How to Grow Kalanchoe Species Successfully

Kalanchoe marmorata

Kalanchoe Marmorata

Key takeaways - Kalanchoe species

  • Common Plant Name

    - Kalanchoe + sub-species

  • Botanical Name

    - Faucaria Tigrina

  • Botanical Family

    - Crassulaceae

  • Plant Type

    - Perennial succulent

  • Mature Size

    - 6 inches to 3 feet

  • Sun Exposure

    - Bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade

  • Soil Type

    - Well-draining, sandy or loamy

  • Soil pH Neutral

    - Slightly acidic to neutral

  • Bloom Time

    - Winter to spring (species-dependent)

  • Flower Color

    - Various, including red, pink, orange, yellow and white

  • Hardiness Zones

    - 9 to 11 (species-dependent)

  • Native Region

    - Madagascar, Africa, and Asia

If you’re looking to expand your plant portfolio with Kalanchoe species, you’re in for a treat. These awesome succulents shows off an impressive range of vibrant colors and unique characteristics. Many of them are household names such as Kalanchoe Daigremontiana or perhaps better known by their very suitable nicknames, Mother of Thousands or Devil´s Backbone, and Kalanchoe Delagoensis or Mother of Millions or Chandelier plant, and many, many others. As someone who has explored the nuances of cultivating these beauties, I’m excited to share the essentials of growing and caring for Kalanchoe species. Let’s go!!

Best Light

First things first, good light is vital for Kalanchoe species. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Picture a spot where the sun’s rays play a game of peek-a-boo with your plants. A windowsill with filtered sunlight or a well-lit corner is your go-to. However, don’t shove them into the spotlight of scorching rays. In my experience, a bit of shade keeps these succulents happy.

Soil/Medium for Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe species, being the low-maintenance friends they are, prefer a well-draining soil mix. Use a cactus mix or mix in some perlite or other gritty materials with regular potting soil to keep the soil light and airy. This concoction prevents waterlogged roots, sparing your Kalanchoe from the dreaded soggy situation.

Watering needs

Kalanchoe species like their soil to dry out between waterings. Don’t drown them in love! In my experience, a good drenching followed by a dry spell is the way to go. Be mindful not to let them sit in a pool of water; these succulents appreciate a sip, not a swim.

How to Get Kalanchoe Species to Bloom​

Ah, the grand finale – the bloom! To trigger your Kalanchoe into a floral performance, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight during its growing season. Don’t be shy with the fertilizer, and your plant will reward you with a burst of colorful blooms. It’s like attending a botanical concert in your own living room.

Flowering Kalanchoe Luciae

Flowering Kalanchoe Luciae

Temperature and Humidity

Kalanchoe species are usaully very resilient plant species, tolerating a variety of temperatures. They’re cool with average room temperatures and can withstand a bit of a chill. Just keep them safe from frost and they are usually satisfied. As for humidity, they aren’t picky. Your average home humidity is their comfort zone, making them versatile pals for plant enthusiasts.

Kalanchoe Daigremontiana, Mother of Thousands or Devil´s Backbone

Kalanchoe Daigremontiana, Mother of Thousands or Devil´s Backbone

Kalanchoe Fertilizer

Kalanchoe species prefer a balanced fertilizer for succulents and cacti during growing season. Overfeeding can lead to a not-so-happy Kalanchoe plant. A regular garden fertilizer which is high in Nitrogen is not advisable since may develop elongated growth or too dense foliage and leaves.

Pruning Your Kalanchoe

Pruning is like giving your Kalanchoe a spa day. Remove any dead or leggy growth to keep your plant looking sharp. You can even snip off spent flower stems to encourage a new round of blooms. It’s a bit of plant pampering that goes a long way.

Types of Kalanchoe

There are plenty of Kalanchoe species, where many are common houseplants, perhaps without knowing they are a part of the Kalanchoe family!

