The Kalanchoe is a popular indoor houseplant, prized for its vibrant, long-lasting flowers. As a flowering succulent, the Kalanchoe stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and stems, allowing it to tolerate dry conditions. While generally low-maintenance, this drought-resistance makes the plant extremely sensitive to receiving too much water. Incorrect watering is the most common cause of decline and failure for indoor Kalanchoes.
Determining the Watering Schedule
The frequency of watering a Kalanchoe should depend entirely on the moisture level of the soil, not a fixed calendar schedule. The primary rule is to allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent the roots from sitting in dampness. To check the moisture, insert your finger about two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil feels completely dry at this depth, it is time to water the plant.
This soil-check method is the most effective way to prevent root rot, which is caused by overly saturated soil. Waiting too long to water causes the Kalanchoe’s leaves to appear shriveled or wrinkled as the plant draws on its stored water reserves. While shriveling indicates severe underwatering, it is preferable to the mushy, yellowing leaves that signal overwatering.
Environmental Factors Affecting Frequency
The rate at which the soil dries out is influenced by the plant’s environment and the time of year. During the active growing season of spring and summer, the Kalanchoe uses water more quickly and may require watering every one to two weeks. In contrast, the plant enters a period of semi-dormancy during the winter months, and its water needs drop significantly. During this cooler period, you may only need to water every three to four weeks, or when the soil has dried out completely.
Light exposure also plays a role, as plants in bright, indirect light dry out faster than those in lower light conditions. Higher ambient temperatures and low indoor humidity accelerate the evaporation of moisture from the soil. Despite these environmental generalizations, checking the top two inches of soil remains the most reliable indicator of when to provide water.
Technique for Successful Watering
When watering, the goal is to thoroughly soak the entire root ball, mimicking a heavy rain event. Pour water slowly over the surface of the soil until it runs freely out of the pot’s drainage holes. This deep soaking encourages robust root growth and ensures that all parts of the soil are moistened.
After soaking, discard any excess water that collects in the saucer or cachepot. The Kalanchoe must never sit in standing water, as this is a direct path to root rot.
An alternative method is bottom-watering, where the pot is placed in a shallow tray of water to allow the soil to absorb moisture from below until the top surface feels damp. Regardless of the method used, avoid getting water on the leaves or the crown of the plant, as this can encourage fungal diseases and crown rot.