Discover the hidden health benefits of cultivating kalanchoe
Did you know that many decorative houseplants have health benefits? One of the most notable is the popular kalanchoe. Discover why it's worth having in your home and how to use its valuable medicinal properties.
Kalanchoe is an increasingly popular plant among home gardeners. Its unique medicinal properties attract those seeking not only aesthetic decoration but also natural ways to enhance health. This succulent, native to Madagascar, is characterized by its juicy, fleshy leaves that can store water, making it highly resistant to adverse climatic conditions.
So why should you have a kalanchoe at home? There are many reasons. Firstly, it's 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 addition to your home remedies. How should you care for a kalanchoe?
What benefits does growing kalanchoe bring?
Beyond its attractive 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, which 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 aid in treating upper respiratory infections.
Let's also remember its benefits aren't limited to external applications. Kalanchoe can speed up the healing of wounds and support the body's defence against cold symptoms by boosting the immune system. It’s a plant that not only blooms beautifully but also contributes to our health.
How to grow kalanchoe?
One of the key aspects of growing kalanchoe is selecting the right spot in your home. This plant favours bright, well-lit areas, but the light should be diffused. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burns, negatively affecting its development. An ideal location is a windowsill facing an east or west direction.
Another crucial factor is temperature. Kalanchoe thrives in typical indoor conditions, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It's also worth considering the humidity level—while the plant doesn't require special attention in this regard, you can lightly mist it in very dry environments.
Watering should be moderate, as the kalanchoe does not like its roots to be overly watered. It's recommended to water it once a week and less frequently during winter. It tolerates being a little dry better than too wet.
A cactus soil is ideal as it is permeable and prevents water stagnation. Regularly removing wilted leaves and flowers promotes healthy growth and extends blooming, ensuring the kalanchoe looks spectacular year-round. Light fertilization during the growth period will support full blooming.
How to prepare kalanchoe juice?
Before preparing the juice, ensure you have fresh kalanchoe leaves. Ideally, they should come from your own cultivation to guarantee the best quality. Select large, green, and healthy leaves, as they contain the most nutrients.
The first step in preparing the juice is to thoroughly wash the leaves under running water to remove any impurities. Then, dry the leaves and wrap them in paper before placing them in the refrigerator for a few days. This cooling process enhances the plant's medicinal properties. Afterward, cut the leaves into cubes and, using a wooden spoon or pestle, gently crush them into a pulp. Place the pulp and juice back in the refrigerator for an additional few hours to enhance its potency. The last step is to strain the pulp through a sieve to obtain pure juice ready for consumption.
