
The tiny, shrubby succulent Aurura Borealis is a type of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi ‘Variegata’ that reaches a height of 50 centimeters and forms colossal mats of spreading, rooted upright stems. Fleshy, lavender-grey-green leaves with cream-colored variegation along the curved leaf margins characterize this plant. It blooms bell-shaped, reddish-brown flowers on erect stalks in spring and summer. Aurora Borealis has orange blooms and leaves whose cream, silvery pink, and green tones merge together.
Flowering Aurora Borealis Plant
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This plant is especially famous for its beautiful, colorful flowers. Although it is possible to get another flowering out of the plant if you give it some time and care after the first one has faded, most people just toss it away when it is done. Once the plant has finished flowering, remove the flowering head and let it rest for a month. Then, after six weeks, switch to a cycle of 12-14 hours of darkness with an additional 10 hours of intense light so that buds can form. Temporarily cut back on watering and feeding. The plant can return to its usual lighting schedule when the buds have matured.
About Aurora Borealis Plant
The Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis, with its vivid colors and succulent appearance, is an amazing sight to behold. You can trust this plant to reveal its mood by changing color in response to environmental factors such as soil dryness, temperature, and sunlight. They get more pink as they are exposed to cold temperatures and sunlight.
These plants can’t be left out in the cold during the winter since they’ll perish from the frost and the resulting decay. You can interpret the pink as a signal that it’s feeling anxious and could use some comforting heat.
The leaves are uniform in both shape and color, and the effect is stunning. Most of them retain their original green color, but the edges take on a rainbow of tones. Although each leaf’s hue is distinct, they all feature scalloped leaf margins and oval shapes.
Every type of Kalanchoe is a hardy Winter bloomer. You’ll see that they grow and flower really quickly. Beautiful orange blossoms hang from their stems. The growth rate of these will considerably slow down throughout the summer months. Although these hardy plants can survive in full sun for a few months in the summer, they do best with only 1-3 hours of sunlight every day. Those that have access to strong artificial lighting can bring their plants indoors.
Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Care Guide
Planting Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
Add a tiny amount of soil from the planting layer to the flowerpot once the bottom hydrophobic layer has been filled with soil.
Insert the plant’s root system after being fanned out.
Slowly cover the plant’s root with planting soil, add the decorative soil on top, and then water the entire plant once.
If you’re planting it in the ground, dig a hole that’s twice the size of the root system before proceeding.
If you plan on cultivating the beautiful kalanchoe aurora borealis plant, you must be mindful of the following requirements:
Temperature and Light Requirements of Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
kalanchoe Aurora Borealis can flourish in summer, spring and fall at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. It can withstand extreme temperatures, but it goes into a dormant state at freezing temperatures. To prevent frostbite or possibly death, aurora borealis should be brought indoors when the temperature drops below 5 °C in the winter.
It is better to grow it in a container than directly in the ground if you live in a cooler climate. There is a significant reduction in watering requirements during the dormant period, and only a trickle is necessary throughout the growing season.
Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi Variegata is frost-sensitive because of its sensitivity to its surroundings. Even though it grows best in a room where the temperature stays between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, this plant still doesn’t take much attention beyond making sure it doesn’t freeze.
Since these plants evolve in warmer environments, they can only thrive outdoors at temperatures of about 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above. But it grows and blooms best at temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi variegata, a light-loving plant, needs bright conditions to thrive. If you are unable to provide direct sunlight to this plant, you must arrange an artificial light.
Keep in mind that the morning sun is gentler on this succulent; therefore, if you’re growing it in a pot, you should put it on a window ledge. In contrast, direct sunlight is essential if you’re planting it in a garden.
Soil Requirements of Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis Kalanchoe is a succulent shrub that requires well-draining soil and low moisture content. The soil surface needs to be smooth and well-drained so that the plant can flourish. Extremely wet soil can be harmful to the plant.
Those who are unable to track down the plant may substitute a potting soil or cactus mix that is 50% perlite and 50% coarse sand. To facilitate water drainage, you can also use a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
You should also think about the pots you’re using. You should place them in clay pots to prevent overwatering your succulents and promote healthy root development. These pots will help excess water to drain and not pool around your plant.
Watering Requirements for Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
It’s much more likely that you might end up destroying your plant due to overwatering. Even a single Aurora borealis can perish in a matter of days if overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out completely before introducing water to prevent overwatering.
