facing window that receives gentle morning sun. While it can handle some direct sun, intense afternoon light can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems stretch and become “leggy,” and the vibrant pink leaf margins will fade.

Soil

The right soil provides the foundation for a healthy root system, and for this succulent, excellent drainage is paramount. A pre-packaged succulent or cactus mix is a reliable choice. You can also create your own medium by amending a standard potting mix with perlite or coarse sand. The goal is a substrate that allows water to flow freely and prevent root complications.

Water

This plant is best watered with the “soak and dry” method. Water the plant thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. You can check the top few inches of soil for moisture to determine when to water. During winter dormancy, its water needs are significantly reduced. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is better to underwater than overwater.

Temperature & Humidity

Mariner’s Kalanchoe prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C). This succulent thrives in low to average humidity, making it suited for indoor conditions without supplemental humidity. To maintain stable temperatures, keep it away from drafty windows or vents.

Fertilizer

To support growth during spring and summer, a light application of fertilizer is beneficial. A balanced fertilizer for succulents, diluted to half-strength, is recommended. Apply this once every four to six weeks only while the plant is actively growing. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant, and stop completely during the fall and winter dormancy period.

Blooming

Under the right conditions, this Kalanchoe produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These nodding blossoms are a coral-pink or reddish color and appear on stalks that rise from the plant’s center. Blooming is often triggered in late winter or early spring by the shorter daylight hours. To encourage flowering, ensure the plant experiences a period of darkness for several hours each day.

Propagation and Pruning

Creating new plants from Mariner’s Kalanchoe is most successfully done through stem cuttings, a straightforward process best performed in spring or summer. Use a clean, sharp blade to take a cutting that is a few inches long. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting to prevent rot. Once callused, insert the cutting into a pot with a well-draining succulent mix and keep the soil lightly moist until new roots form.

Pruning is a maintenance activity performed to manage the shape and vitality of the plant. This can be done to remove any leggy stems, which encourages a fuller, more compact growth habit. Trimming the plant back can stimulate new growth from the base, resulting in a bushier appearance. Pruning is also used to remove dead or damaged leaves, keeping the plant healthy and visually appealing. Use clean pruning shears to ensure clean cuts.

Common Issues and Toxicity

A frequent problem is root rot, which presents with yellowing leaves and soft or mushy stems. Another common issue is etiolation, or “legginess,” where the plant’s stems become long and stretched with wide gaps between the leaves. This plant can also be susceptible to pests like mealybugs, which appear as small, white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems.

All parts of the Mariner’s Kalanchoe are toxic if ingested by pets, including cats and dogs, as well as humans. The most common symptoms of poisoning are gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is best to place the plant in a location that is safely out of reach of curious pets and small children.