Introduction to Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is one of the most popular and widely available flowering succulent houseplants in the world. Native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, these cheerful plants are prized for their clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white that bloom for weeks at a time, and their thick, waxy, succulent leaves that store water efficiently. Kalanchoes are celebrated for their ease of care, their long blooming period, and their ability to rebloom with the right conditions — making them one of the best value flowering houseplants available.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoes thrive in bright, indirect to some direct light. They need at least 6 hours of bright light daily to bloom well. A south- or east-facing window is ideal. Without adequate light, they produce lush foliage but few flowers. If natural light is limited, a grow light works well for encouraging blooming.
Watering
As succulents, Kalanchoes are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are completely dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of Kalanchoe decline — always use a pot with drainage holes and never let the plant sit in standing water. In winter, reduce watering significantly.
Humidity & Temperature
Kalanchoes prefer temperatures between 60–85°F (15–29°C) and average indoor humidity. They are more tolerant of dry air than most flowering plants, making them excellent choices for heated homes in winter. Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F.
Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Kalanchoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots begin to outgrow the pot. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
Fertilizing
Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Avoid fertilizing during the dormancy period after blooming.
Encouraging Reblooming
After the blooms fade, Kalanchoes can be encouraged to rebloom by giving them a 6-week dark period — place the plant in a dark room or cover it for 14 hours per night. This mimics the short days of winter and triggers new flower bud formation. After 6 weeks, return to normal light and the plant will bloom again!
Shop Our Kalanchoe Collection
- Kalanchoe — cheerful, long-blooming flowering succulent
- Succulent Kalanchoe 'Flap Jack' — dramatic paddle-shaped leaves
- Kalanchoe Tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' — velvety, chocolate-tipped leaves
Common Problems & Solutions
No blooms: Insufficient light or needs a dark period to rebloom — increase light or try the 6-week dark period method. Mushy stems: Overwatering or root rot — reduce watering drastically and repot in fresh dry soil. Leggy growth: Insufficient light — move to a sunnier location. Yellow leaves: Overwatering — reduce watering and check drainage.