Kalanchoes are lovely soft succulents that are easy to grow and have stunning blossoms. Kalanchoe (kah-lahn-KOH-ee) is a diverse genus, therefore to help you understand it, I’ve classified it into six categories:
Fuzzies
These short-haired plants are given charming names like “panda plant.” Gray with brown accents. The majority of the plants are in pots, although there is one tree: Kalanchoe beharensis. Fuzzy Kalanchoes: Varieties, Uses, and Tips can be found in the article Fuzzy Kalanchoes: Varieties, Uses, and Tips.
Floriferous
Calandivas and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are bred for their bright or pastel flower clusters. These are sold and seen all over the place, including at the most recent wedding reception you attended. Spreaders with pastel leaves and masses of coral blooms, such as Kalanchoe fedschenkoi, are included.
Tropical
Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, and Kalanchoe prolifera are large, thin-leaved plants that are particularly sensitive to climate and sun exposure (box bloom). Kalanchoe synsepala is a tropical plant. Arboreal succulents with arrowhead or enlongated-oval leaves that produce baby plants at the tips of flower stems are known as “walking kalanchoes.”
Rarities
Kalanchoe humilis and Kalanchoe rhombopilosa are heartbreakers (beautiful but difficult to cultivate plants). Vining kalanchoes with grappling hook-like leaves are also uncommon but rather easy to grow.
Kalanchoe Care
Kalanchoes, which are native to Madagascar off the coast of South Africa, grow in moderate, summer-dry marine conditions. Most people can’t stand the cold or the heat of the desert.
Kalanchoes, like most soft succulents, require several hours of direct sunlight each day and bright shade for the rest of the day. On our site’s Succulent Care Basics page, you may learn more.
Plant in potting soil or cactus mix, and keep the soil moist enough to wring out a sponge. Snails can be seen on smooth-leaved types.
Is a kalanchoe plant considered a succulent?
Kalanchoes are succulent plants known for their small, brightly colored blossoms. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as flaming Katy, panda plant, or widow’s thrill, is the most well-known. Their brilliantly colored blossoms in variations of red, magenta, yellow, orange, and white make them popular house plants.
Do you water a kalanchoe from the top or bottom?
If possible, place the plant in strong light or full sun—four hours of direct sunlight if possible. Kalanchoe prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water every eight to ten days, starting at the bottom and working your way up. You’ve over-watered your plants if the leaves are drooping. If this happens, wait an extra day or two before watering again. Increase summer watering to once a week after Memorial Day. If the surface soil in the pot gets bone dry, wet the soil on the top of the pot with warm water using a small plastic watering can with a long spout. If the leaves become moist, they will mildew and decay.
Is kalanchoe indoor or outdoor plant?
One of the more attractive flowering succulent houseplants, Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp. ), is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 12. If properly cared for, they can produce months of brilliant flowers when kept inside.
Does kalanchoe need direct sunlight?
Kalanchoes love bright, natural sunlight; however, they do not do well in direct sunlight. This is because too much sunshine, particularly in the afternoon, will cause the leaves to burn. Full sunshine will help it flourish during the growing season, but make sure you give it morning sun. With light from a south-facing window, it will thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Some plants won’t thrive in cold weather, but because this is a succulent, it prefers warmer temps. I’ve noticed that the warmer the weather gets, the fuller the plant’s blooms become. However, this is a plant that dislikes the freezing temperatures. If you reside anywhere where the temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, kalanchoe plants are unable to thrive outside.
Soil and Fertilizer
You may use standard potting soil from any gardening center to plant one of these magnificent succulents, but I prefer to blend this soil with a succulent or cactus mix because it works well with this sort of plant. The soil must be well-drained in order for the plant to avoid becoming overly wet and developing root rot. This is a plant that will benefit from a little compost in the spring when it comes to fertilization. During the growing season in the summer, a slow-release fertilizer will be beneficial. In fact, you can apply a liquid fertilizer every other week if you choose.
How do you keep kalanchoe blooming?
You’ll need to plan ahead if you want your plant to bloom at a specified period, such as Christmas. Reduce watering and give the plant a 14-hour period of darkness every day for 6 weeks before the target bloom time. For 14 hours, place the plant in a closet or under a box with 10 hours of bright light.
Maintain a warm environment for the plant by keeping it free from drafts. Because the plant is dormant, do not water or feed it for 6 weeks. Move the plant to better lighting and begin watering as soon as you detect flower buds. To encourage new buds, feed the plant in the spring and remove wasted blossoms.
These plants are simple to maintain and produce beautiful, little flowers as well as thick, elegantly scalloped leaves for up to 6 months.
Why is kalanchoe called Widow’s thrill?
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is known by the common names Kalanchoe, Widow’s-thrill, and Flaming Katy, all of which are derived from its vivid and vibrant blooms.