Kalanchoe · flaming Katy
A kalanchoe is a blooming succulent: thick, glossy leaves topped with tight clusters of tiny flowers in red, orange, pink, yellow or white. It is cheerful, tough, and asks for very little water.
Because the leaves store water, a kalanchoe is far more likely to be hurt by too much water than too little. Give it sun, let it dry out, and a fresh plant will bloom for six weeks or more.
Let it dry out
Water only when the soil is dry an inch or two down, then water thoroughly and let it drain. In most homes that is every one to two weeks, and less often in winter.
If it came in foil or a decorative pot, take it out to water it, or poke holes in the foil. A kalanchoe sitting in water rots at the base.
Finding the right spot
More sun means more flowers and a compact, sturdy plant.
- The best spot is right in a bright south, east or west window.
- In our hottest July and August afternoons, pull it back a little from a west window so the leaves don’t scorch.
- In too little light it stretches, leans and stops blooming.
- Keep it away from cold drafts and heat vents.
Everyday care
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
- Light
- Bright light with some direct sun, ideally four hours or more.
- Water
- Only when the soil is dry an inch or two down. Water deeply, drain, and wait again. Less in winter.
- Temperature
- 60–80°F. It cannot take frost, and cold, wet soil is especially hard on it.
- Feeding
- Not needed while it blooms. A half-strength houseplant food once a month in spring and summer if you are keeping it.
- Deadheading
- Snip off each flower cluster where its stem meets the leaves when it fades. The plant looks fresher and puts energy into new buds.
- Lifespan
- The first bloom lasts six to eight weeks. With some effort it can bloom again next year.
Toxic to cats and dogs. Eating it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in rare large amounts it can affect the heart. Keep it well out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Getting it to bloom again
Like a poinsettia or Christmas cactus, a kalanchoe sets its buds when nights get long. Here is how we would do it at home:
- After the flowers finish, cut the old flower stems off and trim back any leggy growth.
- Grow it in a sunny window, or outside in morning sun from May until early October.
- In fall, give it about 14 hours of darkness every night for six weeks: a closet or a box over it from early evening to morning, then back into bright light during the day.
- Water sparingly during that time. Once you see buds, return it to its normal sunny spot and enjoy the show.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | Cut back after blooming. It can move outdoors to morning sun once nights stay above 55°F. |
| SummerJune–August | Morning sun and afternoon shade outdoors. Our summer rains can keep it too wet, so make sure the pot drains. |
| FallSeptember–November | Bring it in before nights fall below 50°F, usually early October. Start long nights if you want new blooms. |
| WinterDecember–February | Buds and blooms. Sunniest window, very little water, keep it off cold glass at night. |
Repotting
Kalanchoes like a snug pot. Repot only every couple of years, in spring after blooming, into a pot just one size larger with drainage holes and a cactus and succulent mix.
Quick fixes
Soft, mushy stems at the base
Too much water. Let it dry out completely. If the base is rotten, take a healthy stem cutting and start a new plant.
Tall, leggy stems leaning to the window
Not enough sun. Move it to a sunnier spot and trim it back after blooming.
Leaves turning red at the edges
Usually just strong sun or cool nights. It is not harmful.
Wrinkled, soft leaves
Thirsty. Give it a deep drink and let it drain.
No new flowers
It needs long nights in fall to set buds. See “Getting it to bloom again.”
White, cottony spots in the leaf joints
Mealybugs. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Common questions
How often should I water a kalanchoe?
Only when the soil is dry an inch or two down, usually every one to two weeks.
Is a kalanchoe a succulent?
Yes. Its thick leaves store water, which is why it needs so little.
Will my kalanchoe bloom again?
Yes, with a sunny summer and about six weeks of long nights in the fall.
Is kalanchoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Keep it well out of reach of pets.
More plant care guides
Succulents
Echeveria, jade, aloe, haworthia and more
Lots of sun, a deep drink when bone dry, and then leave it alone.
Read the guide →Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera
Not a desert cactus. Bright indirect light, regular water, and cool fall nights for blooms.
Read the guide →Begonia
Begonia × hiemalis · Begonia semperflorens
Bright light without hot sun, soil kept just moist, and spent blooms picked off.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com