If you’ve ever wanted a cheerful, low-maintenance plant that rewards you with long-lasting blooms and fleshy green leaves, the Kalanchoe is a perfect pick. Known for its bright clusters of flowers in red, orange, pink, yellow, or white, this tropical succulent adds colour and life to any room or garden corner. With the right care, it can bloom several times a year and stay healthy for years. Let’s go over everything you need to know about Kalanchoe Plant Care and Growing—whether indoors or outside.
About the Kalanchoe Plant
Kalanchoe belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which also includes jade plants and echeverias. Native to Madagascar, it thrives in warm, dry climates. Because it’s a succulent, it stores water in its thick leaves, making it drought-tolerant and perfect for beginners who might forget to water occasionally.
There are more than 200 species of Kalanchoe, but the most popular one for home growing is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. It’s compact, easy to maintain, and bursts into vibrant blooms that can last for weeks.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Kalanchoe Plant
1. Light Requirements
Kalanchoe loves bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, place it near a sunny window that receives several hours of light each day—an east or south-facing window is ideal. Too little light can make the plant grow leggy and reduce flowering.
If you’re growing it outdoors, choose a spot with partial sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade are perfect. In very hot climates, protect it from harsh midday rays to prevent leaf burn.
2. Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe prefers warm conditions, ideally between 18°C and 27°C (65°F–80°F). It doesn’t tolerate frost, so if you live in a colder area, keep it indoors during winter.
Humidity isn’t a big concern for this plant. It does well in average household humidity. Just make sure there’s good air circulation to prevent mold and mildew.
3. Soil Type
The key to healthy Kalanchoe is well-draining soil. Use a cactus or succulent mix, or make your own by mixing two parts potting soil, one part sand, and one part perlite. Avoid heavy garden soil—it holds too much moisture and can cause root rot.
Watering the Right Way
One of the most common mistakes with Kalanchoe is overwatering. This plant doesn’t like wet feet. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry, it’s time for a drink.
Water thoroughly until you see some draining out from the bottom of the pot, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 7–10 days, depending on your climate. In winter, when the plant rests, reduce watering to once every 2–3 weeks.
Never let the pot sit in water, as this can quickly lead to rot.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Kalanchoe isn’t a heavy feeder, but it appreciates a little boost during its active growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month from spring through early autumn.
Stop fertilizing in winter, when the plant naturally slows down. Overfeeding can lead to excess leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
After the blooms fade, snip off the spent flower clusters to encourage new growth. Pruning also helps keep the plant compact and neat. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to remove any leggy or damaged stems.
If your Kalanchoe has grown tall and stretched, you can trim it back to about half its height. Don’t throw away the cuttings—they can easily be used to propagate new plants.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe plant
One of the most satisfying parts of owning a Kalanchoe is how easily it multiplies. You can propagate it through stem or leaf cuttings.
Here’s how:
- Cut a healthy stem about 3–4 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and let the cutting dry for a day or two. This allows the cut end to form a callus, preventing rot.
- Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with succulent mix or sandy soil.
- Mist lightly until roots form (in about 2–3 weeks).
- Once new growth appears, water as you would a mature plant.
You can also root leaves in a similar way, though stem cuttings tend to establish faster.
Encouraging Kalanchoe to Bloom Again
Getting Kalanchoe to rebloom is easy once you understand its rhythm. It’s a short-day plant, meaning it needs long nights to trigger flowering.
To encourage blooms:
- In late autumn, give your plant about 14 hours of darkness each night for 6 weeks. You can do this by placing it in a dark room or covering it with a box after sunset.
- During the day, let it have bright light.
- After about 6 weeks, you’ll notice tiny buds forming. Move it back to its normal location and resume regular watering and feeding.
With proper care, your Kalanchoe can bloom again every few months.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even though Kalanchoe is low-maintenance, a few issues can come up if its needs aren’t met.
- Yellow or Mushy Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and check for root rot.
- Drooping Leaves: Could mean the plant is thirsty or not getting enough light.
- No Blooms: Often caused by too little light or not following the dark-night cycle for reblooming.
- Pests: Look out for aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. Wipe the leaves with a soft cloth dipped in mild soapy water, or use neem oil.
Repotting Tips
Kalanchoe doesn’t mind being slightly root-bound, so you only need to repot every 2–3 years. The best time to repot is in spring, after it finishes flowering.
Choose a pot that’s one size larger and has good drainage holes. Refresh the soil, gently remove the plant from its old pot, and replant it. Water lightly afterward.
Indoor vs Outdoor Growing Kalanchoe Plant
Indoors:
Kalanchoe makes a lovely tabletop or windowsill plant. It brightens up the room and doesn’t take much care. Just make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Outdoors:
In warm climates, Kalanchoe thrives in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets. Avoid planting it where it might get waterlogged. Bring it inside if temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).
Final Thoughts about Kalanchoe Plant Care and Growing
The Kalanchoe is more than just a pretty plant—it’s a symbol of resilience and beauty. Its low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners. With the right balance of light, water, and occasional care, you can enjoy its cheerful blooms year-round.
