Calandiva help.

Hi
so i got this calandiva from the supermarket it says

"keep the plant in a well lit position but not in direct sunlight"
I live in student accommodation, this is my only window. it doesn't face the sun and its blocked by a large building across the road
should I keep the plant on the window sill because of how the light conditions are blocked etc. or would this be too "direct" and so i should leave it on the table like it is on the picture?

many thanks
got more questions but ill post them later,Bren :-)

 

Hi, I think it might actually be a Kalanchoe,

I'd move it nearer the light.

Likes bright light, even sunshine at this time of the year.
Go easy on the watering, let the compost dry out between waterings.

 

Hi @pete thanks for the speedy reply, so yes thank you ill try and move it closer.

the watering was the next thing i was going to ask, its still in its pot/compost from the supermarket so its quite soft but feels dry every couple (2) days so thats how often ive been watering is that too much/too little? plus would you recommend watering it at a specific time? (ive heard some plants like to be watered after sun down :-)) and do i just pour water on the soil or would it be better to water it from putting a dish of water underneath?

thanks again :-D so much it was a christmas present from my partner so i really want it to live

 

Well, firstly I'd like to say that its the kind of pot plant that most people discard once its finished flowering.
Basically its not a plant you keep from one year to another.

That said it should last a couple of months or so if looked after.

Less water is better than too much, but yes you need to water when ever it gets dry, a saucer under the pot means it gets a good soak, but any water left after an hour or so still in the saucer should be removed.
The watering at sundown "thing" is more for garden plants during the summer.

 

thanks

so do you think it would help it live longer/healthier if i re potted it?
its not pot bound i dont think i cant see roots coming out the bottom or anything but i was wondering if the change would help or if there is soil options out there that are more suited to succulent plants than the generic stuff all supermarket plants are in that would have benefit?

 

I'd not repot it, as I say it is basically a flowering pot plant.

They can be grown on after flowering but without ideal conditions, ie a greenhouse etc. it is unlikely to flower well next year and will probably grow leggy and un attractive, losing its compact shape etc.