Cathedral Bells Plant Care

Cathedral Bells (Kalanchoe pinnata) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Cathedral Bells is native to Madagascar. Cathedral Bells is also known as air plant, life plant, miracle leaf.

Cathedral Bells displays an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cathedral Bells produces hanging plants on petioles that are bell-shaped. they are colored green and red..

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cathedral Bells every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cathedral Bells thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cathedral Bells in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Kalanchoe pinnata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Cathedral Bells prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Cathedral Bells to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cathedral Bells is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cathedral Bells can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cathedral Bells while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cathedral Bells is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cathedral Bells can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings.. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kalanchoe plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cathedral Bells is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cathedral Bells grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cathedral Bells is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Cathedral Bells as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.