Kalanchoe plants, also known as flowering kalanchoes or widow’s plants, are a genus of about 125 species of succulent plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Most species are native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, and many are famous for their easy indoor culture. Kalanchoes are known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms that come in a wide range of colours. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.
Kalachoe: Key facts
| Botanical name | Kalanchoe |
| Common name(s) | Flowering Kalanchoe, Widow’s Plant |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus/Species | Kalanchoe |
| Habitat | Native to Madagascar and tropical Africa |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Sun exposure | Bright, indirect light |
| Toxic | Non-toxic |
| Traditional Uses | Ornamental plant |
Botanical classification
Kalanchoe belongs to the kingdom Plantae, the division Angiospermae, the class Magnoliopsida, the order Saxifragales, the family Crassulaceae, the subfamily Kalanchoideae, and the genus Kalanchoe Adans. It encompasses around 125 species of tropical, succulent plants within the stonecrop family Crassulaceae, primarily native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. Kalanchoe plants are distinguished by their thick, fleshy leaves and vibrant flowers. Commonly cultivated as houseplants, they also hold significance in traditional medicine.
Varieties
The genus Kalanchoe encompasses a diverse array of species, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. Some of the most popular and widely cultivated Kalanchoe varieties include:
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
This is the most commonly grown Kalanchoe species, known for its showy, double or single blooms in a dazzling array of colours, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
Kalanchoe luciae
Also known as the flapjack Kalanchoe or paddle plant, this species features thick, paddle-shaped leaves that turn a vibrant red hue when exposed to ample sunlight. Its blooms are typically clustered in shades of pink or yellow.
Kalanchoe uniflora
Often called the widow’s thrill or mother-of-thousands, this variety produces unique clusters of tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves, giving it a cascading or trailing appearance. Its delicate flowers are usually yellow or lavender.
Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri
This striking Kalanchoe is distinguished by its large, velvety leaves with prominent silvery-grey markings. Its blooms are typically yellow or orange and appear in loose clusters.
Kalanchoe synsepalum
This charming variety, also known as the kalanchoe of the rocks, features heart-shaped leaves with a mottled green and cream colouration. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple, or yellow.
Care guide
Kalanchoe plants are generally easy to care for, making them suitable for gardeners of all experience levels. However, following proper care guidelines will ensure your kalanchoes thrive and produce their vibrant blooms.
Lighting requirements
Kalanchoe plants typically prefer bright, indirect light. Placing them near a south-facing window is ideal, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch their leaves. Supplementing with a grow light can be beneficial if natural light is limited.
Watering needs
Kalanchoes are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves and stems, making them relatively drought-tolerant. Therefore, overwatering is a common cause of kalanchoe problems. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and thoroughly water the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes. Avoid leaving the plant sitting in waterlogged soil.
Soil and potting mix
Well-draining soil is essential for kalanchoe plants. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal, providing the necessary drainage while retaining moisture. Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils that hold too much water, leading to root rot.
Temperature preferences
Kalanchoe plants thrive in warm, temperate environments. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C), as such extremes can stress the plants.
Humidity considerations
Kalanchoe plants are generally adaptable to average household humidity levels. They do not require misting or special humidity conditions. However, avoid placing them in overly dry environments or near heating vents, as this can cause their leaves to dry out.
Fertilisation
During their active growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall, kalanchoe plants benefit from regular fertilisation. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength and apply it every two to four weeks. During the winter months, when growth slows down, reduce fertilisation to once a month or less.
See also: How to grow and care for Bellflowers?
Cultivation
Kalanchoe plants are known for their showy, long-lasting blooms that add a splash of colour to any home or garden. While they typically flower naturally during their active growing season, there are certain practices you can implement to encourage and prolong their blooming period.
Day length manipulation
Kalanchoe plants are classified as short-day plants, meaning they initiate flowering when exposed to shorter periods of daylight. To stimulate flowering, create short-day conditions by artificially reducing the plant’s exposure to light. This is optional during the fall and winter months when natural daylight hours are shorter. However, to encourage blooming outside of this natural cycle, you can cover the plant with a dark cloth or place it in a dark room for 12-14 hours each day for six to eight weeks.
