Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is a vibrant perennial succulent native to Madagascar. It is celebrated for its lush, dark green, scalloped foliage and long-lasting, upright clusters of vivid flowers. These blooms appear in a spectrum of brilliant colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, making it one of the most popular flowering succulents for indoor environments.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
This plant contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, heart rhythm abnormalities.
Care Guide
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Care Guide ## Lighting Place your Kalanchoe in a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. While it can handle some direct morning sunlight, intense afternoon rays may burn the leaves. Insufficient light will lead to leggy growth and a lack of flowers. ## Watering This plant is highly susceptible to root rot. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering thoroughly. When watering, pour directly onto the soil and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal issues. ## Temperature and Environment Maintain temperatures between 60F and 85F (15C-29C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts or air conditioning vents. ## Seasonal Reblooming To encourage the plant to bloom again, it requires a 'rest' period of short days. For about six weeks, provide 14 hours of total darkness and 10 hours of bright light each day. ## Common Issues Look out for mealybugs in the leaf axils. If the leaves become soft and mushy, it is a sign of overwatering.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10)
Soil
A well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
12 to 18 inches tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings taken during the growing season.