Complete Kalanchoe Tessa Care Guide
The Kalanchoe 'Tessa' It is one of the most appreciated succulent plants in gardening both for its low maintenance as for your spectacular hanging bloomIts colorful, tubular flowers and elegant appearance make it ideal for decorating both indoors and outdoors, especially in pots or hanging baskets. In this article, you'll find all the information you need to care for and enjoy your Kalanchoe Tessa to the fullest, as well as how to differentiate it from other varieties and provide advanced tips based on the best resources and references.
Botanical Characteristics and Origin of Kalanchoe Tessa
El Kalanchoe tessa it is a plant of the family Crassulaceae, native to Madagascar. What distinguishes it is its trailing habit, rapid growth, and bell-shaped flowers that vary in shades of orange, salmon pink, and red, achieving a vibrant effect in any environment. With a semi-trailing habit, it is typically used in hanging baskets and raised planters and can grow to up to 30 cm highIts leaves are fleshy, green, oval, and have finely serrated edges, typical of succulents.
- Scientific name: Kalanchoe 'Tessa'
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Level: from 20 to 30 cm
- Development: fast, hanging carriage
- Flower: tubular, hanging, reddish, orange and pink tones
This variety has been recognized by horticultural societies for its hardiness, ornamental value, and low maintenance. It adapts to both outdoor and protected indoor environments and is ideal for beginners and advanced hobbyists.
Kalanchoe Tessa Flowering: When and How Does It Occur?
One of the great virtues of the Kalanchoe Tessa is its prolonged and showy floweringIts flowers emerge in large hanging clusters in the cooler months, predominantly during winter and springEach bloom can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy its colors for much of the year.
- Flower type: tubular, pendant
- Colors: orange, red, salmon pink depending on cultivars and conditions
- Main flowering period: winter and spring
- Flowering duration: several weeks per cycle
Flowering can be stimulated by regulating light and applying specific fertilizers, as well as providing an adequate dormant period afterward to renew strength and prepare for a new batch of flowers.
Ideal Location: Light, Temperature and Environment
The Kalanchoe Tessa is a very versatile plant in terms of location, but prefers bright spaces and well-ventilated to thrive. Below are the best locations based on climate and environmental conditions:
- En exterior: Plant in sunny or semi-shaded areas, preferably protected from severe frost. Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean climates.
- En interior: Place near windows with plenty of indirect light, avoiding direct midday rays that can burn the leaves.
- Optimum temperature: Tolerates warm temperatures and withstands weak and punctual frosts up to -2 °C, although it is recommended not to expose it to temperatures below 10 °C to avoid risks.
In regions with an Atlantic climate or harsh winters, it is recommended to keep it indoors or in a greenhouse during the cold months, moving it outdoors in spring and summer.
Watering and Humidity: How to Maintain the Perfect Balance
This Kalanchoe is a succulent adapted to drought periodslarvae, nymphs, and adults, so does not require frequent watering and is very sensitive to excess moisture. Good drainage is key to avoiding rot and disease:
- Watering in summer: Approximately twice a week, ensuring that the substrate is completely dry before watering again.
- Irrigation in winter and the rest of the year: Every 10-15 days depending on humidity and temperature. It's better to err on the side of caution than on the side of excess.
- Avoid waterlogging: Always use pots with drainage holes and light, airy mixes.
- Rest period after flowering: Reduce watering to a minimum during this time, just enough to prevent the plant from becoming dehydrated.
Substrate and Pot: Selection and Transplantation
The substrate is one of the most important elements for the success of any succulent, and the Kalanchoe Tessa is no exception. Recommended mixes are lightweight and have excellent drainage. Commercial substrates for cacti and succulents are ideal. You can prepare a homemade mix with:
- 60% light universal substrate or topsoil
- 30% coarse sand or perlite
- 10% gravel, volcanic stone or similar to improve drainage
It's recommended to repot Kalanchoe Tessa approximately every two years, preferably in spring, choosing a slightly larger pot and replacing some of the potting soil. Always remember to maintain drainage holes and avoid placing saucers under the pot where water can accumulate.
Fertilization and Compost: How to Boost Growth and Flowering
During its peak growth period in spring and summer, Kalanchoe Tessa will appreciate a regular application of cactus fertilizer. An effective approach might include:
- Apply Liquid fertilizer for succulents every 15-30 days from spring to early autumn.
- Enrich the substrate with slow-release organic fertilizer at the time of transplant.
- If you notice poor flowering, you can use phosphorus-rich fertilizers specifically for flowering.
During the dormant period or when the plant is not actively growing, it is best to suspend fertilization.
Pruning and Maintenance: Key to Maintaining a Compact and Healthy Appearance
Regular pruning is essential to encourage compact growth and renew flowering:
- Pruning after flowering: Remove wilted inflorescences and trim very long stems to encourage branching and a new set of flowers.
- Cleaning dry or diseased parts: Keep the plant free of dry or damaged leaves and stems to avoid disease outbreaks.
- Formation pruning: You can trim side branches to encourage a more compact growth or guide hanging growth in baskets.
Reproduction: Multiply Your Kalanchoe Tessa Easily
The Kalanchoe Tessa reproduces easily by stem cuttings or leaf. To do it correctly:
- Cut a healthy stem 5 to 7 cm long long or a mature leaf.
