How much can I whack?

13 years ago

This is a Kalanchoe blossfeldiana that my mother gave to me to resuscitate. It did well on her front porch, but did not weather the winter well at all. She repotted it in regular potting soil - and there is even evidence of moss growing on the top of the soil. It was also sprayed with Bug-B-Gone for aphids, hence the yellow leaves dropping off.

In her defense, she is now on the upswing after surgery, chemo and radiation. So I guess her plant was not her biggest concern at the time. She usually has lovely plants and garden.

SO --- how far back can I cut this? Can I hard prune a K. blossfeldiana?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Crenda 10A SW FL
Original Author
13 years ago
There does seem to be growth at the bottom of the plant.

Other than the quest to save this plant, I am very tempted to call it a "goner" and to take a few more clippings and start all over again.

Thanks for opinions!
chrisware
13 years ago
I cut back to,about half every year. Mine never winters well either, but it always bushes back out. When you repot, consider rooting some of what you cut off just in case it doesn't come out of it well.
Chris
Related Professionals
Houston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brattleboro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rutland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Murrieta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bronx Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Miami Landscape Contractors · Vidalia Landscape Contractors · Cincinnati Landscape Contractors · San Luis Obispo Landscape Contractors · Kahului Landscape Contractors · Madison General Contractors · Elkton General Contractors · Elk City General Contractors · Abilene General Contractors · Taunton General Contractors
Crenda 10A SW FL
Original Author
13 years ago
I'll go half for now and hope it bushes out. Between the winter, the soil and the bug spray I don't want to make matters worse for the poor thing. Can you believe a local nursery told her to use the Bug-B-Gone? I told her to not go to that nursery again! I have a new supply of pots so I will certainly start a few new ones from the clippings.

I've never had to clip one back this far and didn't know if it was a good idea or not. Thanks!