Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) Indoor Care, Propagation and Problems
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Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) grows best in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Kalanchoe marmorata is one of the popular Kalanchoe varieties and is grown for its large scalloped and brown-blotched leaves. The flowers are starry white, four-petalled and are sometimes tinged with pink.
The species name 'marmorata' is in reference to the marbled surface of the large succulent leaves which make it a spectacular plant.
Botanical name: Kalanchoe marmorata
Family: Crassulaceae
Common name: Penwiper Plant
Origin
Kalanchoe marmorata (Penwiper Plant) is native to Central and West Africa, from Zaire to Ethiopia, Sudan and Somali.
Size
Penwiper Plant is a low-growing, compact plant which grows to a height of 16 inches and about 16 inches wide. On account of their small size, Kalanchoe marmorata and its cousins Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant) and Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) are among the best plants for the limited spaces.
Toxicity
Kalanchoe marmorata like other Kalanchoe Plants contains Calcium glycosides which are toxic to animals as indicated by ASPCA. Keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets to avoid any mishaps.
Where to Buy
Kalanchoe Plants are charming plants for your collection, you may acquire these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Kalanchoe marmorata Care Indoors
Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) prospers in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth of 16-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Kalanchoe marmorata requires repotting only when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat and tidy. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Penwiper Plant grows best in bright light to full sunlight. Keep it away from hot direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
Kalanchoe marmorata can be grown under a grow light where the natural light is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives enought light on all sides for even growth and avoid legginess.
You may grow Penwiper Plant outdoors but gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching the leaves.
Watering
Water Penwiper Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Decrease watering significantly in the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting and death of the plant.
Avoid wetting the leaves as it can lead to rotting or water from the bottom instead. To avoid shocking the plant, only water it with water that is at room temperature.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth temperatures between 16-260C are ideal for Penwiper Plant. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant.
The plant has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is adequate for Penwiper Plant. Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Penwiper Plant monthly during the growing period with a balanced, liquid, cactus and succulents fertilizer. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time thus feeding can cause fertilizer burn.
Potting Mix
The best potting soil for Penwiper Plant is a succulents potting mix which should rich in organic matter and well-drained to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Penwiper Plant only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has shallow roots. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can result in rotting. A clay pot is preferable because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster. Take a look at these terracotta pots with saucer on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Penwiper Plant requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat. To rejuvenate growth, you may cutback the stem at the beginning of the growing season. This will encourage new shoots to sprout at a point just below the cut.
Propagation
Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings as they root easily.
How to propagate Penwiper Plant from leaf cuttings
Take leaf cuttings together with about an inch of the leaf petiole from a healthy Penwiper Plant.
Allow the leaf cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
Insert the leaf petiole into moist, free-draining soil while ensuring that the midrib of the leaf also comes into contact with the soil.
Cover the set up with transparent polythene to raise humidity inorder to hasten rooting and establishment.
Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry.
Ensure the rooting container has adequate drainage to avoid getting the soil soggy as it can lead to rotting of the leaf cuttings.
Once the plantlets have grown at least one set of leaves, carefully seperate them and pot in individual pots.
Place the new Penwiper Plants in a warm, well-lit spot and begin routine care.
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Propagate Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Propagation)
Kalanchoe marmorata Problems with Remedies
Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) problems include dropping leaves, drooping leaves, leggy growth, rotting, shriveled leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Penwiper Plant are mealy bugs and scale insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil to get rid of the pests. Ensure to follow the instructions on the label.
Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Rotting base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves in Penwiper Plant is an indication of stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. Avoid keeping the soil soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves in Penwiper Plant is due to improper watering; either overwatering or underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely. Avoid overwatering and soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is loose and well-drained. Read more on how to water indoor plants the right way.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth in Penwiper Plant is an indication that the lighting is inadequate. This is an attempt by the plant to reach for the light source. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct sunlight or instal a grow light where the natural lighting is not adequate. Check out this article on understanding light for houseplants.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves in Penwiper Plant is caused by underwatering. Immediately water the plant thoroughly and it should perk up. Thereafter, water liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and keep the soil moderately moist. During the cold season, water very infrequently to keep the soil slightly moist but do not let the soil dry our completely.
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