Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow from the bottom up, sometimes with mushy texture or dry, crispy edges Common Causes:

• Overwatering - Most common cause, leads to root damage and poor nutrient uptake
• Natural aging - Lower leaves yellowing as plant grows is normal
• Nutrient deficiency - Usually nitrogen, shows as pale yellow while veins stay green

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture - let dry completely between waterings, reduce watering frequency
• Remove affected leaves gently to prevent spread of any potential issues
• Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength monthly during growing season

Prevention: Water only when top 2 inches of soil are dry, ensure proper drainage holes, use well-draining succulent soil mix

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges or tips turning brown and crispy, sometimes entire leaves becoming papery Common Causes:

• Underwatering - Leaves dehydrate and turn crispy brown
• Sunburn - Direct hot sun causing leaf scorch
• Low humidity - Especially in winter with indoor heating

Solutions:

• Increase watering slightly if soil is bone dry for extended periods
• Move plant away from direct afternoon sun or hot windows
• Group plants together or use humidity tray (but avoid misting leaves directly)

Prevention: Provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent watering schedule, keep away from heating vents

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems becoming soft, limp, and bending downward despite moist soil Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering - Most serious cause
• Severe underwatering - Less common but possible
• Temperature stress - Too hot or cold conditions

Solutions:

• Check roots immediately - remove from pot, trim black/mushy roots
• For underwatering: water thoroughly until drainage, then resume proper schedule
• Move to stable temperature location between 60-85°F (15-29°C)

Prevention: Use moisture meter to check soil before watering, maintain proper temperatures, ensure excellent drainage

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves falling off suddenly, often from slightest touch Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to stem rot
• Dramatic temperature changes or drafts
• Shock from repotting or environmental change

Solutions:

• Reduce watering immediately and check for stem/root rot
• Move to draft-free location with stable temperatures
• Give plant time to adjust - avoid further changes for 2-3 weeks

Prevention: Water sparingly in winter, protect from air conditioning/heating vents, acclimate gradually to new conditions

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant stops growing or grows extremely slowly despite proper season Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots - No room for expansion
• Poor soil quality or compaction
• Lack of nutrients during growing season

Solutions:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger with fresh succulent soil
• Replace old, compacted soil even if keeping same pot
• Begin monthly feeding with diluted succulent fertilizer in spring

Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years, use quality cactus/succulent mix, maintain regular feeding schedule March-September

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Stems elongating with wide spaces between leaves, reaching toward light Common Causes:

• Insufficient light - Most common issue for indoor Kalanchoes
• Over-fertilizing causing rapid, weak growth
• Natural growth pattern needing pruning

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location gradually over 1-2 weeks
• Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
• Reduce fertilizer frequency and concentration

Prevention: Provide bright indirect light or 4-6 hours direct morning sun, rotate plant weekly, prune regularly

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and along stems Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew secretions, yellowing leaves, stunted growth Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab
• Spray entire plant with neem oil solution weekly
• For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap spray Prevention: Quarantine new plants, inspect regularly, maintain good air circulation

Aphids

Identification: Tiny green, white, or black insects clustering on new growth Damage Signs: Curled leaves, sticky residue, distorted growth Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream (protect soil from overwatering)
• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 3-5 days
• Release ladybugs for natural control if growing outdoors Prevention: Check new growth weekly, remove affected parts immediately, avoid over-fertilizing

Scale Insects

Identification: Small brown or white bumps on stems and leaves that don't move Damage Signs: Yellow spots on leaves, sticky honeydew, leaf drop Treatment:

• Scrape off manually with fingernail or soft brush
• Apply rubbing alcohol directly to scales with cotton swab
• Follow up with systemic insecticide if infestation persists Prevention: Inspect new plants thoroughly, maintain plant health, prune overcrowded growth

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions Causes: Poor air circulation, high humidity, overcrowding Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves immediately and dispose in trash
• Spray with baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water)
• Apply fungicide labeled for succulents if severe Prevention: Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, space plants adequately

Root/Stem Rot

Symptoms: Black or brown mushy stems at soil level, foul smell from soil Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, contaminated soil Treatment:

• Remove plant from pot immediately, cut away all affected tissue
• Let healthy parts callus for 24-48 hours before replanting
• Repot in fresh, sterile soil and clean pot Prevention: Water only when dry, use well-draining soil, ensure drainage holes work properly

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, mushy stem base Identification: Roots appear black, brown, or mushy when removed from pot Treatment:

• Remove all soil and rinse roots under lukewarm water
• Cut away all diseased roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh soil after letting roots dry for 24 hours Prevention: Never let Kalanchoe sit in water, use terracotta pots for better moisture control

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, emerging from drainage holes, water runs through quickly Identification: Solid mass of roots visible when removed from pot Treatment:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger in diameter
• Gently tease apart circling roots before repotting
• Trim extremely long or damaged roots by up to 1/3 Prevention: Check root growth annually, repot every 2-3 years or when showing signs

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, discoloration after temperature change Causes: Moving between extreme temperatures, cold drafts, hot window exposure Treatment: Move to stable environment, remove damaged growth, reduce watering temporarily Prevention: Maintain temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C), protect from drafts and extreme changes

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, slow growth, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal issues, soft rot, powdery mildew Solutions: Use pebble trays for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity, use hygrometer to monitor levels

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or reddish leaves, sunburn spots, crispy patches Too Little Light: Stretching, pale green color, leaf drop Solutions: Adjust position gradually over 1-2 weeks, use sheer curtains for filtering Prevention: Provide bright indirect light or morning direct sun, avoid hot afternoon exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining after 2 weeks of treatment
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure whether to save plant or take cuttings

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water only when top 2 inches of soil are completely dry
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light or gentle morning sun
• [ ] Use well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix
• [ ] Ensure pots have working drainage holes
• [ ] Inspect for pests during monthly maintenance
• [ ] Maintain temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C)

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove affected parts, adjust care routine, monitor daily Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing, continue adjusted care Month 1+: Plant should show significant improvement, resume normal care gradually

Remember: Most Kalanchoe problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.