Kalanchoe is a genus of tropical succulents from Africa and Asia in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), with 174 accepted species according to NC State Extension. Houseplant kalanchoes fall into two groups:
- Flowering kalanchoes, mainly Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, sold in bloom as gift plants.
- Foliage kalanchoes, grown for fuzzy, paddle-shaped or plantlet-bearing leaves.
All of them are toxic to cats and dogs.
9 kalanchoe varieties at a glance
Descriptions are from NC State Extension.
| Kalanchoe | Grown for | Leaves | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florist kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana) | Flowers | Dark green, glossy, scalloped edges | 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall |
| Panda plant (K. tomentosa) | Foliage | Pale green, covered in grey-white fuzz, brown-spotted edges | 30–90 cm (1–3 ft); slow |
| Paddle plant (K. luciae) | Foliage | Rounded, jade green with red edges, in a basal rosette | 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) |
| Marnier’s kalanchoe (K. marnieriana) | Foliage | Flat, rounded, blue-green paddles with red tips | 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) |
| Mother of thousands (K. daigremontiana) | Foliage | Dark green, purple-blotched below; plantlets along the edges | Up to 90 cm (3 ft) |
| Mother of millions, chandelier plant (K. delagoensis) | Foliage | Reddish to grey-green with reddish-brown spots | — |
| Penwiper plant (K. marmorata) | Foliage | Green mottled with white or pale markings | Up to 45 cm (1.5 ft) |
| Velvet leaf kalanchoe (K. beharensis) | Foliage | Arrowhead-shaped, rusty brown, felt-like | 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft), tree-like |
| Silver teaspoons (K. bracteata) | Foliage | Fleshy, grey-white to olive with silver hairs | Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) |
Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
The flowering kalanchoe sold in supermarkets and florists comes from northeast Madagascar. It forms an upright, branching plant 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall, with umbels of tiny, long-lasting flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink or white. Single and double forms exist.
NC State lists these cultivars:
- ‘Flaming Katy’: bright red.
- ‘Queen Lindsay’: golden yellow, double.
- ‘Queen Jodie’: salmon-pink, double, rose-like.
- ‘Simone’: pure white.
- ‘Lanin’: bright orange.
- ‘Kerinci’: pink.
- f. variegata: cream- and pink-edged leaves.
How to make it bloom again
Most florist kalanchoes are discarded after flowering, but they rebloom on a darkness schedule. NC State’s guidance:
- Light: 6–8 hours of bright light every day. Prolonged direct sun can scorch the leaves, so give afternoon shade.
- Darkness: in fall and winter, 14 hours of total darkness a day for at least six weeks. A closet, or a box over the plant from evening to morning, gives total darkness in a lit home.
- Temperature: about 16 °C (60 °F) at night and 21 °C (70 °F) by day. Bring it in before temperatures drop to 7 °C (45 °F).
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more.
Blooms appear in spring and last several weeks. NC State’s genus profile gives a looser rule for kalanchoes generally (12 hours of darkness for six weeks); the 14-hour figure is for K. blossfeldiana.
If it still fails to bloom, NC State says the plant probably did not get the period of darkness it needs to reset its bloom cycle.
Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
A slow-growing succulent from Madagascar with leaves covered in soft grey-white fuzz and brown-spotted tips. NC State recommends:
- Light: bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day.
- Soil and water: cactus mix, allowed to dry out between waterings.
- Conditions: low humidity and 16–24 °C (60–75 °F). It is intolerant of extreme heat.
Cultivars include ‘Chocolate Soldier’ (reddish-brown edges), ‘Cinnamon’ (russet leaves) and ‘Teddy Bear’ (round, chocolate-brown leaves).
NC State notes the fuzzy leaves make it harder to propagate than other succulents; try leaf cuttings or offshoots. Wrinkled leaves suggest underwatering, mushy leaves overwatering, and leggy growth too little light.
Mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
Named for the plantlets that form along its leaf edges, drop off and root wherever they land. It grows up to 90 cm (3 ft). NC State recommends bright, indirect light or partial shade, avoiding hot midday sun, a cactus mix, and sparing watering.
Two cautions from NC State:
- It is especially dangerous to pets. NC State says ingestion can be a life-threatening emergency and possibly fatal, and the sap can cause contact dermatitis.
- ‘Pink Butterflies’ produces pink plantlets that lack chlorophyll and die.
Mother of millions (K. delagoensis) spreads the same way.
Care that applies to every kalanchoe
From NC State Extension:
- Light: bright, indirect light indoors.
- Water: water well, then let the soil dry out. They prefer dry soil and low humidity.
- Temperature: 16–29 °C (60–85 °F). Bring outdoor pots in before temperatures drop below 10 °C (50 °F).
- Propagation: division, offsets, stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
- Problems: aphids, mealybugs and spider mites; overwatering causes root and stem rot; good air circulation prevents powdery mildew.
Pets
The ASPCA lists kalanchoe as toxic to dogs and cats because of bufadienolides, which affect the heart. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, abnormal heart rhythm. NC State lists every species in this guide that it profiles as a problem for cats and dogs. Keep kalanchoes out of reach, and call a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if a pet eats one.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Kalanchoe (genus), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe daigremontiana
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Kalanchoe