Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also called Florist kalanchoe
- Light
- Bright, indirect light to some direct sun. Best spot: a south or west window.
- Water
- Let it dry out between waterings
- Humidity
- Fine in ordinary indoor air
- Potting mix
- A fast-draining cactus and succulent mix
- Size
- 6 to 18 inches tall
- Pets
- Toxic to pets
How to care for a kalanchoe
A flowering succulent with clusters of red, orange, yellow, pink or white blooms. Give it 6 to 8 hours of bright light a day with afternoon shade, since long direct sun scorches it. Pot it in a cactus mix, let the soil dry out, then water deeply. It likes about 70°F by day and 60°F at night. To rebloom, it needs 14 hours of total darkness a day for at least 6 weeks in fall and winter; flowers follow in spring and last for weeks. Deadhead spent blooms. Propagate from stem or leaf cuttings.
Common problems
No rebloom means it didn't get its long dark nights. Overwatering causes root and stem rot; good air flow prevents powdery mildew. Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites.
Questions people ask
How much light does a kalanchoe need?
Bright, indirect light to some direct sun. Best spot: a south or west window.
How often should I water a kalanchoe?
Let it dry out between waterings.
Is kalanchoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Toxic to dogs and cats (listed as Kalanchoe spp.): vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, abnormal heart rhythm.
Sources
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