How to Care for a Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe plants are colorful, easy-to-grow succulents that can brighten up any space. These tropical beauties are perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardens, making them a favorite among plant lovers. With their thick leaves and vibrant blooms, kalanchoes add a pop of color to your home or patio.

To care for your kalanchoe, place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water it sparingly. These plants are drought-tolerant and prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Don’t worry if you forget to water them occasionally – they’re pretty forgiving! Kalanchoes thrive in warm temperatures and can adapt to a range of humidity levels, making them ideal for most indoor environments.

Growing kalanchoes is a rewarding experience. With proper care, these plants can bloom for weeks or even months. Kalanchoes have vibrant flowers that can vary in size and shape. They often appear in clusters and come in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and lavender. Plus, kalanchoes are great for beginners since they don’t need much fuss to stay healthy and happy.

Key Takeaways

• Give your kalanchoe bright light and let the soil dry between waterings
• Enjoy long-lasting blooms with minimal care in warm spots
• Prune and propagate your kalanchoe easily to create new plants

Getting to Know Your Kalanchoe

Kalanchoes are eye-catching plants with colorful flowers and unique leaves. They come in many types, each with its own special look.

Distinctive Features

Kalanchoes have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. This helps them survive dry spells. Their leaves can be smooth, fuzzy, or have scalloped edges. The most common type, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, has dark green, glossy leaves and clusters of small flowers.

These plants bloom in bright colors like red, pink, orange, and yellow. Some even have white or purple flowers. The blooms last for weeks, making them great for indoor decor.

Kalanchoes vary in size. Some species are small, growing to about 6 to 12 inches, while others can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall. This compact size makes them perfect for windowsills or small spaces.

Popular Varieties

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also called Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is a favorite houseplant. It’s known for its long-lasting flowers in bold colors.

The Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) has fuzzy, silver-green leaves with brown edges. It looks soft and cuddly, like a panda.

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, or Paddle Plant, has flat, round leaves that look like pancakes stacked on top of each other. The edges often turn red in bright light.

The Chocolate Soldier (Kalanchoe tomentosa ‘Chocolate Soldier’) has brown, fuzzy leaves that look like velvet. It’s a distinct variety of the Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa), known for its unique dark chocolate-brown leaf edges.

Kalanchoe Care Essentials

Kalanchoes are easy-to-grow succulents that add color to your home. These plants need specific care to thrive and bloom. Let’s explore the key aspects of kalanchoe care.

Sunlight and Location

Kalanchoes love bright, indirect light. Place them near a window that gets plenty of sun, but not in direct rays. Too much sun can scorch the leaves. If you’re growing them outdoors, find a spot with partial shade to full sun.

Inside, an east-facing window is ideal for Kalanchoe, while a west-facing window may require precautions to prevent leaf scorch. Your kalanchoe will stretch toward the light if it’s not getting enough. If you notice this, move it to a brighter spot.

In winter, when days are shorter, you might need to use grow lights to keep your plant happy. Aim for 6-8 hours of light daily.

Watering and Humidity Needs

Kalanchoes don’t need much water. They’re succulents, so they store water in their leaves. Water your plant when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check.

Don’t let your kalanchoe sit in water. Empty the saucer after watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

These plants prefer 30-50% humidity. You don’t need to mist them or use a humidifier. In fact, too much moisture in the air can cause problems.

Water less in winter when the plant isn’t actively growing. Once every 2-3 weeks might be enough.

Soil and Potting

Use well-draining soil for your kalanchoe. A mix made for succulents or cacti works great. You can also make your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand and perlite. However, finding the right balance of these ingredients can be challenging, and you may end up with a mix that’s too dense or too airy.

Our succulent soil is specifically formulated to provide the perfect drainage and aeration for your kalanchoe to thrive. It’s a convenient and hassle-free solution that ensures your plant gets the best care from the start.

Your pot needs drainage holes. This lets excess water escape and prevents root rot. Choose a pot that’s just a bit bigger than the plant’s root ball.

Repot your kalanchoe every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Spring is the best time to do this. Be gentle with the roots when repotting.

Add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. This helps prevent water from sitting at the roots.

Temperature Preferences

Kalanchoes like it warm but can handle a range of temperatures. They do best between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Keep them away from cold drafts and heat sources.

In winter, don’t let temps drop below 50°F (10°C). These plants aren’t frost-hardy. If you live in a cold area, bring outdoor kalanchoes inside when temps drop.

Most kalanchoes are happy in average room temperatures. They are sensitive to cold and will suffer damage or die if exposed to temperatures below 40°F.

If you live in hardiness zones 10-12, you can grow kalanchoes outdoors year-round. In cooler zones, they should be treated as perennials with proper care, such as bringing them indoors during cold weather to protect them from frost.

Fostering Flower Power

Kalanchoe plants can bloom for months with the right care. You can coax these colorful succulents to rebloom year after year with a few simple tricks.

Encouraging Blooms

To get your kalanchoe to flower, give it plenty of bright light. Place it near a south-facing window. Kalanchoes need 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth, and at least 12 hours of light exposure when using grow lights to promote blooming. Be careful not to scorch the leaves in intense afternoon rays.

