Kalanchoe Succulent Plant

Kalanchoe is a captivating succulent prized for its distinctive foliage and vibrant flowers. These easy-to-grow plants boast unique leaf shapes, often featuring velvety textures, toothed edges, or scalloped patterns. Some varieties even produce tiny plantlets along their leaves.

Known for their resilience, Kalanchoe plants are ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. Their fleshy leaves and colorful blooms, typically in shades of red, white, yellow, and other hues, create a stunning display. The sculpted foliage remains attractive even after flowering, adding to the plant's overall beauty.

A standout feature of Kalanchoe is its ability to produce long-lasting flower heads, even during the coldest winter months. With minimal care requirements and a low susceptibility to pests and diseases, especially indoors, Kalanchoe is a rewarding addition to any plant collection.

How To Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Succulent?

Light Requirements

Partial sun: Kalanchoe thrives in partial sun conditions.
Indoor placement: Place containers near sunny windows for adequate light.
Outdoor placement (summer): Consider moving potted Kalanchoe outdoors in the summer if nighttime temperatures remain above 40°F.

Kalanchoe Watering

Infrequent watering: Kalanchoe prefers infrequent watering, especially during the winter dormancy period.
Deep watering: Water deeply when the soil is dry, ensuring complete drainage.
Avoid overwatering: Kalanchoe is susceptible to root rot if left in standing water.
Adjust watering frequency: Water approximately 1-2 times a week in summer and 2-3 times a month in winter.
Use containers with drainage holes: For potted Kalanchoe, ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

By following these watering guidelines, you can help your Kalanchoe thrive and maintain its vibrant appearance.

Soil Requirements

Well-draining soil: Kalanchoe prefers a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
Perlite or sand: Adding perlite or sand can improve soil drainage and aeration.
Organic matter: Incorporating organic matter can enhance soil structure and nutrient content.

Temperature

Kalanchoe is not frost-hardy and should only be planted outdoors in Hardiness Zones 9-11. Kalanchoes do fine in normal household conditions, but they need to be kept away from drafts. Keep your kalanchoe above 50°F.

Tricking a Kalanchoe into Blooming

Kalanchoes are beautiful soft succulents with unique showy flowers. It's a very diverse genus, so to enjoy the colorful flowers you just need to keep in mind the following tips:

Keep the plant warm and away from drafts. Do not water or feed the plant for 6 weeks, as it is dormant. As soon as you see flower buds, move the plant to brighter lighting and resume watering. Feed the plant in spring and remove spent flowers to encourage new buds.

Is Kalanchoe safe for cats and dogs?

Kalanchoe species contain cardiac glycosides and are toxic to animals. Most commonly will cause them to experience vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, your pet may experience an abnormal heart rhythm. So be careful!! Make sure to keep your family pet away to ensure it does not eat it.

Related article: Toxic and Non-toxic Succulents for Pets

Can you grow Kalanchoe from cuttings?

Growing kalanchoe from cuttings is an effective way to propagate the plant. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem with at least two leaves for best results. Let the cutting sit out in a warm, dry location to form a callus on the end. Plant the cutting in pre-moistened peat and perlite up to the first leaf.