By Grace Rabano & The Clermont Garden Club
Every month, from September through May, Clermont Garden Club members loan plants to Cooper Memorial Library and Clermont City Hall to promote horticulture awareness and connect our community to Clermont Garden Club’s programs, civic activities, and community outreach.
Clermont Garden Club member, Debra Smidt, has loaned Kalanchoe blossfeldiana plants for March: a sprite yellow to the Cooper Memorial Library, and a bright pink to Clermont City Hall. Kalanchoe is fairly easy to grow indoors when placed in the right conditions. It needs a temperature of between 60 – 85 degrees F, low humidity and 4 hours of direct sunlight. Place in well-draining soil as over-watering or sitting in wet soil can cause root rot. The plant needs 14 hours of darkness for 6-11 weeks to bloom. Kalanchoes are usually sold in the winter or early spring, while in their natural bloom cycle. The flowers are long-lasting, but once they fade you may trim the heads to better enjoy the succulent foliage. Kalanchoe is fun to share with friends, as it grows well from cuttings.
