The Kalanchoe is a versatile flowering plant whose placement is determined almost entirely by temperature. It is primarily grown as an indoor houseplant in most regions because of its low tolerance for cold. This succulent provides vibrant, long-lasting color inside the home, but its outdoor use is limited to warmer climates or seasonal displays.
Understanding Kalanchoe’s Native Environment
The Kalanchoe originates from Madagascar, a warm, dry environment year-round. This habitat explains its classification as a succulent, possessing thick leaves that store water to survive drought. This drought tolerance defines its care requirements.
The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot withstand frost. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage, and freezing temperatures (32°F or 0°C) will likely kill the plant.
Essential Care for Indoor Kalanchoe
To thrive indoors, a Kalanchoe requires bright, indirect sunlight for at least six to eight hours daily. Placing the plant near a south-facing window is often ideal. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will cause the plant to develop a stretched appearance and fail to produce flowers.
Overwatering is the most common cause of decline for this succulent. The correct watering technique involves saturating the soil thoroughly. Allow the top two inches of the potting mix to dry out completely before watering again. This prevents the roots from remaining in perpetually moist conditions.
The Kalanchoe prefers a well-draining soil mixture, such as a specialized cactus or succulent blend. Ideal indoor temperatures range between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 29°C). A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied monthly during the active growing season of spring and summer to support health and blooming.
Successful Outdoor Placement and Seasonal Limits
Kalanchoe can be successfully grown outdoors, but only in regions that are frost-free. Year-round outdoor cultivation is limited to USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12. In these zones, the average annual minimum temperature does not drop low enough to cause damage.
In cooler zones, the Kalanchoe is used as a seasonal container plant. It can be moved outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and consistent nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F (13°C). When placed outside, situate it in a spot that receives morning sun and is protected from intense afternoon heat.
The plant must be brought back indoors before autumn temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C). This seasonal movement allows the plant to benefit from brighter natural light during the summer while ensuring its survival through the winter.
Promoting Consistent Blooms
The Kalanchoe is classified as a “short-day” plant, meaning its flowering cycle is triggered by long, uninterrupted periods of darkness. To encourage reblooming, the plant must be tricked into believing winter is approaching, which is when it naturally flowers. This process requires a strict regimen of darkness.
Approximately six to eight weeks before the desired bloom time, the plant needs 14 hours of complete darkness daily. Achieve this by placing it in a dark closet or covering it with a light-proof box from evening until morning. During this period, reduce the plant’s watering to simulate a natural winter rest period.
After the six to eight weeks, return the plant to its usual bright, indirect light location, and resume normal watering. This manipulation of the light cycle is necessary because the plant will not set flower buds if its long night period is interrupted by even a brief flash of light.