Kalanchoe: The decorative plant with surprising health perks
Did you know that many decorative houseplants have health benefits? One such plant is the popular kalanchoe. Discover why it's worth having in your home and how to use its valuable medicinal properties.
Kalanchoe is a plant that is gaining popularity among home gardeners. Its unique medicinal properties attract people looking for an aesthetic decoration for their interior and natural ways to improve health. This plant, which belongs to the family of succulents, originates from Madagascar and is characterized by its juicy, fleshy leaves capable of storing water. This feature makes it extremely resistant to adverse climatic conditions.
So, why is it worth having a kalanchoe at home? There are many reasons. Firstly, it is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice even for novice plant enthusiasts. Secondly, thanks to its natural properties that support the immune system, kalanchoe can be an important part of a home medicine cabinet. How should you care for a kalanchoe?
What benefits does growing kalanchoe provide?
In addition to its beautiful appearance, kalanchoe offers a range of health benefits, earning it the title of a "home medicine cabinet." It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and its juice has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. This can help treat minor cuts, insect bites, or skin conditions such as acne. The juice can also soothe a sore throat or cough. Just a few drops of juice added to tea or water can help treat upper respiratory infections.
Additionally, its benefits are not limited to external applications. Kalanchoe can accelerate the healing process of wounds and support the body's fight against cold symptoms by strengthening the immune system. It is one of those plants that not only blooms beautifully but also supports our health.
How to grow kalanchoe?
One of the key aspects of growing kalanchoe is choosing the right location in your home. This plant prefers bright, well-lit areas, but the light should be diffused. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf burns, adversely affecting its development. An ideal spot would be a windowsill facing east or west.
Another important factor is temperature. Kalanchoe thrives in typical room conditions, with temperatures ranging between 64 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also important to consider the humidity of the air; the plant does not require special care in this regard, but in very dry rooms, it can be lightly misted with water.
Watering should be moderate because the plant does not like its roots to be overwatered. It is recommended to water it once a week, and even less frequently in the winter. It's better for the plant to be a bit dry than too wet.
Cactus soil is ideal as it's permeable, preventing water from stagnating. Regular removal of wilted leaves and flowers promotes healthy growth and extends blooming, ensuring the kalanchoe looks spectacular year-round. Light fertilization during the growth period will help it fully bloom.
How to prepare kalanchoe juice?
Before you start preparing the juice, make sure you have fresh kalanchoe leaves on hand. Ideally, they should come from your own home cultivation to guarantee their best quality. Choose large, green, and healthy leaves, as they contain the most nutrients.
The first step in preparing the juice is thoroughly washing the leaves under running water to remove any impurities. Then, dry the leaves, wrap them in paper, and place them in the refrigerator for a few days. The cooling process strengthens the medicinal properties of the plant. After this time, cut the leaves into cubes and gently crush them using a wooden spoon or pestle until they form a pulp. Place the pulp and juice back in the refrigerator for an additional few hours to enhance its potency. The final step is to strain the pulp through a sieve to obtain pure juice ready for consumption.
