Kalanchoe care: watering, light and repotting
Also called flaming katy, florist kalanchoe · Kalanchoe blossfeldiana · Crassulaceae family
18 d in winter
How often to water the kalanchoe?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 18 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Remove faded flowers to make flowering last longer. To flower again, it needs long nights (14 hours of darkness) for six weeks.
What light does it need?
The kalanchoe loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 8–16 in (20–40 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Won't flower again
Cause: Nights too short or too bright. What to do: In autumn, keep it in complete darkness from 6 pm to 8 am.
Soft stems
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the kalanchoe?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 18 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the kalanchoe?
The kalanchoe loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the kalanchoe?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the kalanchoe?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the kalanchoe safe?
The kalanchoe is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the kalanchoe forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.