The Kalanchoe ('Kalanchoe blossfeldiana') is one of the few succulents grown primarily for its flowers, not just its foliage. This small shrub is famous for blooming profusely, offering clusters of vibrant flowers that can last for two months or more! Formerly associated with the holidays (hence its old name, Christmas Kalanchoe), this plant is now offered in full bloom year-round. It is the ideal choice for a gardener looking for long-lasting colour and easy maintenance.
An Explosion of Colour and Fleshy Foliage
Kalanchoe produces clusters of small flowers, sometimes almost completely covering the foliage. They come in a wide range of vibrant colours: red, orange, pink, purple, white, or bicolour.
The Most Popular Varieties
Horticulturists have selected cultivars based on shape and colour, allowing for a varied choice:
- Single Flowers: The base species, with four-petalled flowers, often the most resilient.
- 'Calandiva' (Double Flowers): Resulting from a mutation, this series is very popular. Its flowers are very double, resembling small miniature roses. Their bloom is often denser and longer-lasting.
- Other Cultivars: Many hybrids focus on colour intensity (such as bright red or sun yellow) or variegated borders (though these are rarer and require more light).
Even after flowering, Kalanchoe remains attractive thanks to its foliage. Its leaves are fleshy, dark green, and have a distinctly scalloped edge. The plant forms a small, well-branched succulent shrub rarely exceeding 30 cm (12 inches) in height and diameter.
Use and Benefits: Lasting Colour, Zero Stress
Kalanchoe is a top choice for several reasons:
- Natural Cut Flower: Its exceptionally long blooming period means vibrant colour bouquets with little effort, perfect for brightening an office or table.
- "Vacation" Plant: Being a succulent, it tolerates drought very well, making it an excellent choice for owners who are often away.
- Compact Size: Its small size and well-branched habit are perfect for windowsills and shelves.
Is the Kalanchoe an Air Purifier?
No, the Kalanchoe is not recognized as an effective air-purifying plant. Its value lies solely in its beauty, abundant flowering, and ease of care.
Care: Minimal Water for Maximum Blooms
For vibrant colours and a chance to rebloom, follow these simple rules.
Light: Aim South to Rebloom
Kalanchoe tolerates medium light, but it only reblooms under intense light, with maximum sun exposure. A location very close to a South or West-facing window is ideal.
Flowering Tip: To stimulate flowering in the fall, the plant needs short days (less than 12 hours of light per day). You must move the plant away from all artificial lighting in the evening for about six weeks during this season.
Sign of Insufficient Light: Weak stems that require staking indicate a lack of light. If you cannot increase the brightness, pruning the plant stimulates denser, more robust growth.
Watering: Succulent = Let It Dry
As a succulent, its soil must dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the only real risk of death. When in doubt, hold off on watering.
For optimal watering:
- Use room temperature water.
- Water thoroughly until water drains through the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
- Misting is Not Necessary. Kalanchoe tolerates the dry air of our homes well.
Fertilization, Repotting, and Post-Bloom Pruning
Deadheading (Pruning Dead Flowers): Once flowering is complete, cut the dead flower clusters (deadhead them) and the stem that supported them. This improves the plant's appearance and conserves energy for the foliage.
Fertilization: Apply an all-purpose or cactus and succulent fertilizer in the spring and summer, during its active growth period. Too much fertilizer can accumulate and burn the roots.
Repotting: Repot young specimens annually to encourage growth, then mature plants approximately every 3 years. Use a cactus and succulent potting mix that ensures optimal drainage.
Shaping Pruning: In addition to deadheading, **prune the plant back by about one-third** after flowering. This will maintain a compact shape and stimulate new branching, ensuring denser blooming the following year.
Propagation: Easily Root Your Cuttings
Kalanchoe propagates very easily from stem cuttings. For a succulent, rooting in soil is preferable to water to prevent rot:
- Cutting: Take stem cuttings 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) long.
- Drying (Essential): Allow the cuttings to dry in the open air for 2 to 3 days to form a callus (scar) on the cut. This protects the cutting against rot.
- Planting: Insert the cuttings into a light and rather dry cactus and succulent soil mix.
- Watering: Only begin moderate watering when you see new leaves appear, a sign that rooting has occurred.
Common Problems and Solutions
- No Blooming: The main cause is a lack of darkness in the fall/winter. Ensure the plant receives less than 12 hours of light per day (natural or artificial) for 6 weeks.
- Rot or Soft Leaves: This is a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and reduce watering frequency. If rot is advanced, you will need to propagate new, healthy cuttings.
- Long, Weak Stems: Lack of light. Move the plant closer to a window and prune to encourage denser growth.
- Mealybugs or Mites: Kalanchoe is sometimes susceptible to mealybugs or mites. Isolate the plant and treat affected areas with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Important Warning
Safety: Be cautious! This plant is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested. Place Kalanchoe out of reach of children and pets.