Kalanchoes need a period of darkness to trigger blooming. In fall, give your plant 14 hours of complete darkness each day for 6 weeks. Cover it with a box or move it to a dark closet.

Keep the temperature between 60-85°F during this time. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings.

Reblooming Tricks

After the dark treatment, return your kalanchoe to normal light. New flower buds should appear in about 6 weeks.

To extend blooming, pinch off faded flowers. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and promotes the growth of new blooms.

When flowering ends, prune your kalanchoe back by about one-third. This helps shape the plant and promote bushier growth.

Let the plant rest for a few months. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during this time.

Fertilization Strategies

Feed your kalanchoe every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Use one formulated for succulents or flowering plants. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid burning the roots.

When buds appear, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus. This nutrient helps produce more flowers. Look for a “bloom booster” formula with a higher middle number on the N-P-K ratio.

Always water your plant before fertilizing to prevent root damage.

Trim and Tend: Pruning and Propagation

To keep your kalanchoe healthy and thriving, it’s important to give it regular trims. Let’s look at how to prune and grow more of these colorful succulents.

Pruning Practices

Pruning helps your kalanchoe stay healthy and look its best. Cut off dead or yellow leaves whenever you see them. After flowering, trim the stalks back to the second or third leaf. This makes the plant bushier and fuller.

Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid hurting the plant. Don’t be shy – you can cut back up to a third of the plant’s height if it’s getting too tall. You should primarily trim your kalanchoe after it has finished blooming, typically in late winter or early spring.

Remember to water lightly after pruning. Your kalanchoe will bounce back quickly with some TLC.

Propagating Perfection

Making new kalanchoe plants is easy and fun. Start by taking stem cuttings about 3-4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and let the cuts dry for a day or two.

Plant the cuttings in a 2:1 mix of peat moss and sand, or use a succulent and cactus soil mix for best results. Keep the soil slightly damp but not wet. In a few weeks, you’ll see roots growing.

Once the new plants are established, you can repot them. Use a well-draining potting mix. Water sparingly at first, then treat them like your adult kalanchoes.

Propagation is a great way to share your plants with friends or expand your own collection. Plus, it’s super satisfying to watch your cuttings grow into full plants!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Kalanchoe plants can face a few challenges, but don’t worry! With the right know-how, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving.

Combatting Pests

Pests can be a nuisance for your kalanchoe. Keep an eye out for mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. These tiny troublemakers can damage your plant’s leaves and stems.

To get rid of them, try wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. For tougher cases, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray the plant every few days until the pests are gone.

Remember to check under the leaves too. That’s where pests like to hide!

Preventing Diseases

Root rot is a common problem for kalanchoes. It’s usually caused by overwatering. To prevent this, make sure your pot has good drainage holes.

Only water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you notice mushy stems or yellowing leaves, you might be dealing with root rot.

Stem rot can also occur. If you see black spots on the stems, cut off the affected parts with clean scissors.

Dealing with Environmental Stress

Kalanchoes are tough plants, but they can still get stressed. Too much direct sun can cause sunburn on the leaves. If you see brown spots, move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.

These plants are drought-tolerant, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about them! Water them once every two weeks, but let the soil dry out between waterings.

Lastly, keep your kalanchoe away from cold drafts. They prefer warm temperatures.

Toxic to Pets!

If you have pets, be careful. Kalanchoes are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Help keep all of your household loved ones save and keep your kalanchoe plants away from your cat or dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kalanchoe plants are pretty easy to care for, but there are some common questions that come up. Let’s tackle the most important things you need to know about these colorful succulents.

What’s the best way to look after my kalanchoe inside?

Keep your kalanchoe in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. A windowsill that gets morning sun is perfect. Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Don’t let water sit in the saucer underneath the pot.

Use well-draining soil meant for succulents. Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer months..

Can kalanchoe plants survive the chill of winter?

Kalanchoes don’t like cold weather. Keep them away from drafty windows in winter. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

If you live in a warm climate, you can move your kalanchoe outside during summer. Just bring it back inside before the first frost.

How often should I be watering my indoor kalanchoe?

Water your kalanchoe when the top inch of soil feels dry. This usually means once every 2-3 weeks. These plants store water in their leaves, so they can handle some drought.

In winter, water even less often. Overwatering is worse than underwatering for kalanchoes. Always empty the saucer after watering to avoid root rot.

When’s the kalanchoe’s flowering time, and how can I get those blooms going?

Kalanchoes typically bloom in late winter to spring. To encourage flowering, give your plant 14 hours of complete darkness each night for about six weeks in fall.

You can do this by covering the plant with a box or moving it to a dark closet. During the day, make sure it gets bright, indirect light.

Can I grow my kalanchoe outdoors, or is it strictly an indoor buddy?

You can grow kalanchoes outdoors if you live in a warm climate (USDA zones 10-12). They love bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.

If you’re in a cooler area, you can put your kalanchoe outside during summer. Just bring it back inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) at night.

What steps are involved in propagating a kalanchoe?

Propagating kalanchoes is easy. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting with a clean, sharp knife. Remove the lower leaves and let the cut end dry for a day or two.

Plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Keep it slightly moist but not wet. In a few weeks, you should see roots forming. Then care for it like a mature plant.