Deadheading spent flowers
Regularly removing spent flowers, also known as deadheading, enhances the plant’s appearance and encourages new flower production. As blooms fade, pinch or cut them off at the base, just above the first set of leaves. This signals the plant to redirect its energy towards producing new flowers rather than maintaining old ones.
Adequate light exposure
While kalanchoes require short-day conditions for flower initiation, they also need sufficient light during the rest of the day to support healthy growth and flowering. Ensure your kalanchoe receives at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily. Supplementing with a grow light can be beneficial if natural light is limited.
By following these tips, you can encourage your kalanchoe plants to produce an abundance of colourful blooms that will brighten your home for months.
See also: Crossandra flowers: How to grow and care for them?
Propagation
Kalanchoe plants are beautiful and easy to care for, and relatively easy to propagate, allowing you to create new plants and share their vibrant blooms with others. Several methods can be used to propagate kalanchoes, each with its advantages and considerations.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common and straightforward method of propagating kalanchoes. To propagate using stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Select a healthy stem from a mature kalanchoe plant. Choose a stem that is at least 3-4 inches long and has several leaves.
- Use a sharp, sterile knife or pruning shears to cut the stem just above a leaf node. A leaf node is the point where a leaf grows from the stem.
- Remove the lower leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem. This will prevent the leaves from rotting in the soil.
- Allow the cut end of the stem to callous over for a few hours before planting. This will help prevent the stem from rotting.
- Dip the calloused end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional). Rooting hormones can encourage faster root development.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Make a hole in the centre of the potting mix with your finger or a pencil.
- Insert the calloused end of the stem into the hole in the potting mix. Gently firm the potting mix around the stem.
- Water the pot thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Mist the stem periodically to maintain humidity.
- Within a few weeks, the stem should start to develop roots. Once the roots are well-established, you can treat the new plant like a mature kalanchoe.
Leaf cuttings
Kalanchoe plants can also be propagated from leaf cuttings. This method is slightly less common than stem cuttings but is still relatively easy to achieve. To propagate using leaf cuttings, follow these steps:
- Select healthy leaves from a mature kalanchoe plant. Choose leaves that are firm and free of pests or diseases.
- Gently twist or pull the leaves off the stem, ensuring the entire leaf is removed, including the petiole (the small stalk that connects the leaf to the stem).
- Allow the cut end of the leaf to callous over for a few hours before planting.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Place the leaf cuttings on top of the potting mix, laying them flat and ensuring the petiole is in contact with the soil.
- Water the pot lightly to moisten the potting mix. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the leaves to rot.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Mist the leaves periodically to maintain humidity.
- Within a few weeks, the leaves should start to develop roots and small plantlets. Once the plantlets are well-developed, you can carefully separate them from the leaf and treat them like individual kalanchoe plants.
Division
This method is suitable for mature kalanchoe plants that have become crowded or overgrown. To propagate using division, follow these steps:
- Gently remove the kalanchoe plant from its pot.
- Shake off excess soil from the roots.
- Use your hands or a sharp knife to carefully divide the plant into clumps, ensuring each clump has a healthy root system and several leaves.
- Plant each clump in a separate pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
- Water the pots thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Place the pots in a warm, bright location with indirect light.
- Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy.
- Within a few weeks, the divided plants should start to grow new leaves and establish themselves.
Addressing concerns
Despite their reputation for being low-maintenance plants, kalanchoes occasionally encounter problems affecting their health and appearance. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can help restore your Kalanchoe plant to its vibrant state.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves are a common sign of stress in kalanchoe plants. The most likely causes of drooping leaves are overwatering and underwatering.
Overwatering
Kalanchoes are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves and stems. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to drooping leaves. If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You may also need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Underwatering
While kalanchoes are drought-tolerant, they still need adequate water to thrive. Underwatering can also cause drooping leaves. If you suspect underwatering, thoroughly water the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Pests and diseases
Kalanchoe plants can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal infections.
- Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that resemble cottony fluff. They feed on the sap of kalanchoe plants, causing wilting, distortion, and sticky honeydew secretions.
Treatment: Treat mealybug infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray the affected areas thoroughly, following the instructions on the product label.
- Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that form fine webs on the undersides of leaves. They feed on the plant’s juices, causing yellowing, stippling, and bronzing of the leaves.
Treatment: Treat spider mite infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Spray the affected areas thoroughly, paying close attention to the undersides of the leaves.
- Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases can cause various problems in kalanchoe plants, such as leaf spots, root rot, and stem rot. These diseases are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Treatment: Treat fungal diseases by improving drainage and allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Remove any severely affected leaves or stems. If the disease is severe, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, sterile soil.
- Lack of Blooming
If your kalanchoe plant is not blooming, there could be several reasons.
- Insufficient light: Kalanchoes are short-day plants, meaning they require longer periods of darkness to initiate flowering. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it may not bloom. Ensure your kalanchoe receives at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily.
- Improper fertilisation: Kalanchoes need regular fertilisation during their active growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. However, overfertilization or under fertilisation can both inhibit blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength and apply it every two to four weeks during the growing season.
- Stress: Stressful conditions, such as sudden changes in temperature or humidity, can also cause kalanchoes to stop blooming. Provide your plant with consistent care and avoid subjecting it to sudden environmental changes.
Identifying and addressing these common issues, you can keep your kalanchoe plant healthy, vibrant, and blooming beautifully.
Uses and applications
Beyond their ornamental value, kalanchoe plants offer a variety of uses and applications, making them an attractive addition to your home or garden.
Houseplants
Kalanchoes are widely popular as houseplants due to their ease of care, attractive blooms, and long-lasting flowering abilities. Their compact size and adaptability to indoor environments make them ideal for adding a touch of colour and vibrancy to any room.
Outdoor landscaping
Kalanchoe plants can also enhance outdoor landscaping, adding splashes of colour and texture to borders, pots, and containers. Their diverse varieties provide options for both sunny and shady locations, allowing you to incorporate them into various garden designs.
Gift ideas
Kalanchoes make thoughtful and long-lasting gift ideas for any occasion. Their vibrant blooms and low-maintenance requirements make them a practical and appreciated present for friends, family, or loved ones.
Air-purifying properties
Some studies have suggested that kalanchoe plants may help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful toxins, such as benzene and formaldehyde. While more research is needed to validate these claims, incorporating kalanchoes into your home fully can potentially contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
With their diverse varieties, long-lasting blooms, and easy-care nature, Kalanchoe plants have rightfully earned their place among the most beloved houseplants and garden additions. Their adaptability to various indoor and outdoor environments and their potential benefits for indoor air quality make them a versatile and rewarding choice for plant enthusiasts of all levels.
Toxicity
Kalanchoe plants are considered toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant contain bufadienolides, which are cardiac glycosides that can cause serious health problems if ingested. These toxins can affect the heart, digestive system, and nervous system.
Symptoms of kalanchoe poisoning in pets may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- In severe cases, death
If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a kalanchoe plant, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. There is no specific antidote for kalanchoe poisoning, but prompt treatment can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
While kalanchoe plants are not considered to be highly toxic to humans, ingestion can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset. If you or someone you know has ingested any part of a kalanchoe plant, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
FAQs
Does Kalanchoe need sun or shade?
Kalanchoe plants need bright, indirect light. This means they should receive plenty of light, but they should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves. A good place to put your Kalanchoe plant is near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Is Kalanchoe suitable for home?
Yes, kalanchoe plants are good for home. They are easy to care for, they have colourful blooms, and they are not toxic to humans or pets. Kalanchoe plants can also help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful toxins.
Where should I place my Kalanchoe plant?
The best place to put your Kalanchoe plant is near a south-facing window with sheer curtains. This will give it plenty of bright, indirect light. If you don't have a south-facing window, you can also place your Kalanchoe plant near an east- or west-facing window. Just make sure to avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
How do you keep Kalanchoe blooming?
To keep your kalanchoe blooming, ensure it receives at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily. Water it only when the soil is parched, as kalanchoes are succulents and store water in their leaves. During the growing season (spring to fall), fertilise every two to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Regularly deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off at the base to encourage new bloom production.
How do I care for a Kalanchoe plant?
Kalanchoe plants are relatively easy to care for. They need bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) and average household humidity levels. Fertilise them every two to four weeks during their active growing season.
What are the common problems with kalanchoe plants?
The most common problems with kalanchoe plants are overwatering, underwatering, pests, and diseases. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to droop. Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can also damage kalanchoe plants. Diseases such as fungal leaf spots can also occur.
Are kalanchoe plants toxic?
Kalanchoe plants are not toxic to humans or pets. They are considered safe for both children and animals.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |