Kalanchoe plants are popular succulents, recognized for their vibrant, long-lasting flowers and low-maintenance nature. Originally from Madagascar, these plants belong to the Crassulaceae family and are well-suited for indoor environments. Their thick, fleshy leaves and robust stems contribute to their drought tolerance. While Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, often called Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is the most common flowering variety, the genus encompasses over 125 species with diverse foliage and growth habits.
Kalanchoe Care Essentials
Successful Kalanchoe cultivation requires understanding their specific environmental needs. These mimic their native arid habitats, ensuring healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe plants flourish in bright, indirect light. Placing them near a sunny window that receives several hours of daylight is ideal for indoor growth. Direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch their leaves, leading to damage. Insufficient light, conversely, often results in leggy, stretched growth and can significantly reduce the plant’s ability to produce flowers.
Watering Needs
As succulents, Kalanchoe store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, requiring infrequent watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings to prevent problems. Overwatering is a common issue, as consistently wet soil can lead to root rot. During the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter, watering frequency should be reduced further, to once every two to three weeks.
Soil Preferences
Kalanchoe plants thrive in a well-draining soil mix that allows for good aeration. A sandy, porous medium, such as a specialized succulent or cactus mix, is suitable. A common recommendation is a blend of 50% potting soil and 50% cactus mix, or 60% potting soil with 40% perlite, to ensure proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. Using a clay pot can also help wick away excess moisture from the soil, supporting a healthier root environment.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe prefer temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F for optimal growth and flowering. While they tolerate average household humidity levels, protect them from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F, which can harm the plant. In regions with warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 9-11), Kalanchoe can be grown outdoors as perennials, but in colder areas, they are kept as indoor plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing Kalanchoe should be done sparingly and primarily during their active growing season, during spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormancy period or immediately after it has finished flowering. Over-fertilization can harm the plant.
Encouraging Kalanchoe to Rebloom
Kalanchoe plants are short-day plants, meaning their flowering is triggered by specific light cycles. To encourage reblooming after the initial bloom cycle, a period of reduced light is necessary.
After the initial blooms fade, the plant benefits from a rest period with slightly reduced watering. The most important step for reblooming is to provide approximately 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness daily. This dark period should be maintained for six to eight weeks to simulate natural short-day conditions.
During this time, cover the plant with a box or move it to a dark room each evening. Maintaining slightly cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 55°F, during this dark period aids in flower bud formation. Once small flower buds appear, gradually transition the plant back to its regular bright, indirect light conditions, and resume normal watering and fertilizing routines.
Propagating Kalanchoe
Propagating Kalanchoe is a straightforward process. It is commonly achieved through stem cuttings.
To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stem cuttings about two to three inches long. Remove the lower leaves to expose a clean stem. After taking the cutting, allow it to air dry for a few days until a callus forms over the cut end, which helps prevent rot when planted.
Once the callus has formed, insert the prepared cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite or a succulent potting mix. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain consistent, light moisture in the soil, avoiding overwatering. Roots develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be cared for as a mature Kalanchoe.
Common Kalanchoe Issues
Even with proper care, Kalanchoe plants can occasionally encounter issues, often signaling an environmental imbalance. Recognizing these signs early helps in prompt resolution.
Leggy growth with sparse foliage or a lack of blooms indicates insufficient light exposure, necessitating a move to a brighter location. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of overwatering, which can lead to root rot, but they can also signal a nutrient deficiency. Brown or crispy leaves suggest underwatering or too much direct sunlight, prompting adjustments to watering frequency or light exposure. Pests like mealybugs or aphids can also affect Kalanchoe; these can be treated by gently wiping the plant or applying a horticultural oil or neem oil solution.
Kalanchoe Toxicity
Kalanchoe plants, particularly Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, are considered toxic if ingested. This applies to both humans and pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. To ensure safety, keep Kalanchoe plants out of reach of humans and pets.