Queen Kalanchoe is a vibrant plant that adds color to any indoor space. Its long-lasting blooms and succulent leaves make it a popular choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners. It is known for its simple care requirements, making it an excellent addition for new gardeners.
Queen Kalanchoe Overview
Queen Kalanchoe, botanically Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, is also known as Flaming Katy, Florist’s Kalanchoe, or Christmas Kalanchoe. Originating from Madagascar, this succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, contributing to its drought tolerance. It produces clusters of colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. These blooms can be single or double.
Essential Care for Queen Kalanchoe
Light Needs
Queen Kalanchoe thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A south or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without harsh direct exposure. Intense direct sun can scorch its leaves and hinder blooming. Six to eight hours of bright light daily supports plant health and flower production.
Watering Practices
As a succulent, Queen Kalanchoe stores water in its leaves, making it susceptible to overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. During spring and fall, water every one to two weeks; reduce frequency significantly in winter. Consistent overwatering causes root rot.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is important for Queen Kalanchoe to prevent waterlogging. A specialized succulent or cactus mix works well, or blend standard potting soil with perlite or sand for improved drainage. Pots must have drainage holes. Repotting every one to two years is recommended to refresh the soil and provide space for growth, ideally in fall after blooming or early spring.
Temperature and Humidity
Queen Kalanchoe prefers average household temperatures, thriving between 55°F and 85°F (12°C to 29°C). It tolerates typical indoor humidity levels. Protect the plant from cold drafts, which can cause stress and hinder growth.
Fertilizing
During spring and summer, Queen Kalanchoe benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when the plant is dormant. If flowering is sparse, a higher phosphorus fertilizer may encourage more blooms.
Promoting Abundant Blooms
To encourage repeat blooming, make specific environmental adjustments. After initial flowering, deadhead spent blooms to promote new growth and flower development. Kalanchoes are short-day plants, triggered to flower by longer periods of darkness.
To stimulate reblooming, provide approximately 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for six to eight weeks. During this period, the plant should receive bright, indirect light for the remaining 10 hours. This controlled light cycle mimics natural winter conditions, prompting new flower buds.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Overwatering is a common issue, causing yellowing, soft, or mushy leaves and stems. Persistent overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by a foul smell or blackened roots. An underwatered plant may have shriveled or crispy leaves. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems, suggests insufficient light.
Queen Kalanchoe can be affected by pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests feed on plant sap, causing discolored leaves or stunted growth. Regular inspection helps early detection; pests can be managed by spraying with water or using insecticidal soap. Leaf discoloration, such as browning tips, can signal overwatering or too much direct sun.
Propagating Queen Kalanchoe
Propagating Queen Kalanchoe is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings. Select a healthy segment two to three inches long with at least four to five leaves. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus over a few days before planting in well-draining succulent soil. Callusing prevents rot. While stem cuttings are the primary method, Queen Kalanchoe can also be propagated from individual leaves, though this may take longer to establish new plants.