Kalanchoe care

The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana flower originates from the island of Madagascar and prefers warm temperatures. It is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Protect it from frost, cold, and drafts during winter. Most people know it as Kalanchoe, but it has other common names, like: Flaming Katy, Florists Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe

Description of Kalanchoe

Its flowers are red, orange, or pink. It also makes a great cut flower and is visually appealing in a vase. If we handle it well, we can get our potted Kalanchoe to bloom even in winter! The flowers, typically blooming from January to June, are usually red, but there are also orange and pink hybrids.

In summer, it can be planted as a garden plant on balconies, terraces, window boxes, or even in rock gardens or flower beds. In autumn, it decorates our homes, offices, or even children's rooms with its flowers. At Christmas, it becomes a beautiful table decoration or can be used as a spring ornament.

It is compact, takes up little space (12x12 inches / 30x30 cm), and grows slowly. The flowers rise above the foliage.

Under natural conditions, it blooms in spring, but by reducing the light exposure, it can be made to bloom even in the middle of winter. It roots easily in water. One of its advantages is that it quickly adapts to its surroundings. It can survive at 50 °F (10 °C), but also thrives at 77 °F (25 °C), and it is not particularly demanding of sunlight. The Kalanchoe loves direct sunlight but can also survive in a darker, north-facing room.

Kalanchoe Care

Kalanchoe Care in short: It needs plenty of light but should be protected from direct, scorching sun. It thrives best between 64 - 78 °F (18 - 26 °C), and temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) are too cold for it. Be careful not to overwater it. Fertilize it in spring and summer; in winter, this can be skipped.

Light Requirements for Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a short-day plant, meaning it requires at least 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness for 6-8 weeks to initiate flowering.

Extending the day length artificially – for example, with indoor lighting – will prevent it from blooming. It also enjoys direct sunlight, but protect it from the intense, midday sun. If it gets at least 4 hours of light, it will maintain its compact shape. With less light, it may become leggy.

When kept indoors, it is advisable to rotate the plant regularly so that all sides receive light and the growth remains balanced. It can tolerate partial shade, but this may reduce flowering and cause the plant to stretch out toward the light.

Temperature Requirements for Kalanchoe

Being native to Madagascar, it needs warmth to grow well. It feels comfortable at average room temperatures but should be protected from the intense summer sun.

It thrives best between 64 - 78 °F (18 - 26 °C) and can tolerate higher temperatures up to 95 °F (35 °C). In extreme heat, it may wilt, and its leaves may get damaged.

Kalanchoe is not frost-resistant; it needs at least 50 °F (10 °C) in winter. Below 50 °F (10 °C), it will start to drop its leaves. At temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C), flowering may not occur. Avoid placing it in cold, drafty areas or near air conditioners blowing cold air.

Watering Needs for Kalanchoe

As a succulent plant, be cautious not to overwater it, as Kalanchoe is prone to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, ensuring the top 1 - 2 inches (2 - 5 cm) of soil dries out.

The best practice is to water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, as this can cause leaf spots. Use soft water whenever possible. It tolerates dry air well and does not require misting.

Fertilizing Kalanchoe

The nutrient needs of Kalanchoe are moderate, but additional nutrients will definitely promote beautiful growth and abundant flowering. As a succulent, it is best to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer formulated for cacti or succulents. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

During flowering, choose a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium content. From spring to autumn, fertilize every two weeks with diluted fertilizer. As winter approaches, reduce the frequency, and in winter, you can skip it altogether or fertilize only once a month.

Slow growth or pale leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies. Excessive nitrogen in the fertilizer can cause yellowing or discolored leaves.

Planting and Repotting Kalanchoe

When planting Kalanchoe, choose a flowerpot with drainage holes and avoid planting directly in a decorative pot. Fill the pot with well-draining, loose soil mix (e.g., perlite, peat moss, and sand).

Plant the Kalanchoe in the center of the pot so that the root ball's top is level with the surface of the soil.

After planting, water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out partially before watering again.

During the growing season, apply a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer every second or fourth week.

Wintering Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe requires a bit more attention during winter. It is sensitive to cold temperatures, and its leaves may get damaged or die off completely if exposed to frost or temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) for an extended period.

During the winter months, keep it in a warm and well-lit area, away from drafts and cold windows. If kept in a spot that is too warm, Kalanchoe may become leggy. The ideal temperature is around 68 °F (20 °C). The warmer the location, the more light it will need; otherwise, it will likely stretch.

While overwintering, it requires less watering as it enters a resting phase. Reduce fertilization in winter or skip it altogether.

Pruning Kalanchoe

Pruning or cutting back Kalanchoe can promote better growth, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant. The best time to prune is after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

This is typically done in late winter or early spring. However, dead, dried, or withered flowers and yellowing or dead leaves should be removed immediately. You can pinch off the dead flowers by hand or cut the entire flower stalk at the base using pruning shears. Trim dead or diseased leaves at their base as well.

