How to Grow And Care for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana? 

More than 120 species of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana are available that are native to Madagascar. Add this amazing houseplant that produces oval structured leaves in the plant is great. Hey folks! I’m Anna Scott, a Gardener by heart and Profession, started my Journey 15 years ago and Now I am teaching other gardeners as well to achieve their goals.

Various varieties of the kalanchoe are perennial herbaceous whereas some are shrubs and annuals. This plant is famous for its scallop-edged green-colored leaves and is the favorite choice of gardeners. Few varieties produce red leaves if they receive adequate sunlight. The best houseplant species is Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana whose colorful blooms look stunning in the shades of pink, orange, white, yellow, red, etc.

This variety is not toxic to dogs and cats. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s move forward to throw some light on all the segments to know how to grow and care for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana in your home garden. 

Common Name	Kalanchoe, flaming Katy, florists Kalanchoe, Christmas kalanchoe
Botanical Name	Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, succulent
Mature Size	6–18 in. tall and wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Soil type	Sandy, well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline
Bloom Time	It blooms seasonally
Flower Color	Yellow, red, orange, salmon, pink, white
Hardiness Zones	10–12, USDA
Native Area	Africa (Madagascar)
Toxicity	Toxic to pets, considered non-toxic to humans

Types of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is another species that is available in various varieties coming in different shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, white, etc. When it is planted outdoors, then it will bloom during springtime but the indoor plants will bloom throughout the year. 

So, below are the best species of this variety that can be grown in your home garden easily. They are as follows: 

K. Mangini

• This variety produces fleshy leaves in the plant and develops large bell-structured flowers.
• If the plant diseases moist air, then it is beneficial for the blooming. 
• This plant is also known as the Chandelier plant. Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 9-11. 

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

• It is known as the mother of thousands that grows along the edges of the leaves.
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 9 to 11. 

K. porphyrocalyx

• It is also called pearl bell and contains slender and rectangular leaves in the plant. 
• It produces purple-colored flowers and its USDA hardiness growing zones are 11 to 12.

Kalanchoe delagoensis

• It produces orange-colored flowers that hang down from the top of the stems. 
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 10-11.

K. beharensis

• Another variety known as velvet-leaf kalanchoe produces large, green fuzzy leaves. 
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 9-11. 

Kalanchoe luciae 

• It is a common houseplant that is famous for its flat round-shaped leaves that look great with the foliage. 
• Its leaves will even develop red-colored edges in the wintertime. 
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 9-11. 

K. pinnata

• This species is known as cathedral bells that produce waxy green-colored leaves in the plant. 
• It has tiny plantlets along with its margins. 
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 10-11. 

Kalanchoe tomentosa

• Last but not least, this variety also known as the panda plant or chocolate soldier produces thick leaves in the plant. 
• Its fuzzy leaves with a tint of blue on them and brown spots near the edges look great. 
• Its USDA hardiness growing zones are 9-11.

How to Grow Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana From Seed?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a slow Grower that is usually grown with stem cuttings as it results faster. It is more easy to grow this variety from seeds. Below are the steps to follow: 

Step 1- First, sow seeds on the soil surface (use porous soil mix) in the early springtime.

Step 2- Do not cover the seeds with the potting mix as it needs a good amount of light for germination.

Step 3- Then put the container in any plastic bag to raise the humidity level in the seeds until the seeds sprout.

Step 4- This process will take about 10 days, so you have to be patient with the seats to germinate.

Step 5- Then, after two months, it is suggested to transplant those seedlings in their containers or you can even plant them outdoors to enjoy its benefits. 

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana? 

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is an easy-to-care plant that needs basic care to grow well. Maintaining the growth of a plant is somehow troubling, but not of the Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana. Follow the below caring requirements of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana. They are as follows: 

Light

• It grows best in the bright indirect sunlight when these plants are grown indoors.
• If you have planted them outdoors, then provide partial shade to full sunlight to the plant.
• In the full sun, provide them with afternoon shade so that the plants remain protected from the scorching. 
• Legginess in the plant will show that the plant is not receiving sufficient sunlight for its growth. 

Soil

• It grows well in well-drained, sandy, or Loamy soil to remain healthy.
• Add 50% of soil mix, 50% of cactus mix, and 40% of perlite to the blend as it will help in retaining the excess moisture from the plant.
• Provide good drainage to the plant by not providing it over moist conditions.
• Last, but not least, plant them in the clay pot which will help in removing the excess water from the soil. 

Water

• Water this plant occasionally so that it remains hydrated for a long. 
• It does not require much water for its growth and only requires saturation every few weeks.
• Let the soil become fully dry about one to 2 inches deep, then only water your plant.
• Check the moisture of the plant by inserting a finger inside the soil and if it is damp, then do not water the plant. 
• Being a succulent, this plant stores water in its leaves. So if you forget to water the plant, it will not suffer. 

