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Warterlogging

Helen ClayHelen Clay Posts: 46
in Problem solving
I've bought my first plant but I think I've warterlogged it by acident. How do I fix my mess?! >.<
The plant is a kalanchoe.

Thanks!

Posts

  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    Just don't water it again until it is fairly dry. It should be fine as long as it is not soggy for very long, and it will soon dry out in this heat.
  • Helen ClayHelen Clay Posts: 46
    edited June 2020
    It's starting to wilt, I watered it on Friday.
    I was told to give it a good water but I think I took it too literal...
    I've put a peic of kitchen roll in the pot (I can take the plant out with the soil & it keeps its shape). The pot does have drainage.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    The shoots root really easily in water Helen so, depending on the size of the plant, maybe take a couple of shoots as insurance.  As @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool says though, it will dry out very quickly if you are here in the sunny south and likely fully recover  :)
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • Helen ClayHelen Clay Posts: 46
    It was store bought for £1.50, if it fails, I may try again. I have little space so taking cuttings isn't much of an option.
    Here's what it looks like now.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I'm pretty sure that will recover just fine although you may lose a few flowers in the process. Give it a week or two and it will probably bounce back, they are very resilient.

    I am rubbish with flowers (more an edible plant type of gardener) so I have kalanchoe, aloe and cactus as house plants as my daughters don't like applying a death sentence to any gifts  :D 
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • Helen ClayHelen Clay Posts: 46
    Ah ok, that's a relife! The kitchen roll I'm using is mopping up the extra ok so I guess it's helping?
    Is there a particular feed that would be good for either now or in general?
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    To be honest Helen I'm surprised the soil has retained that much water.  I use a cactus compost for mine which is basically a mix of grit, sand and MPC and the water just runs through.  Mine tend to get watered when I remember, usually every 2-3 weeks or more and I water them, let the water drain through and then empty the excess out.

    As for food they don't need much,  anything based on phosphorous would do but very dilute and infrequent.  Because I grow veg I use a drop of Tomorite in lots of water but I think you can buy special stuff for cacti and succulents.

    I am really no expert so this is all from my own personal experience, maybe someone with a bit more knowledge will chip in.

    Good luck anyway  :)
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • Helen ClayHelen Clay Posts: 46
    No, that's helped. I think I was treating it like a different plant >.<

    How oftern should I feed it? I have seen a feed just for cacti and succulents

  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I only feed while they are flowering Helen otherwise they are left to their own devices.  I just found this on the web, might be useful?

    https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk/campaign/july-2017-kalanchoe-houseplant-of-the-month#:~:text=Kalanchoe%20prefers%20a%20light%20to,dry%20than%20much%20too%20wet.
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
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