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Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a popular flowering succulent, known for its vibrant clusters of small, long-lasting flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. It's a cheerful and relatively easy-to-grow houseplant.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Scientific name
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Family
Crassulaceae
Also known as
Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe
Category
Succulents & Cacti
Care difficulty
Easy
Pet safety
Toxic to pets

How to care for kalanchoe

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light for best flowering. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
  • Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
  • Soil: Needs well-draining soil, such as a succulent or cactus mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
  • Temperature: Thrives in average room temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
  • Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity. Does not require high humidity levels.
  • Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the blooming period. Reduce or stop once flowering has finished.
  • Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a day or two before planting in moist, well-draining soil.

Is kalanchoe toxic to pets?

Not pet-safe. Toxic to cats and dogs, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmia. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

  • Root rot: Ensure well-draining soil and water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
  • Lack of blooms: Provide sufficient bright, indirect light and ensure it receives a period of short days/long nights for reblooming.

Did you know?

To rebloom Kalanchoe, it needs a period of short days and long nights (14 hours of darkness) for several weeks, similar to Poinsettias.

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