Kalanchoe Plant

Care

Kalanchoe Plant Care

How to Water a Kalanchoe Plant

We suggest watering an indoor Kalanchoe blossfeldiana every 7-10 days between spring and fall.

During times of slow growth (such as over winter) the plant will not drink as much, and it's suggested to shift the frequency of watering to a bi-weekly schedule.

It's best to ensure that the top 1/3 of the plants soil are dry prior to giving it water. This will help ensure that you are not overwatering your plant.

Like many other plants, too much watering will result in the yellowing of stems and leaves, eventually followed by root rot should the wet conditions persist.

This plant is considered drought resistant; however, too little water will result in the browning of branches and leaves, eventually followed by the death of the plant should dry conditions persist.

Kalanchoe Plant prefers moderate levels of humidity, but does not do well with misting, which can cause fungal issues.

Humidifiers and pebble beds may be used to supplement humidity in dry locations.

How Much Sun Does Kalanchoe Plant Need?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana likes sun and does best in areas that receive extended periods of full, direct sunlight.

The best lighting is provided by exposure to full sun during the majority of the day, with bright indirect light substituted for direct light during periods of high strength sunlight (such as summer afternoon sun) which could cause leaf burn.

Too little light will result in gangly stems, poor growth, and possible death over time.

The flowering cycle of Kalanchoe Plant is dependent on the plant experiencing "winter" light cycles. 

What is the Best Temperature for Kalanchoe Plant?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana prefers warmer temperatures and will likely die in extended periods of 50°F weather.

It's best to keep this plant in temperatures above 55°F to ensure its beauty and the integrity of its growth; however, the optimal temperature range of this houseplant is between 65°F and 85°F.

As such, Kalanchoe Plant thrives outdoors year round in USDA zones 10-12, and will likely not survive living outdoors over winter in USDA zone 9 or cooler.

What is the Best Soil for a Kalanchoe Plant?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana does best in soil that is well-draining yet moisture retaining, rich, loamy, and even a little sandy.

Potting soil blends of peat moss, perlite, and possibly vermiculite work well.

Our potting soil is another great option for potting a Kalanchoe Plant. 

How to Fertilize a Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana should be fertilized on a regular between early spring and late fall, during periods of new growth.

They are fairly self-sufficient and don't require a substantial amount of fertilization. 

Winter fertilizations may be required on a less frequent basis if the plant is in an environment where the temperature and the amount of light that it's exposed to don't promote fast growth.

We suggest using a balanced liquid fertilizer, slow release fertilizer, or a fish emulsion. Start with 50% of the recommended full strength. Be careful not to overfertilize. 

How to Trim and Maintain a Kalanchoe Plant

It's suggested that you trim your Kalanchoe blossfeldiana on an annual basis to keep it looking its best.

Trimming is best done after the flowering cycle, and is accomplished with the use of a clean and sharp trimming scissors.

Stems may be cut as close to 3" from the soil, although it's advised to only cut them to 1/3 of their length (assuming their length is over 9"). This method will result in a plant that is both bushy and healthy. 

We suggest lightly fertilizing after any extensive pruning. 

A bushy plant can be also be encouraged by trimming or pinching new growth from the tips of the stems, which will signal the plant to sprout lower growth. 

Like most other plants, it's advised that any dead or dying leaves and stems be removed from the plant to keep it as healthy and clean as possible. Flowers should be removed as soon as they are finished.

How to Repot a Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe Plants do not do well rootbound so it's suggested that you repot your plant if its roots begin to crowd its pot or begin to emerge from the drain holes. 

The growth rate of this plant typically requires repotting and/or root pruning about every two years. 

You can repot your plant by placing the entire root ball into a larger pot then softly breaking up its root structure around the edges of its root ball prior to surrounding it with a lightly packed, medium porosity potting mix.

It's advised to only slightly increase the pot size when repotting.

In situations of root bounding without the desire for a larger pot and/or plant, it's advised to remove your Kalanchoe Plant from its pot and to trim away the side/lower roots and to replace their space with new, rich potting soil. 

How to Propagate a Kalanchoe Plant

The propagation of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is easily accomplished through the use of cuttings.

You'll want to make sure your cutting is taken from a plant that is not in the flowering phase, which means you'll likely be pulling your cutting in the late spring/summer.

Be sure to cut your 2"-3" long stem just above a leaf/node, leaving the top leaf on the cutting.

After taking your cutting, you'll want to let it sit in a clean and dry area for about 2-3 days, allowing it to callous over its cut section prior to placing it in soil. Succulents such as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana have a tendency to rot during propagation, and the callous will help to prevent that from happening. It's also a good idea to apply rooting hormone to your cutting after the callous has been formed. 

Once your cutting has been calloused over and you've applied rooting hormone, it's best to place the cutting in very slightly moist soil and to place it in an area that receives lots of indirect sunlight and maybe a little bit of weak, direct sunlight. Mist the cutting daily and try to keep the humidity it's in around 85+%.

Don't keep the soil too wet or your cutting will rot instead of grow roots.

With any luck, you'll have roots in about 2 weeks. 

Size

What Size is your Kalanchoe Plant for Sale Online?

The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

How Large Do Kalanchoe Plants Grow?

The size of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana at maturity is typically no larger than 18" high and 18" wide. 

Additional Information

Common Names of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

• Kalanchoe Plant

• Kalanchoe Succulent

Toxicity and Risks of Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is poisonous to both pets and people.

It's toxicity comes from the cardiac glycosides which are found throughout the plant, and are at their highest concentrations within its flowers.

Dangerous when eaten, the symptoms include drooling, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal heart rate.

Death occurs when enough toxins are consumed to cause a highly abnormal heart rate, leading to the eventual termination of heart activity. 

 

*This plant is a part of our Archived Plant Collection. Although no longer for sale on our online store, we keep pages like this on our site for the informational benefit of others. Please contact us if you're interested in purchasing large quantities of this plant, as we may be able to specially source and deliver plants for you.