Kalanchoe care guide

Flowering kalanchoe is a succulent covered in clusters of tiny flowers in red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. It blooms for weeks, which is why it shows up in grocery stores all winter. Like a poinsettia, it needs long nights to bloom again.

Light

Give it bright light with a few hours of sun. A south, east, or west window works. More sun means more flowers and a tighter plant.

In low light, the stems stretch and it stops blooming.

Water

Kalanchoe stores water in its thick leaves. Water when the soil is dry all the way down. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

Most plants come wrapped in foil. Poke holes in it or take it off, so water cannot pool around the roots. Soft, black stems at the base mean rot. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use cactus and succulent mix. Repot in spring after it blooms, only if roots fill the pot. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Dry indoor air is fine. Keep it between 13 and 27°C (55 and 80°F). Cooler rooms make the flowers last longer.

Feeding

Feed monthly at half strength while it grows in spring and summer. Do not feed while it is in bloom.

Pruning

Cut off spent flower clusters at the base of their stem. After it finishes blooming, cut the stems back by about half to keep it bushy.

Getting it to bloom again

Kalanchoe sets buds when nights are long.

1. In early fall, give it about 14 hours of total darkness each night for six weeks. A closet or a box works.
2. Bring it back to a sunny window each morning.
3. Water less during this time.
4. Once buds show, keep it in bright light on a normal day and night.

A plant left in a spare room with no lamps on at night often reblooms on its own in winter.

Propagation

Cut a stem 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long. Let it dry for a day or two. Push it into dry cactus mix and water once roots form, in two to three weeks.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
No new flowers	Nights too short, or light at night in fall
Long, leggy stems	Not enough light
Soft, black stem base	Root rot from too much water
Wrinkled leaves	Too dry
White, powdery spots	Powdery mildew. Improve airflow.

Pests

Mealybugs and aphids can show up on new growth and flower clusters.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists kalanchoe as toxic to cats and dogs. Eating it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases it affects the heart rhythm. Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if a pet eats it.

Varieties

• Single-flowered types have four-petaled flowers in tight clusters.
• Calandiva types have double flowers, like tiny roses.
• Panda plant, Kalanchoe tomentosa, has fuzzy, silver leaves with brown tips. It is grown for its leaves.
• Paddle plant has big, flat, round leaves that blush red in sun.
• Mother of thousands grows tiny plantlets along its leaf edges. It is more toxic than most, so keep it well away from pets.