- Let the base dry of the cutting for 2-3 days in a warm, dry place until the wound forms a callus.
- plant the cutting in a slightly moist succulent mix. Do not overwater at first.
- Place in a bright place, without direct sunlight, and keep the humidity just right. Roots will appear and new leaves will sprout in 2-3 weeks.
This technique guarantees easy propagation and new plants identical to the original. It can be done during spring or summer to ensure optimal rooting.
Common Problems: Pests, Diseases, and Solutions
The Kalanchoe Tessa is a plant of low incidence of pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by poor handling. The most common problems are:
- Mealybugs: Small insects that stick to stems and leaves. Remove manually with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or use specific insecticides. To prevent this, check the leaves periodically and keep them clean.
- Aphids: They are especially attracted to tender shoots and flowers. Spraying with potassium soap or mild insecticides helps control them.
- Red spider and mites: They cause yellow spots and leaf drop. Increasing humidity and applying acaricides can be effective.
- Snails and slugs: During rainy seasons, they may eat young leaves. The use of physical barriers and ecological baits is recommended.
- Root rot: Mainly due to overwatering or poor drainage. Prevent by using appropriate substrates and adjusting irrigation.
Early monitoring and gentle interventions are usually sufficient to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Lifespan and longevity of Kalanchoe Tessa
Like many succulents, the Kalanchoe Tessa can live for many years if properly cared for. With a good location, moderate watering, and regular repotting, it's not unusual for it to live for more than a decade, always maintaining its beauty and vigor.
Decorative and Environmental Uses of Kalanchoe Tessa
The versatility of the Kalanchoe Tessa is reflected in its ability to adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments. It is ideal for:
- Hanging pots: Its semi-pendant shape and the density of flowers fill walls and balconies with life.
- Centerpieces and raised planters: Thanks to its size and color, it is the protagonist in seasonal decorations.
- Well-lit interiors: It brings a natural and cheerful touch to living rooms, kitchens, hallways and offices.
- Living gifts: Due to its low maintenance and beauty, it is an excellent gift option for those who are new to plant care.
Related Varieties and Key Differences
The genus Kalanchoe includes many species and cultivars of great interest. The Kalanchoe Tessa stands out for its hanging flowers, while other kalanchoes present notable differences:
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: Flowering in bright tones, more upright growth, common in florists.
- Kalanchoe daigremontiana: Known for its peculiar reproduction through suckers on the margins of the leaves, it is unusual for it to flower in a pot.
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora: Rounded leaves and spike flowers, requiring even more light.
- kalanchoe tomentosa: Velvety leaves with brown edges, of great ornamental value due to their texture.
Medicinal Properties and Precautions
Some varieties of the Kalanchoe genus have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, mainly as anti-inflammatory and wound healing agents (especially Kalanchoe pinnata and daigremontiana). However, it is important to emphasize that Not all species are safe for consumption or topical application, so any medicinal use should be consulted with specialists and never replace conventional medical treatments.
- For topical applications, it is recommended not to apply directly to the skin without prior testing and not to reuse sheets.
- Plants should never be consumed in large quantities without supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalanchoe Tessa
- Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, it's an ideal plant for those just starting out in the world of gardening, thanks to its low maintenance and resistance. - How long do flowers last?
The flowers can remain in good condition for several weeks, up to two months depending on environmental conditions. - Can it be grown outdoors?
Perfect in temperate climates, as long as it doesn't experience severe frost. If low temperatures are expected, move it indoors. - Is it toxic to pets?
Like many succulents, it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities by cats, dogs, and other pets. Keep out of reach of curious pets. - How to make it bloom more?
Ensure good lighting, a period of darkness in winter (about 14 hours at night if indoors), fertilize during spring, and prune faded flowers. - When to change pots?
Every two years is usually sufficient to maintain vigor and ornamental appearance. - How to revive a damaged plant?
Cut the stems flush, check the roots, and relocate them to dry, moist soil only when they begin to sprout again, keeping the pot in a bright location.
Advanced Care Tips for Kalanchoe Tessa
- If the environment is very dry, you can increase the humidity by placing a saucer of water near the plant (without it touching the pot), especially indoors.
- Outdoors, avoid direct exposure to heavy rain that can compact the substrate or cause puddles.
- Combine your Kalanchoe Tessa with other succulents with similar needs in potted arrangements, allowing enough space for each plant to breathe and show off.
- To encourage off-season flowering, simulate a 14-hour dark period for several weeks by covering the plant during the evening/night if it's indoors.
Ideas for Integrating the Kalanchoe Tessa into Your Decor
Decorating with Kalanchoe Tessa is easy thanks to its trailing appearance and showy flowers. Here are some ideas:
- Hang near windows indoors to take advantage of light and vertical space.
- Individual pots on shelves in kitchens, offices or hallways.
- Combined with plants of different heights in large planters, to give depth and color.
- On the balcony or terrace, accompanied by other hardy succulents for a low-maintenance set.
The Kalanchoe Tessa offers a unique combination of beauty, versatility and low maintenance, making it a gem in home gardening. Its hardiness, ease of propagation, and long flowering time have made it a must-have for both beginners and experienced succulent lovers. With a little care and following the advanced tips detailed here, your Kalanchoe Tessa will bloom year after year, filling any space with color and life.
