Where to Plant Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is toxic to cats and dogs, so plant or place it where pets cannot reach it.
Kalanchoe grows best in a bright, sunny window indoors. Outdoors, patios or entry gardens with plenty of morning light are suitable for potted kalanchoe in Zones 10 and 11.
How and When to Plant Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is an easy-care container plant that grows well both indoors and outdoors.
Use well-draining soil in a clay pot and place the plant where it receives plenty of indirect light. To encourage spring blooms, provide kalanchoe with complete darkness for six weeks during winter.
Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.
Kalanchoe Care Tips
Kalanchoe can adapt to various indoor and outdoor environments. Avoid overwatering because it can cause root rot, stunt leaf growth, and prevent blooming.
Drooping leaves can be a sign of overwatering.
Light
Kalanchoe needs bright, indirect sunlight indoors and at least 8 hours of direct sunlight outdoors.
For blooming, it requires a period of six weeks with approximately 14 hours of darkness each day. About four months after this dark period, kalanchoe can produce colorful flowers.
Soil and Water
Check the soil before watering. If it feels dry to the touch, water the plant. If it is still moist, wait a few days and check again.
Kalanchoe generally needs watering about once every two weeks. Plants in bloom may require more water.
Because kalanchoe is a succulent, it can tolerate being a few days late between waterings. Use well-draining, sandy soil and keep it evenly moist but not soggy.
Planting kalanchoe in a clay pot can help remove excess moisture from the soil.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe tolerates most indoor environments between 55°F and 80°F. Freezing temperatures can kill the plant.
It generally adapts well to normal indoor humidity levels.
Fertilizer
For outdoor kalanchoe, fertilize once in spring.
Indoor plants should be fed once a month during spring and summer using a well-balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not fertilize during winter. If flowering is sparse, a high-phosphorus fertilizer can help encourage blooms.
Pruning
Pinch back kalanchoe stems to encourage better flowering and maintain the plant's shape.
Prune and groom the plant in spring when it is actively growing. Avoid pruning during winter when the plant is dormant.
How to Pot and Repot Kalanchoe
Repot kalanchoe each autumn after flowering using fresh potting mix and a slightly larger container to encourage further growth.
Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming.
When planting or moving kalanchoe, handle the branches carefully because they are tender and break easily.
Pests and Problems
Most kalanchoe problems are caused by overwatering, underwatering, or unsuitable growing conditions.
Never expose the plant to temperatures below 50°F, as cold temperatures can damage the leaves and result in smaller flowers.
Keep the plant in indirect sunlight indoors to prevent leaf scorch. If the stems become soft, reduce watering.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe can be propagated from stem cuttings.
- Cut a stem from the kalanchoe plant and allow it to dry for a few days.
- Once the cut end has healed, dip it in rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in the same type of soil in which the parent plant grows.
- Keep the cutting in indirect sunlight for about one month and do not water it during this period.
- After one month, care for the new plant like a mature kalanchoe.
Propagating Kalanchoe from Seeds
To grow kalanchoe from seeds, sow the seeds on the surface of a porous potting mix in early spring.
Do not cover the seeds because they need light to germinate. Cover the container with a plastic bag for approximately ten days. The seeds should germinate during this period.
Transplant the seedlings after about two months into individual pots or outdoors when conditions are suitable.
Types of Kalanchoe
Chandelier Plant
Kalanchoe delagoensis has succulent, tubular leaves marked with maroon or brown spots.
It can grow up to 4 feet tall and is sometimes listed as Kalanchoe tubiflora or Bryophyllum tubiflora.
Felt Bush
Kalanchoe beharensis has fuzzy leaves with a thick white coating and may develop warty projections on the undersides of its leaves.
The leaves can have reddish-brown tips. When grown indoors, it can reach approximately 4 feet tall.
Florist's Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana has succulent leaves with scalloped edges and is especially valued for its brightly colored clusters of flowers.
It needs bright light and long nights to bloom well.
Panda Plant
Kalanchoe tomentosa is known for its fuzzy, silvery leaves with reddish-brown tips. It is also known as pussy ears.
Mother-of-Thousands
Kalanchoe daigremontiana has plump, toothed leaves that produce tiny plantlets along their edges.
The plantlets eventually fall off and develop into new plants. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.
It is also known as devil's backbone, good luck plant, and Bryophyllum daigremontianum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good companion plants for kalanchoe?
Good container planting companions include asparagus fern and majesty palm.
Why is kalanchoe a popular Valentine's Day gift?
Kalanchoe symbolizes love and persistence.
How long will it take for a kalanchoe plant to reach its full size?
Indoors, kalanchoe grows slowly and may reach only about 1 foot tall after 2–5 years, depending on the variety.
Outdoors, when grown in a suitable climate, kalanchoe grows more quickly. Some varieties can reach several feet tall within a couple of years.
