Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a vibrant flowering succulent native to Madagascar. This popular houseplant features thick, fleshy leaves and signature clusters of colorful, long-lasting blooms in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink. Its resilience and straightforward care routine make it an excellent choice for indoor gardening. With correct environmental conditions and consistent maintenance, a Kalanchoe can thrive and provide repeated flowering cycles. This guide details the specific requirements for successfully growing and maintaining this attractive succulent indoors.
Foundational Requirements: Light, Temperature, and Soil
Kalanchoes require ample bright, indirect light to maintain healthy growth and bloom production. Positioning the plant near a south or west-facing window is often ideal, providing the necessary light intensity. While they appreciate bright light, the thick, waxy leaves can scorch if exposed to harsh, unfiltered midday sun. If leaves develop brown or white patches, the light source is too intense, and the plant should be moved slightly away from the window.
The temperature should remain consistent with average indoor conditions, ideally between 60°F and 85°F. Protecting the Kalanchoe from sudden temperature fluctuations is important; cold drafts from windows or air conditioning units can cause wilting and stress. Conversely, placing the plant near heat sources like radiators or vents can dry it out too quickly.
As a succulent, the Kalanchoe is prone to root rot, making proper soil composition a necessity. The potting medium must be porous and well-draining, mimicking its native arid habitat. A specialized cactus or succulent potting mix is the best option, or blend standard potting soil with materials like perlite or coarse sand to increase drainage. The container must also feature drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape the root zone.
Watering and Fertilizing Strategies
The Kalanchoe’s fleshy leaves store water, meaning it tolerates drought better than overwatering, which is the most common cause of plant failure. Use the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly water the plant until moisture runs from the drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry out completely before the next application. This prevents the roots from sitting in soggy conditions.
Reduce watering significantly during the cooler fall and winter months when the plant enters a period of slower growth. During the active spring and summer season, watering may be necessary every one to two weeks. The plant needs water when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch, or when the leaves exhibit minor wrinkling.
Kalanchoes are not heavy feeders and can thrive without frequent fertilization. If the plant is actively growing in spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Fertilizing supports healthy foliage and flower production during this peak period. However, fertilizer should be withheld during the winter or when attempting to induce a new flowering cycle, as nutrients are unnecessary during periods of rest.
Mastering the Art of Re-blooming
Encouraging Kalanchoes to flower again after the initial blossoms fade requires specific environmental manipulation. Start by removing all spent flower heads (deadheading), which redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth. Pruning the flower stalk back to the second or third leaf node helps tidy the plant and encourages subsequent blooming.
The Kalanchoe is a “short-day” plant, initiating flower buds only when it experiences prolonged darkness. To simulate natural conditions, implement a specialized 6-to-8-week protocol. The plant must receive approximately 14 hours of total, uninterrupted darkness daily, followed by 10 hours of bright light. This darkness must be absolute; even small amounts of artificial light can disrupt the process.
To achieve light restriction, move the plant to a dark closet or cover it with a light-proof container every evening. During this six-to-eight-week period, the plant should also be kept in slightly cooler temperatures, ideally between 59°F and 64°F, to mimic natural dormancy. Once small flower buds appear, the darkness protocol can be discontinued, and the plant can be returned to its normal routine.
Simple Methods for Propagation
Propagating the Kalanchoe is a straightforward way to create new plants, most effective during the spring or summer growing season. The two common methods are using stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; stem cuttings offer a high success rate.
To take a stem cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem approximately three to four inches long and make a clean cut just above a leaf node. The severed end must be allowed to dry and heal for one to three days, forming a protective callus. This callousing process prevents the cutting from developing rot once it is planted.
The callused stem is then inserted into a pot filled with well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. For leaf cuttings, twist a plump, healthy leaf gently from the stem and allow it to callus for a few days before placing it directly onto the soil surface. Keep new plantings in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots and new growth become established.