The Kalanchoe genus is a succulent native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. These plants are widely cultivated for their striking, long-lasting clusters of flowers, which display vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The thick, fleshy leaves allow the Kalanchoe to store water, contributing to its drought tolerance and hardiness. Its compact size and ease of care have made it a favored flowering succulent for home environments.
Creating the Ideal Environment
Kalanchoe thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, such as that provided by an east- or west-facing window. While it can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon rays can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will cause the plant to develop a stretched or “leggy” appearance as it reaches for light.
Kalanchoe plants prefer an indoor temperature range between 65 and 75°F during the day. Nighttime temperatures should ideally remain slightly cooler, around 55 to 65°F. Protect the plant from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F, which can cause significant damage to the foliage and overall health.
Kalanchoe requires a potting medium that facilitates rapid drainage. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture and can quickly lead to root problems. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is an excellent choice, or one can be created by blending one part regular potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting around the roots.
Essential Routine Maintenance
Proper watering is essential for Kalanchoe care due to its succulent nature. The plant should only be watered once the soil has completely dried out, which is easily tested by inserting a finger a couple of inches into the soil. Water deeply until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess water in the saucer.
During the active growing period of spring and summer, watering may occur every week or two. During the plant’s dormant period in winter, the frequency should be significantly reduced, perhaps to once every three to four weeks. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline, so allow the plant to remain slightly dry.
Kalanchoe plants benefit from regular feeding during the spring and summer growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, should be applied once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength suggested on the product label to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the roots. If the plant produces abundant foliage but few flowers, switching to a high-phosphorus fertilizer may encourage more prolific blooming.
The Reblooming Cycle and Pruning
Encouraging the Kalanchoe to bloom again requires manipulating its light exposure, as it is a short-day plant. To stimulate the formation of new flower buds, the plant must experience a period of extended, uninterrupted darkness daily. This process involves providing the plant with 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness every night for six to eight weeks. During the day, the plant should still receive bright, indirect light for 8 to 10 hours.
This darkness must be absolute; no light from streetlights or indoor lamps should reach the plant during this nocturnal period. This can be achieved by placing a box over it or moving it to a completely dark closet. Once flower buds become visible, usually after the six-week period, the plant can be returned to its normal care routine and light conditions. This controlled light deprivation initiates the next flowering cycle.
Pruning is necessary during and after the bloom cycle to maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage future growth. Deadheading involves pinching off or using clean shears to remove spent flowers as soon as they fade. This action prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production and redirects that energy toward new growth and subsequent blooms.
Once the entire flowering cluster has finished, the flower stalk should be cut back to the nearest set of healthy leaves or to the second or third leaf node below the spent bloom. This structural pruning encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, more compact shape. If the plant has become particularly tall or spindly, a more substantial pruning, removing up to one-third of the stem’s length, can be performed after the blooming period to revitalize its form.
Identifying and Treating Common Issues
Root rot is the most frequent challenge, a fungal disease almost always caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Signs include wilting or drooping leaves, a softened stem base, and yellowing foliage, despite the soil being wet. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots, and trim away any dark, mushy sections with sterile scissors before repotting in fresh, dry succulent soil.
Mealybugs and aphids are the most common pests targeting Kalanchoe. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses typically found in leaf axils or on the underside of leaves, while aphids are tiny green, black, or brown insects clustered on new growth. Immediate action is necessary to prevent infestations from spreading to other plants.
Small, localized infestations can be treated by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to physically wipe the pests off the leaves and stems. For more extensive problems, the plant can be treated with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring that the entire plant, including the underside of the leaves, is thoroughly coated. Isolating the affected plant during treatment is a good practice to protect nearby healthy specimens.