Widow’s Thrill (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular succulent known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms. These plants display clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, often set against thick, glossy green leaves. Originating from Madagascar, this plant has gained widespread appeal as a houseplant due to its bright appearance and reputation for being relatively easy to maintain.
Understanding Your Widow’s Thrill
Widow’s Thrill thrives in bright, indirect light conditions indoors. Placing the plant near an east or south-facing window provides the ideal amount of illumination, encouraging robust growth and abundant flowering. Direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch the plant’s fleshy leaves, leading to discoloration and damage. Conversely, insufficient light often results in sparse blooming and leggy growth.
As a succulent, Widow’s Thrill stores water in its thick leaves and stems, requiring specific watering practices. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Checking the top 1-2 inches of soil for dryness before watering again is a good practice to ensure the plant is not overwatered. Overwatering is a common problem, as its roots are susceptible to rotting in consistently wet conditions.
Widow’s Thrill requires a well-draining soil mix. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended for aeration and drainage. If a pre-made mix is unavailable, a blend of regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand can create a suitable environment. Proper soil composition helps mimic its natural arid habitat.
Widow’s Thrill prefers average room temperatures, ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24°C) during the day. It is sensitive to cold and will not tolerate frost, making it primarily an indoor plant in many climates. The plant is well-suited to average to low indoor humidity levels due to its succulent nature.
Fertilizing Widow’s Thrill should be done sparingly, as these plants are not heavy feeders. During the active growing season (spring and summer), a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied once every two to four weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization and harm. Fertilization is not necessary during the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter.
Encouraging Reblooming
Encouraging Widow’s Thrill to rebloom involves mimicking its natural light cycles, as it is a short-day plant. The plant needs 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day to initiate flower bud formation. This dark period should be maintained for six to eight weeks.
During this six to eight-week period, place the plant in a completely dark environment, such as a closet or under a light-proof cover, every evening. No light should interrupt this darkness, as even small amounts can disrupt the flowering process. For the remaining 10 to 12 hours of the day, the plant should receive bright, indirect light. Maintaining a slightly cooler temperature during this dark treatment, around 50-60°F (10-15°C), can benefit bloom induction.
After six to eight weeks of controlled darkness, new flower buds will form. Once buds are visible, the plant can be returned to its usual bright, indirect light conditions. Continue regular care, including appropriate watering and light exposure, to support the development and opening of new blooms.
Propagating Widow’s Thrill
Propagating Widow’s Thrill is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that is at least 3-4 inches long and has a few leaves. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, make a cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting.
After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to callus for a few days. This helps prevent rot. Once callused, the cutting can be planted in a well-draining soil mix, such as a succulent or cactus blend. Insert the callused end into the soil, ensuring at least one node is buried.
Initially, water the newly planted cutting lightly, keeping the soil slightly moist to encourage root development. Place the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and new growth signals successful establishment. While leaf cuttings are also possible, they generally take a longer time to develop into a mature plant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When Widow’s Thrill fails to bloom, several factors can contribute. Insufficient light is a common cause, as the plant needs bright, indirect illumination to produce flowers. A lack of the necessary dark period will also prevent blooming. Incorrect temperatures, particularly consistently warm nights, can inhibit flower bud formation.
Yellowing or dropping leaves on Widow’s Thrill often indicate watering issues. Overwatering is a frequent culprit, leading to soggy soil and root rot. Conversely, underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and drop. Sudden temperature changes or drafts can also stress the plant.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched-out stems with sparse leaves, signals insufficient light. The plant stretches in an attempt to reach a brighter light source. Move the plant to a location with more intense, indirect light. Pruning back the leggy stems encourages bushier, more compact growth.
Widow’s Thrill can be affected by common houseplant pests like mealybugs or aphids. Inspecting the plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves and stem joints, helps detect infestations early. For minor issues, wipe pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For widespread problems, apply insecticidal soap according to instructions.