Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Also known as: florist kalanchoe, Christmas kalanchoe, flaming Katy
How do you care for a kalanchoe?
Light: Bright, indirect light or partial shade; prolonged direct sun can scorch the leaves. Water: Let the soil dry, then water deeply. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.
About Kalanchoe
The flowering kalanchoe sold by florists is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, a compact succulent from Madagascar that grows 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall. NC State Extension recommends bright, indirect light or partial shade, a cactus or succulent mix, and deep watering after the soil dries. To rebloom it needs 14 hours of total darkness a day for at least six weeks in fall and winter. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Kalanchoe quick facts
- Botanical name
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
- Family
- Crassulaceae (stonecrop family)
- Native to
- Madagascar
- Light
- Bright, indirect light or partial shade; prolonged direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Let the soil dry, then water deeply.
- Reblooming
- Give 14 hours of total darkness a day for at least six weeks in fall and winter. Deadhead spent flowers.
- Temperature
- About 16 °C (60 °F) at night and 21 °C (70 °F) by day.
- Size
- 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall.
- Propagation
- Stem or leaf cuttings.
- Cats and dogs
- Toxic. Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists bufadienolides, causing vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, abnormal heart rhythm. Source: ASPCA
Sources: NC State Extension: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana; NC State Extension: Kalanchoe; ASPCA: Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Let the soil dry out significantly between waterings — this plant is very sensitive to overwatering. When in doubt, wait another day.
- Humidity
- Not fussy about humidity. Handles average indoor conditions without issue.
- Temperature
- Standard room temperature (60-80°F / 15-27°C) is perfect. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
- Soil
- Standard well-draining potting mix works well. Add perlite for extra drainage if you tend to overwater.
- Pets
- Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists bufadienolides, causing vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, abnormal heart rhythm.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Common kalanchoe problems, answered
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Kalanchoe After Flowering: Rest, Long Nights and Reblooming
Florist kalanchoe does not need a true dormant period after flowering. It needs a cut-back and repot, a season of leafy growth in good light, then about six weeks of long, uninterrupted nights to set new flower buds.
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Overwatered Kalanchoe: Soft Stems, Rot and Leaf Drop
An overwatered kalanchoe shows soft, dark stems at the base, yellowing or dropping lower leaves, and wilting even though the mix is wet. Kalanchoe is a succulent, and roots kept in slow-draining or constantly wet mix rot.
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Leggy Kalanchoe: Fix Low Light, Cut Back and Re-Root
A kalanchoe with long, weak stems, wide gaps between leaf pairs and pale new leaves is short of light. Stretched stems stay stretched, so move the plant into brighter light and cut the tall growth back. The tips you remove root easily.
Questions about Kalanchoe
Is kalanchoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists bufadienolides, causing vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, abnormal heart rhythm.
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