Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe blossfeldianaAlso known as: Flaming Katy, Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a popular succulent houseplant beloved for its long-lasting clusters of colorful flowers and thick, glossy leaves. Native to Madagascar, it's drought-tolerant and easy to care for. With proper light manipulation, it can be encouraged to rebloom multiple times per year.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
55-80°F (13-27°C)

Ideal Temp
68°F (20°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 10-14 days, when soil is completely dry
Summer	Every 7-10 days in hot weather
Fall	Every 14 days
Winter	Every 2-3 weeks, reduce significantly

Succulent - very drought tolerant. Always err on the side of underwatering.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer during blooming
Summer	Monthly
Fall	Stop fertilizing to encourage reblooming
Winter	No fertilizing

Too much fertilizer produces leggy growth with fewer flowers.

Pruning

Frequency: After flowering

Best Season: After bloom cycle ends

Cut back flower stalks after blooms fade. Pinch leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 2 years

Best Season: Spring after blooming

Use well-draining cactus/succulent mix. Shallow pots work well.

Flowering

Season
Winter through spring (can rebloom)

Color
Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, or purple

Clusters of small, long-lasting flowers that can persist for weeks. Requires short days to initiate blooming.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings - let callous before planting
Leaf cuttings
Plantlets from mother plant

Common Problems

Leggy growth: Insufficient light
No reblooming: Needs 14 hours of darkness daily for 6 weeks to set buds
Soft, mushy leaves: Overwatering and root rot
Dropping leaves: Cold damage or overwatering

Pro Tips

To rebloom, provide 14 hours of complete darkness for 6 weeks
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Excellent drought tolerance - perfect for forgetful waterers
Makes a great gift plant that lasts longer than cut flowers

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