Kalanchoe plants are a popular choice for indoor gardeners, known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms and attractive succulent foliage. These easy-to-care-for plants add color to any space.
Kalanchoe Life Cycle
Kalanchoes are botanically classified as perennials, capable of living for several years under suitable conditions. A perennial plant lives for more than two years, blooming and setting seed multiple times. However, in colder regions, Kalanchoes are often cultivated as annuals and discarded after flowering due to their sensitivity to frost. An annual plant completes its entire life cycle within a single growing season and then dies. While Kalanchoes can return year after year, their survival as a perennial depends on maintaining specific environmental conditions.
Environmental Considerations for Kalanchoe Longevity
A Kalanchoe’s ability to thrive as a perennial is influenced by its environment, particularly temperature and light. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions like Madagascar and parts of Africa, Kalanchoes are not tolerant of cold temperatures or frost. They flourish in temperatures between 55°F and 85°F (13°C to 29°C).
Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage, and freezing temperatures (32°F or 0°C) can be fatal as water within their fleshy leaves freezes and bursts cells. In USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, Kalanchoes can survive outdoors year-round. In cooler climates, they must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
Cultivating Kalanchoe for Longevity
For Kalanchoes to thrive as perennials, specific care practices are beneficial. They require bright, indirect light for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. A south- or west-facing window indoors is often ideal, but intense direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
As succulents, Kalanchoes store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every one to two weeks during the growing season. During winter, watering should be reduced to about once every three to four weeks, as the plant enters a less active phase.
A well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent waterlogging. A mix formulated for cacti or succulents is suitable, or one can be created using equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. This ensures proper aeration and drainage, mimicking their natural arid habitats. Kalanchoes are not fussy about humidity, as their succulent nature allows them to tolerate standard indoor humidity levels.
Encouraging Kalanchoe Reblooming
Encouraging Kalanchoes to rebloom is part of long-term care. Kalanchoes are “short-day plants,” meaning their flowering is triggered by extended periods of darkness. To initiate reblooming, the plant needs a dormant period with approximately 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about six weeks. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with a box during evening hours. During this dark treatment, water sparingly and avoid fertilization.
After this period of darkness, new flower buds should form. Once buds are visible, the plant can return to its regular light cycle. Removing spent blooms, a process known as deadheading, encourages the plant to redirect its energy from seed production to developing new growth and subsequent flowers. Deadheading involves snipping the faded flower stalks close to the main stem. Consistent care and mimicking these natural light cycles can lead to multiple blooming periods throughout the year.