Use sharp, clean pruning shears for cutting. You can safely cut back up to one-third of the stem length, which also helps shape the plant. Remove leggy or spindly stems to keep the plant compact.

Forcing Kalanchoe to Bloom

Under natural conditions, Kalanchoe blooms in spring, but reducing light exposure can induce flowering in the middle of winter.

To make your Kalanchoe bloom for Christmas, keep it in darkness from 7 PM to 8 AM for 30 days starting in September. The simplest way to do this is to cover it with a box. During the flowering period, fertilize every 2-3 weeks, as flowering can deplete its nutrient reserves. The plant typically blooms for a long period.

When a flower cluster starts to wilt, cut it off immediately at the base. At the same time, you can also trim back some of the shoots to encourage bushier growth. This can also prevent the plant from becoming leggy due to lower leaves dropping off. For the same reason, you can prune some shoots back close to the base.

Propagating Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is relatively easy to propagate. The most common methods are leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or seed propagation. If you want quick results, stem cuttings are the best option.

Propagating Kalanchoe from Stem Cuttings

During the active growing season, Kalanchoe can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem for propagation. Cut a 2 - 3 inch (5 - 8 cm) long stem and remove the lower leaves, but leave at least 2-3 leaves at the top.

If time permits, let the cut stem dry in the air for 1-2 days. This helps prevent rotting. Before planting, you can dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.

Plant the cutting deep enough so that the leaf nodes are below the soil surface, but at least 1 - 1.5 inches (2 - 3 cm) of the stem should be buried. It requires slightly less water than a mature plant.

In well-draining soil, it will root in 2-3 weeks. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight for 14-21 days. Once it establishes roots and begins to sprout new shoots, it can be moved to its permanent location.

Propagating Kalanchoe from Leaf Cuttings

Propagating Kalanchoe from leaf cuttings is slower but still effective. Choose healthy, strong leaves. The leaves can be easily detached from the base of the stem.

Let the leaves dry for 1-2 days to allow the cut surface to callous over. Insert the leaf stem just slightly into the soil without pressing it down too much. Instead of watering, lightly mist the soil surface with water. Place the pot in a bright but indirectly lit area.

Roots will begin to form within a few weeks, and small shoots will start to grow at the base of the leaf. Once the shoots are larger, they can be separated and planted individually.

Propagating Kalanchoe from Seeds

Seed propagation of Kalanchoe takes the longest time. You can either buy seeds or collect them from existing plants. Use a very light, porous soil mix for seed propagation.

Scatter the seeds on the soil surface, then gently press them down without covering them with soil. Mist the surface lightly with water. Place the pot in a bright location.

You can cover the pot with plastic wrap or glass to maintain humidity, which aids germination. The seeds will germinate within 1-2 weeks, and seedlings will start to grow. Once the seedlings are strong enough, remove the cover.

Kalanchoe Diseases, Pests, and Causes of Decline

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is most commonly affected by root rot and mold, often caused by high humidity. Aphids and spider mites can also attack its leaves, but early detection makes them easy to manage.

Kalanchoe Diseases

Leaf spot can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections. Yellow or brown spots appear on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and reduce humidity around the plant. If necessary, apply a fungicide.

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It develops in high humidity and/or poor ventilation. Remove the affected parts and try to reduce humidity. Apply a fungicide if needed.

Gray mold (Botrytis) appears as a grayish mold layer on leaves, flowers, and stems. Remove the affected parts and reduce humidity around the plant. Apply a fungicide if necessary.

Kalanchoe Pests

Scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can harm the plant. These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing small spots, discoloration, bumps, or sticky residue on leaves and stems. Try removing them with soapy water. If the infestation persists, repeat the cleaning. As an alternative, use insecticides or a more eco-friendly neem oil wash.

Environmental Factors and Improper Care of Kalanchoe

Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant's death. Let the soil dry out adequately between waterings. It is better to underwater than to overwater.

Underwatering may cause leaves to dry up and eventually fall off. This is a slower process, making it easier to spot and correct by watering the plant appropriately.

When kept in a very cold room, it will shed its leaves. Move the plant to a slightly warmer location to help it recover.

Why does Kalanchoe become leggy? If it doesn't get enough sunlight, it will stretch out. After pruning, if it appears leggy, place it in a spot with ample direct sunlight and warmth. If this doesn’t help, consider repotting it in a slightly larger container to encourage bushier growth.

Is Kalanchoe Toxic?

The entire Kalanchoe plant is toxic if ingested. Ensure that dogs, cats, and other small pets do not chew on it. Ingestion can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and general discomfort. In very small animals, consuming a large amount can even be fatal.