Kalanchoe - Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe - Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Plant Overview
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a cheerful, easy-care succulent grown for its clusters of long-lasting, jewel-toned flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow above thick, glossy leaves. Grown in a healthy 4-inch nursery pot, this compact bloomer is a favourite gift and desk plant for Vancouver homes and offices thanks to its bright colour and genuinely low-maintenance care needs.
- Live Plant
- Healthy Nursery Grown
- 4-Inch Pot
- Easy Care
- Indoor Plant
Botanical Information
Kalanchoe belongs to the Crassulaceae, or stonecrop, family and is native to Madagascar, where it grows in warm, dry conditions as a succulent shrub. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the most widely cultivated species for the flowering houseplant trade, bred over decades into countless compact, richly coloured cultivars.
Why You'll Love This Plant
Kalanchoe offers weeks of vibrant, long-lasting colour with very little care, making it one of the most rewarding flowering plants for people who want a low-fuss houseplant that still delivers a real floral display. Its succulent leaves also keep it looking attractive well after a bloom cycle ends.
Specifications
| Botanical Name | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Kalanchoe, Flaming Katy |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Plant Type | Succulent flowering perennial |
| Pot Size | 4-inch nursery pot |
| Growth Habit | Compact rosette |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Mature Height | 20-30 cm |
| Mature Width | 20-30 cm |
| Leaf Colour | Glossy green |
| Flower Colour | Red, pink, orange, or yellow |
| Bloom Season | Triggered by short days; can rebloom fall/winter |
| Evergreen / Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Indoor | Yes |
| Outdoor | Summer container plant only |
| USDA Zones | 10-12 |
| Pet Safe | No |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs (cardiac glycosides) |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Water Needs | Low, allow to dry between waterings |
| Light Needs | Bright light to full sun |
| Humidity | Average indoor humidity |
| Temperature | 16-26°C |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent/cactus mix |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid, every 4-6 weeks in growth (not bloom) |
| Propagation | Leaf or stem cuttings |
| Expected Lifespan | Several years with proper care |
Plant Features
Thick, glossy, scalloped-edged succulent leaves form a compact rosette, topped with dense clusters of small, four-petaled flowers that can remain in bloom for several weeks at a time. The plant naturally has a tidy, mounding growth habit that suits small spaces.
Plant Care Guide
Light Requirements
Bright light is essential for both healthy growth and reliable flowering, ideally several hours of direct or very bright indirect sun through a south- or west-facing window.
Water Requirements
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly. As a succulent, Kalanchoe stores water in its leaves and is much more tolerant of underwatering than of soggy, overwatered soil.
Humidity
This plant has no special humidity requirements and does perfectly well in the average, often drier air found in most Canadian homes.
Temperature
Keep Kalanchoe in typical indoor temperatures between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius, away from cold drafts, as it has no frost tolerance.
Soil
A fast-draining succulent or cactus mix works best, helping to prevent the root rot that can occur in consistently damp soil.
Fertilizer
Feed with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during active growth in spring and summer, pausing during flowering and in the winter rest period.
Repotting
Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its pot, typically every one to two years, since Kalanchoe prefers to be slightly snug in its container.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flower clusters to keep the plant tidy and encourage the next flowering cycle, and pinch growing tips after blooming to maintain a fuller, more compact shape.
Propagation
Kalanchoe propagates easily from leaf or stem cuttings, which callous slightly before rooting readily in a well-draining succulent mix.
Growth Rate
This plant grows at a moderate pace and is typically sold already in or near bloom, since flowering is triggered by shortening day length.
Mature Size
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana typically stays compact, reaching 20 to 30 centimetres in height and spread, making it well suited to desks, shelves, and small tables.
Indoor Care
Kalanchoe is best grown as a year-round houseplant across Canada, thriving in a bright indoor spot with minimal watering needs, making it especially well suited to offices and busy households.
Outdoor Care
In the Vancouver area, Kalanchoe can spend the warmest summer months outdoors in a bright, sheltered spot, but it must come indoors before nighttime temperatures cool in fall, as it has no cold tolerance.
Flowering Information
Kalanchoe produces dense clusters of small flowers in red, pink, orange, or yellow, with blooms that can last for several weeks. Flowering is triggered by shorter day length, so plants often rebloom naturally as fall and winter approach.
Pet Safety
Kalanchoe is considered toxic to cats and dogs; it contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare, serious cases, heart rhythm problems if ingested in quantity. Keep this plant well out of reach of pets.
Common Problems
Soft, mushy leaves or stems typically indicate overwatering or root rot. Sparse or absent flowering usually points to insufficient light or a lack of the shortened day length needed to trigger blooming.
Pest Management
Mealybugs and aphids can occasionally appear, particularly around new growth and flower clusters. Inspect regularly and treat any infestation with insecticidal soap.
Styling Ideas
The compact size and bright, saturated bloom colours make Kalanchoe a natural fit for desks, kitchen windowsills, and grouped succulent displays where its flowers can provide a welcome pop of colour.
Perfect For
Desks and offices, gift-giving, and anyone browsing our flowering plants collection for a low-maintenance bloomer with real staying power.
Seasonal Care
Water sparingly and skip fertilizing while the plant is in bloom. After flowering finishes, resume light feeding and allow a brief rest period before the shortening days of fall naturally trigger the next flowering cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Kalanchoe blooms last? Flower clusters can remain attractive for several weeks at a time.
Is Kalanchoe toxic to pets? Yes, it contains cardiac glycosides and is considered toxic to cats and dogs.
How do I get my Kalanchoe to rebloom? Shortening day length in fall naturally triggers new flower buds; bright light also helps.
How often should I water Kalanchoe? Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, avoiding soggy conditions.
Can Kalanchoe go outdoors in summer? Yes, in a bright, sheltered spot, but it must come indoors before temperatures cool in fall.
How do I propagate Kalanchoe? From leaf or stem cuttings rooted in a well-draining succulent mix.
Why are the leaves going soft and mushy? This usually indicates overwatering or root rot.
How big does Kalanchoe get? Typically 20 to 30 centimetres in height and spread.
Does Kalanchoe need a lot of water? No, it is drought tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings.
What pests affect Kalanchoe? Mealybugs and aphids are the most common issues.
Why Buy From Us
Every Kalanchoe we sell is nursery-grown and inspected before shipping, arriving healthy and often already in bloom. Our Vancouver-based team is happy to help with reblooming tips and general care questions.
Order Yours Today
Bring long-lasting, low-maintenance colour into your space with a Kalanchoe, shipped fresh across Canada.