Kalanchoe plants are a favorite among indoor gardeners for their vibrant, long-lasting flowers and low-maintenance nature. Whether you have the popular Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Christmas Kalanchoe) or another variety, following a few basic care steps will ensure your plant stays healthy and blooms year after year.
1. Light Requirements
Kalanchoe plants are "sun worshippers" and require significant light to maintain their compact shape and produce vibrant blooms.
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Indoor Location: Place your plant near a south-facing window for the brightest light, or a west-facing window as a secondary option. Try supplementing this light with a Soltech Grow light, a Versa would work great with this plant!
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Duration: Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily.
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Warning Signs: If your Kalanchoe becomes "leggy" or sparse, it likely needs more light. Conversely, direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
2. Watering and Humidity
As succulents, Kalanchoes store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and are highly drought-tolerant.
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The "Finger Test": Only water when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry.
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Frequency: Indoors, this typically equates to watering every 2 to 3 weeks, though you should check the soil every few days.
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Common Mistake: Overwatering is the #1 cause of Kalanchoe death, leading to root and stem rot. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
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Humidity: Kalanchoes prefer low to moderate humidity. Avoid misting the leaves, as trapped moisture can encourage fungal growth.
3. Best Soil and Potting
To prevent root rot, Kalanchoes must be planted in a medium that drains quickly and dries out thoroughly.
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Soil Type: Use a specialized cactus and succulent potting mix. Check out this mix from Home Depot for your Kalanchoe.
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The Mix: You can improve drainage further by mixing standard potting soil with inorganic "grit" like perlite, sand, or fine gravel in a 1:1 ratio.
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Repotting: Kalanchoes generally do not enjoy being "pot bound." Consider repotting every year in the spring to give the roots fresh nutrients.
4. How to Get Kalanchoe to Rebloom
Many people treat Kalanchoes as "disposable" once the initial flowers fade, but they can bloom again with a bit of "trickery."
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The Rest Period: Kalanchoes are short-day plants, meaning they need long, uninterrupted nights to trigger budding.
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The Darkness Method: For about 6 weeks, provide the plant with 14 hours of complete darkness each day. You can do this by placing the plant in a dark closet or under a box every evening.
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Daylight: During the remaining 10 hours, provide bright, indirect light.
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Deadheading: Snipping off spent flower stalks helps the plant redirect energy toward new growth. Check out this article from Proven Winners that goes in depth on deadheading your flowers.
5. Common Problems and Pests
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Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor nutrient uptake.
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Pests: Look out for sap-sucking critters like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Small infestations can be wiped off with a cloth dipped in alcohol or treated with neem oil.
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White Spots: A powdery white bloom on leaves usually indicates powdery mildew, which thrives in high-temperature, dry-air conditions.
Caring for a Kalanchoe is a rewarding way to bring long-lasting color into your home with minimal effort. By prioritizing bright, indirect light, practicing disciplined watering habits, and providing well-draining soil, you can ensure your succulent remains a healthy centerpiece for years to come
