CROP REGULATION IN KALANCHOE

Abstract: Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), a popular ornamental plant native to Madagascar, is valued for its year-round flowering, compact growth, and low maintenance requirements. Effective crop regulation is essential to optimize its commercial production, ensuring uniform growth, controlled flowering, and enhanced aesthetic quality. Key strategies include photoperiod management (short-day or long-short-day treatments), temperature control (60–85°F day/45–65°F night), light intensity adjustments (3500–4500 foot-candles), and the use of growth regulators (e.g., paclobutrazol, gibberellic acid) to manage elongation and flowering. Cultivar selection also plays a critical role, with early-flowering, compact, and uniform varieties like Calandiva® and Queen® series improving production efficiency. Additionally, pruning, balanced fertilization, and environmental stress responses (e.g., CAM induction under drought) further refine crop quality. By integrating these practices, growers can achieve high-quality, market-ready Kalanchoe plants with prolonged blooms and desirable morphology.

Keywords: Ornamental, Production, Elongation, Market and Morphology

Author: Srishty Kumari, Meenakshi Basoli, Swati, Shakshita, Kajol Chauhan and Mansi Mishra

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