Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also called Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is a flowering succulent from Madagascar with scalloped dark green leaves and long-lasting flower clusters. Blooms come in red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, which makes it a popular indoor flowering plant.
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 Notes
Light
Place your Kalanchoe in bright, indirect light. Soft morning sun is fine; intense afternoon rays can burn leaves. Low light leads to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Water
Wait until the soil is fully dry, then water thoroughly. Root rot is the main risk. Water the soil, not the leaves, to reduce fungal problems. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
Choose a cactus or succulent mix with perlite or sand so excess water leaves quickly.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C), away from cold drafts. Low humidity is fine. To rebloom, give about six weeks of short days with roughly 14 hours of darkness and 10 hours of bright light each day.
Common Issues
Soft mushy leaves mean overwatering. Check leaf axils for mealybugs.
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.
Common Varieties
Calandiva (double-flowered)
Thick, glossy dark green scalloped leaves paired with rose-like, multi-petaled double flowers.
Rosalina
Compact plants with waxy dark green leaves and scalloped margins.
Fantastic
Large paddle-shaped leaves marbled in cream and lime green, with red-to-pink blushes along the margins.
Grandiva Series
Broad, fleshy deep-green leaves with scalloped margins and large, rose-like double blooms.