Many people, especially as dormancy sets in, will only water the plant incorrectly. If your Aurora borealis exhibits signs of being overwatered, you should probably transplant it to a new container and stop watering. After the plant has been dug out, you should inspect the roots for root rot or other moisture-related diseases and remove them.
Some roots need to be cut out, while others can be cleaned up and be good as new. To prevent future overwatering, repot your Aurora borealis into a container with better drainage.
Although highly improbable, it is possible that you might underwater your plant, urging it to die. If that happens, you need only water your plant slightly more frequently, taking care not to drown it.
Fertilizing Requirements of Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
Like the rest of your plants, this one requires fertilizer, though at a milder concentration. Fertilize your plant as it is essential to maintain health and grow properly.
Unlike other plants, kalanchoes can thrive without any added fertilizer. However, maintaining optimal health requires consistent feeding to ensure enough nutrient intake. If you’re using liquid fertilizers, make sure to immediately follow the precise amount and type of nutrients your plant requires.
If you want to ensure the health of your Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi Variegata, follow the instructions on the packet carefully. Kalanchoes are mostly fed in the spring and early summer. Stop feeding it throughout the winter because it does not require a lot of food.
Repotting Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
It has to be repotted if the roots are too dense or unhealthy or if you want it to develop better and faster. It’s best to repot your plants in the late spring and fall. Hold off on watering the plant for a few days before repotting, and then gently knock the container outside once the soil has dried. If you like, you can also use a knife to cut the soil free from the container. You can remove the plant by gently lifting it up.
Succulents of varying hues can be planted in the same pot, but those with drastically variable growth rates should be kept apart. It is necessary to water certain succulents during their active growing season, but other succulents, particularly those in their dormant season, do not. The succulent in its dormant phase will become sick from receiving an abundance of water, whereas the succulent in its growing phase will wither from receiving too little.
Pruning Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
Some large succulents may require pruning to maintain their attractive form. If you have Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis in your yard, you should prune any dead or overly dense branches. It all depends on your point of view and the intended use of the succulent. You can use shear blades or potions to prepare your pruning kit.
You can harvest leaves to use in plant cuttings during the spring and fall seasons. Select sturdy stems with 5-6 leaves, sever them, cover the cut with sulphur powder, and then plant them. Use a watering can to moisten the cutting soil to just the right level.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
You can easily propagate your Aurora Borealis Kalanchoe succulent by using the offsets that your existing plants generate. The young plants emerge from the leaf tips of the parent plant and use the parent for support as they establish their root systems.
Leaves can be used as a vector for reproduction.
Twist off a leaf from the parent plant. Remember that your chances of success will decrease if a leaf is still attached to the stem.
The leaf’s end will become calloused if you let it dry out for a few days.
Plant the calluses in a potting mix that drains properly once they have hardened.
Water the ground when it is completely dry. It needs the same care as an adult kalanchoe.
Pests and Illnesses Attacking Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis
If you give your succulents the care they need, they will withstand pests and diseases. This is especially true of Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis. Therefore, little to no upkeep is needed.
Pests
Neglecting a plant might invite trouble in the form of insects like mites, bugs, and others that feast on its leaves and go unseen. As a result, you should inspect the water before watering your succulents in case there are any mites, bugs or rotifers in there.
Deal with issues as soon as they appear. The application of non-toxic insecticidal sprays or neem oil sprays, as well as the use of mild insecticides, can be very useful in warding off pests and protecting plants.
Yellowing Leaves
It is a normal part of its life cycle for the older leaves to turn yellow and die. Try not to freak out. However, it’s not normal for young buds to become yellow and wilt. Lack of mineral fertilizer or overexposure to sunlight could be to blame.
Wrinkling Leaves
The lack of available water is usually to blame for wrinkling leaves. A succulent’s leaves can wrinkle or shrivel up if it’s not getting enough water.
Lack of Leaves
Due to a lack of light, plant internodes might become spindly, leaving the plant more susceptible to damage. If you’re going through something similar, a succulent in bright light can help things turn around.
Toxicity
Consuming Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis is a risky business. Contact Poison Control or your vet if you, a family member, or a pet has consumed any amount of plant material. Children, dogs, and cats should not be let near this plant.
Concluding Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis Plant Care
People love Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis because they require little care and look unique and interesting because of their lavender gray-green look. They can be grown in pots and displayed on a desk or window sill. If you want to create a truly one-of-a-kind tropical environment, you can also plant them as undershrub in the more drainable and well-ventilated areas of your courtyard. They require little maintenance, making them ideal for those who are always on the go.