Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana - Care Sheet
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Overview
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, commonly known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, is a tropical evergreen succulent native to Madagascar. It is prized for its bright, long-lasting flowers and thick, waxy scalloped leaves. This plant is easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It thrives indoors with bright light, moderate watering, and well-draining soil, adding a cheerful splash of color to any space.Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana |
|---|---|
| Common name | Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet-safe? | No (toxic to cats and dogs if ingested) |
| Light | Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sun but avoid intense midday sun |
| Water | Deep watering every 10–14 days; allow soil to dry out completely between waterings |
| Humidity | Moderate to low; typical indoor humidity is fine |
| Temperature | 18–29°C / 65–85°F; avoid drafts and temperatures below 10°C / 50°F |
| Soil | Well-draining, succulent or cactus mix; can mix regular potting soil with gritty material |
| Fertilizer | Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season, diluted to half strength |
| Repotting | Every 1–2 years in slightly larger pot with fresh soil |
| Propagation | Stem or leaf cuttings |
Light
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana thrives in **bright, indirect light**. A south-facing window is ideal, but east or west-facing windows also work well. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, avoid prolonged exposure to intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. Rotating the plant occasionally helps ensure even light distribution and balanced growth.Water
Water deeply every 10 to 14 days, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check soil moisture by feeling 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) deep; if dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s better to err on the side of underwatering. When watering, apply a slow, steady stream until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then empty any excess from the saucer.Humidity
Kalanchoes prefer **moderate to low humidity**, typical of most indoor environments. They tolerate dry air well due to their succulent nature and do not require additional humidity. Good air circulation around the plant helps maintain health and reduces risk of fungal issues.Temperature
Ideal daytime temperatures range from **18 to 29°C (65 to 85°F)**, with nighttime temperatures slightly cooler but not below 10°C (50°F). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the plant and cause leaf drop.Soil & Potting
Use a **well-draining soil mix** formulated for succulents or cacti, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with gritty materials such as perlite or coarse sand in equal parts. This prevents waterlogging and root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Clay or terracotta pots are preferred as they dry out faster, helping to keep roots healthy.Feeding
Feed Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana with a **balanced, water-soluble fertilizer** diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons. Fertilizing is not essential but encourages more abundant flowering and healthy foliage. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.Repotting
Repot every 1 to 2 years to refresh soil and provide room for growth. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Repotting can also encourage blooming. When repotting, gently loosen the root ball and remove any dead or rotting roots before placing the plant in fresh soil.Propagation
Easily propagated from **stem or leaf cuttings**. Take healthy cuttings and allow them to dry for a day or two to callous over, then plant in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots establish and new growth appears.Common Problems
Leaf Scorch
Caused by too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light and avoid intense midday sun.Root Rot
Results from overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry completely between waterings and use well-draining soil. If root rot occurs, remove affected roots and repot in fresh soil.Leggy Growth
Insufficient light can cause stretched, sparse growth. Increase exposure to bright, indirect light and rotate the plant regularly.Leaf Drop
Often due to temperature stress, drafts, or sudden changes in environment. Maintain stable temperatures and avoid cold drafts.Pests (Mealybugs, Aphids)
Occasionally affected by pests. Inspect regularly and treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Toxicity & Pet Safety
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is **toxic to cats and dogs** if ingested, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and heart irregularities. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and children to prevent accidental poisoning.Seasonal Care
During spring and summer, provide ample light, regular watering, and fertilize every 4–6 weeks to encourage blooming. In fall and winter, reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing as growth slows. Remove spent flowers to promote further blooming and prune leggy stems to maintain shape. Protect the plant from cold drafts and maintain indoor temperatures above 15°C (59°F).Quick Tips
- Place in bright, indirect light; avoid harsh midday sun.
- Water deeply every 10–14 days, letting soil dry out between waterings.
- Use well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.
- Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and encourage growth.
- Remove dead flowers regularly to promote new blooms.
- Keep away from pets due to toxicity.
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