Kalanchoe Plant Care

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Kalanchoe is native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe is also known as Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe.

Kalanchoe displays a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Kalanchoe produces red,sstar-shaped, clustered inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kalanchoe 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.

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

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Kalanchoe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mixlight: Bright indirectpropagation: Stem or leaf cuttingsdescription: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a compact and bushy plant with vibrant flowers that bloom in various colors. It is an ideal choice for adding color to indoor spaces.. Good drainage is essential for Kalanchoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kalanchoe every 7 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mixlight: Bright indirectpropagation: Stem or leaf cuttingsdescription: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a compact and bushy plant with vibrant flowers that bloom in various colors. It is an ideal choice for adding color to indoor spaces. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kalanchoe 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.

Kalanchoe can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Kalanchoe 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.

Kalanchoe 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.

Kalanchoe can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mother of thousands plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Kalanchoe 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.

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