Lava flowers, with their vibrant, fiery blooms, add a striking burst of color to any indoor space or garden. These popular plants are cherished for their cheerful appearance and ability to brighten surroundings. Their rich, warm hues make them a favored choice for adding visual appeal and warmth to diverse plant collections.
What Are Lava Flowers?
Lava flowers are primarily cultivars of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, a succulent from Madagascar. Also known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, they feature intense, long-lasting blossoms. Their clusters of small, tubular flowers typically bloom in shades of red, orange, and yellow, resembling molten lava. Characteristic thick, fleshy leaves allow them to store water and adapt to drier conditions.
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a popular choice for indoor display and outdoor planting in suitable climates. Its compact growth and abundant flowers contribute to its appeal. The succulent foliage provides a lush green backdrop, enhancing their visual impact.
Caring for Lava Flowers
Caring for lava flowers involves providing the right environmental conditions for their growth and blooming. These succulents thrive when their needs for light, water, soil, temperature, and fertilization are met.
Light
Lava flowers flourish in bright, indirect light, such as near a south-facing window. While they tolerate some direct sunlight, excessive exposure can scorch leaves. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced flower production. Provide at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily for optimal growth.
Watering
As succulents, lava flowers store water in their leaves and stems, making them susceptible to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then let the soil dry before the next watering to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is important for lava flowers to prevent waterlogging. A potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti is ideal, often containing perlite or sand to enhance drainage. A blend of 50% cactus or succulent mix and 50% regular potting mix also works well. Use a pot with ample drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
Temperature and Humidity
Lava flowers prefer warm temperatures, typically thriving between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). They are not tolerant of freezing temperatures; bring them indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). These plants generally handle standard room humidity well, as they are adapted to arid conditions. High humidity for prolonged periods can increase rot risk.
Fertilizing
During their active growing season (typically spring and summer), lava flowers benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter months when the plant enters dormancy. Over-fertilizing can lead to issues.
Propagating Lava Flowers
Propagating lava flowers is straightforward, commonly achieved through stem or leaf cuttings. The best time for propagation is during the plant’s vegetative state in late spring or summer, after it has finished flowering.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem two to three inches long with at least four to five leaves. After a clean cut just above a leaf node, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for two to three days to prevent rot. Plant the callused stem in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, then water to moisten the soil. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag can help maintain humidity, promoting rooting.
Leaf cuttings are also effective. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the plant, ensuring the base remains intact. Allow the leaf to callus for a few days, similar to stem cuttings. Insert the callused end slightly into moist, well-draining soil, or simply lay it flat on the surface. New plantlets typically form at the base of the leaf within two to four weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper care, lava flowers can encounter issues requiring specific solutions. Recognizing and addressing signs of distress promptly helps maintain plant health. Many common problems relate to environmental factors or pests.
Wilting or yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or underwatering. Mushy, yellow leaves typically point to overwatering and potential root rot, requiring reduced watering frequency and improved drainage. If leaves are crispy and drooping, the plant is likely underwatered and needs more consistent moisture.
A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient light, as lava flowers need bright, indirect light to flower. Incorrect temperature conditions, particularly not receiving a period of darkness and cooler temperatures, can also inhibit bud formation. Ensuring the plant receives 12-14 hours of complete darkness daily for about six weeks can encourage reblooming.
Common houseplant pests like aphids and mealybugs can affect lava flowers. Aphids appear as tiny green or black insects on new growth or flowers, while mealybugs resemble white, cottony masses. A mild soap solution (one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap with one quart of water) can be sprayed on affected areas to control these pests. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, usually indicates insufficient light.