Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red, commonly known as Florist Kalanchoe or Flaming Katy, is a popular houseplant celebrated for its vibrant red blooms and relatively easy care. Its cheerful, long-lasting flowers make it a favorite for adding a splash of color to indoor spaces. Many appreciate this plant for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive indoors.
Understanding Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Red
This succulent perennial typically reaches a height and width of 6 to 18 inches, featuring thick, oval-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. The plant’s distinctive clusters of small, brightly colored flowers emerge above the foliage, with the ‘red’ variety showcasing intense crimson hues. Originating from Madagascar, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is well-suited for indoor environments due to its adaptability and low-maintenance requirements. Its ability to store water in its leaves makes it resilient.
Essential Care for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Red
Light
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, particularly morning sun, excessive exposure to intense direct light can scorch its leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to leggy, stretched growth and reduced flowering. Positioning the plant near a south or east-facing window generally provides ideal light.
Watering
As a succulent, Kalanchoe stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it drought-tolerant. It is important to water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to soft, mushy leaves, yellowing foliage, and the plant’s decline. During cooler months, the plant requires less water.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A suitable blend often consists of a general-purpose potting mix combined with materials like perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage and aeration. Many growers find success using a pre-made cactus or succulent mix. Using a clay pot can also help wick away excess moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 80°F. While it tolerates average household humidity levels, it does not thrive in overly humid conditions. High humidity can lead to fungal issues and may cause leaf yellowing or damage to flower heads. It is advisable to avoid misting the foliage and to ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, typically spring and summer, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied once a month. This provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and flowering. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the dormant fall and winter months.
Promoting Abundant Blooms
Encouraging Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red to rebloom requires specific environmental manipulation, as it is a “short-day” plant. To initiate flowering, the plant needs a period of extended darkness, typically 14 hours of complete darkness daily for about six to eight weeks. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with an opaque box. During the remaining 10 hours of the day, the plant should receive bright, indirect light.
During this short-day treatment, it is also beneficial to reduce watering and avoid fertilizing. Once flower buds become visible, the plant can be returned to its normal bright light conditions and regular watering and feeding can resume. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagating Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Red
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red can be readily propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem about 2 to 4 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. For leaf cuttings, a healthy, intact leaf can be used. After taking cuttings, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a day or two; this helps prevent rot when planted.
Once callused, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, similar to that used for mature Kalanchoe plants. Bury the callused end about an inch deep and water lightly to moisten the soil. Place the potted cutting in a bright, indirectly lit location, maintaining slightly moist soil until new roots develop.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves on Kalanchoe blossfeldiana red often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Ensuring the soil dries out between waterings and using a well-draining mix can prevent this. Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems with sparse foliage, is typically a sign of insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location and pruning back the elongated stems can help restore a compact shape.
Lack of blooms is a common concern and usually points to inadequate dark periods during the reblooming cycle. Following the short-day treatment precisely, with 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness, is crucial for flower bud formation. Kalanchoe can also be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs and aphids. A mild soap solution or natural pest repellent can be used to address infestations.