Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems
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Kalanchoe marmorata is among 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.
Is Kalanchoe marmorata toxic?
Yes. 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, cats, dogs and other 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).
How to Care for Kalanchoe marmorata Indoors
To care for Penwiper Plant indoors, provide bright light to full sunlight, warmth of 16-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in 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.
Watering
Water Penwiper Plant thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Decrease watering significantly in the cold period as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
To avoid cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf fall, only use water that is at room temperature. Confirm that the water is chlorine-free to prevent browning of leaf edges.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to waterlogging as it can lead to rotting and death of the plant. Avoid wetting the leaves as it can cause rotting and loss of the plant.
Light Requirements
Penwiper Plant does best in bright light to full sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to prevent scorching.
Too little light for Kalanchoe marmorata will result in leggy growth, yellow leaves and leaf drop. Therefore, if the natural light is not adequate, use a full spectrum grow light to increase it.
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.
Temperature & Humidity
Penwiper Plant thrives in a warmth of 16-260C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant.
Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, heat sources, windy doors and others, to prevent sudden temperature changes which can result in reduced growth, wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.
Kalanchoe marmorata has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Penwiper Plant with a balanced, liquid cactus and succulents fertilizer monthly during the growing period. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time thus feeding can cause fertilizer burn.
Potting Soil
The best potting mix for Penwiper Plant is a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to avoid sogginess. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents mix is ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Penwiper Plant at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has shallow roots.
Select a pot 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to avoid waterlogging which can result in rotting. A clay pot is preferable because it is porous, and allows the soil to dry out faster. Check out these terracotta pots with saucer on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
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.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Penwiper Plant Propagation
Kalanchoe marmorata is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings as they root easily.
Propagating Penwiper Plant from leaf cuttings
- Take leaf cuttings together with about an inch of the leaf petiole from a healthy 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 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 plants in a warm, well-lit spot and begin routine care.
Related Content: How to Propagate Kalanchoe Plants in 5 Easy Ways.
Kalanchoe marmorata Problems & Remedies
Penwiper Plant problems are dropping leaves, drooping leaves, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their solutions.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves on Penwiper Plant are caused by too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or drafts.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light to full sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from drafts coming from hot air vents, heat sources, AC units, windy doors among others
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves on Penwiper Plant are caused by inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a free-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors, drafty windows among others.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth on Penwiper Plant is an indication of inadequate light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach for the light source.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light to full sunlight or instal a grow light where the natural lighting is not enough.
Pests
Common pests of Penwiper Plant are mealybugs and scale insects which are especially common in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the infested plant to avoid spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers' recommendations.
- Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Keep the plant well pruned to depress the pests infestations.
- Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to elevate humidity to discourage the pests.
Diseases
Penwiper Plant is prone to basal stem-rot disease which presents as a rotting base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves and is brought about by overwet conditions.
How to fix it
- Remove and discard the infected parts to minimize spread to the rest of the plant.
- Lessen watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist; avoid overwatering.
- Do not wet the leaves during watering to discourage the disease.
- Ocassionally use a fungicidal solution to water the plant to prevent the disease.
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