The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as Widow’s Thrill, is a popular houseplant cherished for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms. These succulent plants offer clusters of tiny flowers in a wide array of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. Its attractive nature and relatively straightforward care make it a favored choice among plant enthusiasts, adding a cheerful display to indoor spaces.
Essential Care for Widow’s Thrill
Light Needs
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a south or east-facing window is ideal, allowing it to receive ample natural light without the intensity of direct, harsh sun. While it tolerates some direct sunlight, excessive exposure to strong afternoon rays can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light can lead to leggy stems and reduced flowering. Rotating the pot periodically ensures equal light distribution.
Watering Practices
As a succulent, Widow’s Thrill stores water in its leaves. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water every 7 to 14 days. Reduce frequency in cooler months, to every two to three weeks. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is important for Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. A succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended, or a custom blend of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. This ensures efficient water drainage and prevents waterlogging. Use a pot with ample drainage holes to wick away excess moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana prefers warm temperatures between 55°F and 80°F (13°C and 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and will not tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents. The plant adapts well to typical indoor humidity levels.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Reduce or cease fertilization during the plant’s dormant period.
Encouraging Reblooming
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a short-day plant; its flowering is triggered by specific periods of darkness. To encourage reblooming, the plant needs 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness for about six weeks. Place the plant in a dark closet or cover it with a box, ensuring no artificial light interferes. During the remaining 10 to 12 hours, provide bright, indirect light.
Cooler night temperatures, around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C), also stimulate bud formation. Once flower buds are visible, the plant no longer requires strict darkness and can return to its bright location. Deadheading spent flowers by pinching or snipping them off encourages more blooms and maintains a tidy appearance.
Propagating New Plants
Propagating Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is straightforward through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem 2 to 4 inches long and cut it just above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, then allow the cut end to dry and callus for a day or two to prevent rot. Rooting hormone can be applied, but is not strictly necessary.
Plant the callused stem cutting into a well-draining succulent or cactus mix with slightly moist soil. For leaf cuttings, gently twist off a healthy, mature leaf with an intact base. Allow the leaf to dry and callus for 24 to 48 hours before placing it on top of or slightly inserted into well-draining soil. Place cuttings in bright, indirect light, keeping the soil lightly moist. Roots should form within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, leading to root rot. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, can cause yellowing. Drooping or wilting leaves can be due to overwatering or underwatering; check soil moisture to determine the cause.
Lack of blooms can stem from insufficient light exposure. Pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Manage these by isolating the plant and treating it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery mildew, a white coating on leaves, is a fungal issue associated with poor air circulation or high humidity.