Temperature and Humidity

• The ideal level of temperature for this plant ranges from 55°F to 80°F. 
• However, the household environment will be suitable for the plant until the plant is growing at its best.
• Protect the plant from frost by providing it with sufficient nutrients through good airflow. 
• Its USDA growing zones are 10 to 12, so if you are growing them outdoors, it won’t suit the growth of the plant. 

Fertilizer

• Fertilizer helps the plant to grow at a faster pace but these plants are not hungry as compared to other house plants.
• They like to be fed during the spring season when the plant grows actively. 
• Provide the plant with well-balanced fertilizer once a month to stimulate the foliage in the plant. 
• Do not fertilize the plant in the winter as the plant is in its dormant period at that time. 

Growth Rate

• This plant is a slow-grower plant, it will become mature after 2-5 years of growing.  
• Its common variety named Flaming Katy will attain a height of 12 inches after becoming mature. 

Pruning

• Pruning is done in the plants to maintain a healthy shape and size. 
• It stimulates new growth in the plant. Remove all the dead and diseased leaves so that new growth emerges in the plant. 
• It will promote blooming in the plant so you can enjoy the benefits of this plant. 

Propagation 

This variety is easy to propagate with stem cuttings almost any time. so below are the steps to follow to learn how to propagate this variety in your area. They are as follows: 

• Choose clean and sharp sterilized scissors to take the stem cuttings from the mother plant.
• Then cut stem cuttings from the mother plant that should contain 2 to 3 nodes in every cutting.
• Remove the leaves from the base of the nodes and the remaining leaves in the cuttings. 
• Then Put the cuttings in the container filled with water at the bottom and let the leaves above the water.
• Place your cuttings at a location where they can receive plenty of bright indirect sunlight.
• Water the plant one time a week so that it grows well. 
• After 15 to 20 days, tiny roots will be emerging from the nodes. 
• When it becomes 1 inch long, you can move it in the soil by making use of a well-drained potting mix for your plant.
• By planting the cutting in the soil, water the plant till the excess water flows out from the drainage holes.
• Place the plant in bright indirect sunlight so that it grows well. But do not water the plant. 

Potting and Repotting 

• This plant has to be repotted because the plant becomes root-bound with time. 
• Repotting is done when the plant is overgrown and its roots are coming out from the drainage holes.
• Repot the plant in the fall after the plant finishes blooming. It will encourage new growth in the plant.
• It helps the plant to increase its potential to grow. Choose a new container that is bigger than the current container about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. 
• Also, use fresh soil mix and the pot should be well-drained (A clay pot is the best option as it is porous which keeps the soil dry).

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Common Problems

There are various common problems of this plant just like the other succulent plants. These problems take place when the plant’s requirements are not fulfilled. So, have a look at those problems so that you prevent them early. They are as follows:

Pests

Pests such as aphids, powdery mildew, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, etc come to the plant to suck its foliage and satisfy their hunger. Treat these pests by making use of insecticidal soap on the plant frequently. 

Soft or Damaged Foliage

If you observe that foliage is soft or damaged because of the freezing temperatures, then it is another common problem for this plant. it will even stop the growth of the flowers in the plant and lead to death with time. 

Burned leaves

Are there any burnt leaves in your plant? If yes, then why? It is because of too much exposure to direct sunlight.

It will burn the plant’s leaves so it is important to provide accurate sunlight to the plant. The ideal location to keep the plant is where they can get a good amount of bright, indirect sunlight. 

Wilting

Wilting is another common problem faced by these plants. It happens because of excess temperature in the plant. The ideal level of temperature for these plants lies below 85°F. 

Fragile Stems

Last but not least, sometimes there are soft and fragile stems in the plant that show that the plant is being overwatered. After some time, it will eventually lead to root rot in the plant. So, stop watering the plant until the plant recovers properly.

Summing up the context 

In this guide, you come to know that More than 120 species of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana are available that are native to Madagascar. Add this amazing houseplant that produces oval structured leaves in the plant is great. Various varieties of the kalanchoe are perennial herbaceous whereas some are shrubs and annuals. 

This plant is famous for its scallop-edged green-colored leaves and is the favorite choice of gardeners. Few varieties produce red leaves if they receive adequate sunlight. The best houseplant species is Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana whose colorful blooms look stunning in the shades of pink, orange, white, yellow, red, etc. I hope you are clear with the guide. I will come back soon with another informative guide for you all. Till then safe gardening. 

Thanks for reading! Happy Gardening! 

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