Kalanchoes are known to bloom for a very long time: at least 8 weeks. They therefore symbolize persistence and eternal love. On this page you’ll find all information on Kalanchoe care, from the ideal spot until repotting instructions. Follow these Kalanchoe care guidelines and help yours live a long and healthy life.
The Kalanchoe is a strong, flowering succulent that’s a member of the Crassulaceae family. Many other succulents belong to this family, including Echeveria and Crassula. The Kalanchoe is originally from Madagascar, South and East Africa, South East Asia and China. It’s a popular plant thanks to its easy care and long flowering time. You can place the plant both indoors and outdoors, provided the temperature is at least 12 ° C.
The Kalanchoe retains a lot of nutrition in the thick, fleshy leaves, allowing it to survive without water for quite a long time. Kalanchoes are therefore very easy to care for. The main thing to keep in mind that they prefer too little water over too much. When watering the Kalanchoe, give just enough to moisten the potting soil. Make sure there’s never a layer of excess water at the bottom of the pot. Read on for more plant care tips.
Kalanchoe light requirements
The Kalanchoe is not very picky when it comes to its spot. It can be placed in nearly any spot, from direct sunlight to partial shade. Only during summer we do not recommend placing the plant in front of a south-facing window.
Are the leaves turning slightly red? Then the plant is probably in too bright a place, and it’s better to place it a bit further away from the window. If the leaf turns dark green, it means that the Kalanchoe is in too dark a spot.
Kalanchoe care: water
Make sure the potting soil is always slightly moist, by regularly giving the Ivy plant small amounts of water. Never give a large amount of water in one go, and make sure there’s never a layer of excess water at the bottom of the pot. It’s not necessary to mist the plant with a plant sprayer, as its thick leaves retain enough water.
Are there any brown or yellow spots on the leaves? That most likely means that the plant received too much water. Make sure that any excess water can drain, and allow the potting soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Repotting tips
We recommend repotting the Kalanchoe once a year. Do this during the spring, when the plant recovers fastest from repotting. Be careful not to damage the roots too much when repotting. Use a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current pot, allowing the roots plenty of room to grow.
We recommend placing a layer hydro granules at the bottom of the pot when repotting. That way, it won’t matter if you overwater the plant, as the hydro granules provide drainage.
Kalanchoe care: Fertilizer requirements
The Kalanchoe doesn’t need fertilizer, but it can help to prolong its bloom time. Apply fertilizer every two weeks during the growth period (spring-summer. For the specific amount of plant food, have a look at the instructions on the packaging and never use more than recommended. This can cause damage to the roots. The plant doesn’t need any fertilizer during fall and winter.
Is the Kalanchoe plant poisonous?
All outdoor and indoor plants on Plantler have a decorative purpose; they’re not fit for consumption – unless it is explicitly stated that they are (i.e. a fruit tree). The sap in the leaves and stems of the Kalanchoe plant is poisonous to both humans and animals.
