Kalanchoe plants stand out with their small flowers and leaves with scalloped edges. With over 100 species, the kalanchoe blossfeldiana, or window’s thrill, is a favorite. It blooms with tiny flowers in red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
This plant is loved for being drought-tolerant and simple to care for. It only needs watering every other week when placed in bright light.
In warm areas, it thrives outdoors as a perennial. But in cooler places, it’s grown inside as a houseplant.
With proper care, kalanchoes can bloom indoors for many years. Yet, they are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. So, pet owners must be careful.
Key Takeaways
- Kalanchoes are known for their tiny, colorful flowers and easy-care needs.
- The most popular species is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, which can rebloom for years.
- Kalanchoes thrive in bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Proper watering and fertilizing are essential for healthy growth and reblooming.
- Kalanchoes are sensitive to cold and can be grown outdoors in warm climates or as indoor plants.
Introduction to Kalanchoe Plants
Common Names and Botanical Classification
Kalanchoe plants are known by names like flaming Katy, florists kalanchoe, and Christmas kalanchoe.
The most common species is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, part of the Crassulaceae family. These plants are perennials, growing 6-18 inches tall and wide.
They love bright, indirect light and soil that drains well. It’s important to water them right, as they can’t handle too much water and might rot. They like warm places, between 55°F and 80°F, and don’t mind the humidity too much.
| Kalanchoe Plant Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Height | 6 to 12 inches |
| Typical Spread | 6 to 36 inches |
| Flower Colors | Orange, pink, red, white, yellow |
| Plant Type | Houseplant, perennial |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 10 and 11 |
Kalanchoe plants are great for indoor and outdoor gardens because they like dry soil and can survive with little water. With the right care, these plants add color and interest to any spot.
How To Grow A Kalanchoe and Care
Growing a Kalanchoe plant is rewarding. It’s a popular houseplant known for its bright, long-lasting flowers in many colors.
To keep your Kalanchoe healthy, let’s look at Kalanchoe Propagation, Kalanchoe Pruning Tips, Kalanchoe Repotting Guide, and Kalanchoe Pest Control.
Starting with the right steps is key for Kalanchoe plants. They need well-draining soil and should be in a warm spot with plenty of light.
Water them carefully, letting the soil dry out before watering again. Feeding them once a month in spring and summer can make them bloom more.
Trimming dead flowers and leaves keeps your plant looking good and encourages new growth. You can also spread Kalanchoes by cutting stems or using offsets.
Repotting in the fall helps them stay healthy and bloom again. Keeping pests like aphids away is also important.
| Kalanchoe Care Tips | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Planting | Well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend |
| Lighting | Bright, indirect light or partial shade |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings |
| Fertilizing | Monthly during spring and summer |
| Pruning | Remove spent flowers and dead leaves |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings or offsets |
| Repotting | Annually in the fall, after blooming |
| Pest Control | Protect from aphids and other pests |
By following these Kalanchoe Propagation, Kalanchoe Pruning Tips, Kalanchoe Repotting Guide, and Kalanchoe Pest Control steps, your Kalanchoe will flourish. It will fill your home or garden with its beautiful flowers.
Kalanchoe Varieties and Characteristics
The kalanchoe genus includes over a hundred species from Madagascar. These plants are vibrant and easy to care for.
They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, making them great for gardens indoors or outdoors.
Kalanchoe Leaf Varieties
Kalanchoe plants stand out for their diverse leaves. The Panda Plant has soft, velvety leaves. The Mother of Millions has long, lance-shaped leaves that grow in cascades.
- Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa): Soft, velvety leaves with a distinct silver-gray hue and delicate serrated edges.
- Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe daigremontiana): Slender, pointed leaves that produce tiny plantlets along the edges, earning it the nickname “Mother of Thousands.”
- Flapjacks (Kalanchoe luciae): Large, rounded leaves with a reddish-purple hue that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter.
- Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora): Thick, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long, often with a striking red edge.
These are just a few examples of the kalanchoe family’s unique leaves. Each leaf’s pattern and color adds to the plant’s beauty and interest.
| Variety | Leaf Shape | Leaf Color | Mature Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Plant | Rounded, Fleshy | Silver-Gray | 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide |
| Mother of Millions | Slender, Pointed | Green | 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide |
| Flapjacks | Large, Rounded | Reddish-Purple | 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide |
| Paddle Plant | Thick, Paddle-Shaped | Green with Red Edge | 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide |
Kalanchoe plants are known for their beautiful leaves and colors. They add a unique and stunning look to any garden, indoors or outdoors.
Propagating and Encouraging Reblooming
Kalanchoe plants are simple to spread through stem cuttings or dividing offsets. To take a cutting, cut a few inches from a mature plant.
Let the cut end dry out, then plant it in soil that drains well. It will grow roots in a month, ready to be treated like a full-grown Kalanchoe.
To make Kalanchoe bloom again, it needs a break of about two months in the dark. Keep it in a cool spot with night temperatures around 60°F (15.5°C). Stop feeding it, as it doesn’t need more food to bloom.
When the flowers start to fade, cut them off to help the plant bloom more. Give the plant 14 hours of darkness to help new flowers grow.
In the fall and winter, lower light levels make Kalanchoes bloom better. With the right care and patience, you can see Kalanchoe’s flowers every year.
FAQ
What are the common names for kalanchoe plants?
Kalanchoe plants are known by several names. These include flaming Katy, florists kalanchoe, and Christmas kalanchoe.
What is the most popular kalanchoe houseplant species?
The top kalanchoe houseplant is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, or window’s thrill. It produces clusters of tiny flowers in various colors like red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
Are kalanchoe plants toxic to pets?
Yes, kalanchoe plants are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Pet owners should be careful.
How do I properly water a kalanchoe plant?
Kalanchoe plants are drought-tolerant. They should be watered sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
What type of soil do kalanchoe plants prefer?
Kalanchoe plants prefer a well-draining potting mix. Use a cactus or succulent blend.
How do I propagate a kalanchoe plant?
Propagating kalanchoes is easy through stem cuttings or dividing offsets. To take a cutting, snip a few inches of stem from a mature plant. Let the end callous over, then plant it in well-draining soil.
How do I encourage a kalanchoe plant to rebloom?
To encourage reblooming, regularly repot the plant in the fall, after it blooms. This keeps it healthy and promotes blooming.