  1. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy): Known for its vibrant and prolific blooms, this species is a true showstopper, often called “The Fiery Dancer.”
  2. Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant): With its distinctive, paddle-shaped leaves, this succulent is affectionately referred to as “The Desert Explorer.”
  3. Kalanchoe Tomentosa (Panda Plant): Recognized for its fuzzy, panda-like appearance, this charming species is nicknamed “The Furry Friend.”
  4. Kalanchoe Daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands): Famous for its ability to produce numerous plantlets along its leaves, it’s playfully dubbed “The Generous Mother.”
  5. Kalanchoe Luciae (Flapjack): Characterized by its flat, pancake-shaped leaves, this succulent earns the nickname “The Breakfast Buddy.”
  6. Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri (Donkey Ears): Named for its large, ear-shaped leaves, this species is lovingly known as “The Assured Listener.”
  7. Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi (Lavender Scallops): Recognized for its scalloped, lavender-tinted leaves, it’s affectionately called “The Delicate Edger.”
  8. Kalanchoe Humilis (Desert Surprise): With its petite size and resilient nature, this species is playfully referred to as “The Pocket Pal.”
  9. Kalanchoe Longiflora (Cactus Kalanchoe): Sporting long, slender leaves, this succulent is nicknamed “The Elegant Cactus.”
  10. Kalanchoe Pinnata (Air Plant or Life Plant): Known for its unique propagation method through plantlets along the leaf edges, it’s often playfully dubbed “The Self-Sustainer.”
  11. Kalanchoe Delagoensis (Mother of Millions) or Chandelier plant.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Species - Guide

Propagation is like magic for many Kalanchoe speices, as some of them reproduce before you are able to say “Kalanchoe”….

Kalanchoe Daigremontiana with plenty of nicknames such as Mother of Thousands or Devil´s Backbone, and Kalanchoe Delagoensis, also known as Mother of Millions or Chandelier plant, have a unique reproduction ability where they grow countless of little mini plants at the edge of every leaf across the whole plant. All the little mini-plants will eventually drop to soil below the mother plant and very quickly take over the entire pot or surrounding area with mini-plants popping up. They are very fascinating indeed.

You can often see tiny little seedlings grow in unthinkable places such as a crack in a wall or road, or anything else with just a fragment of some porous texture and occasional moist where the roots can establish and grow.

How to Grow Kalanchoe Species From Seed - Guide

For those seeking more than just leafy adventures, growing Kalanchoe from seeds is an option.

  1. Simply sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface, and lightly press them in.
  2. Keep the soil consistently moist until those little green sprouts emerge.
  3. You can cover the pot with a sterilized plastic bag for a more efficient germination rate.

However, since Kalanchoe species are so incredibly easy to propagate from the tiny little offsets, there is rarely any urgent need to grow the aforementioned Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands from seeds.

Kalanchoe delagoensis, Mother of millions - Chandelier plant flowers

Kalanchoe delagoensis, Mother of millions – Chandelier plant flowers

Potting and Repotting

As your Kalanchoe grows, it may need a new home. When potting or repotting, choose a container with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years, refreshing the soil and giving your succulent some breathing room. It’s like giving your plant a new wardrobe for its growing years.

Overwintering Kalanchoe

Winter is a time for coziness, even for your Kalanchoe. Keep them snug indoors when the temperature drops. Water sparingly during this rest period, and your plant will emerge from its winter rest ready for a new season of growth.

Interesting Knowledge About Kalanchoe - Air Purification!

Did you know that Kalanchoe species are not only beautiful but also air-purifying plants? These succulents have a knack for filtering out toxins, creating a healthier indoor environment. It’s like having a little green superhero by your side.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

In the journey of nurturing your Kalanchoe, keep an eye out for uninvited guests. Mealybugs and aphids might try to crash the party. A gentle wipe-down with soapy water usually sends them packing. Preventing overwatering also helps in steering clear of root rot, the nemesis of many succulents.

Common Challenges Kalanchoe Species

While Kalanchoe species are robust companions, they aren’t immune to a few hiccups. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and undernourishment might result in lackluster growth. Be attentive to your plant’s needs, and you’ll troubleshoot these issues like a seasoned plant parent. But if you can keep from overwatering them, you will most likely not come across many challenges.

Kalanchoe toxicity

Treat all types of Kalanchoe with great care since the plant is toxic.

Always treat any unknown plants as if they are highly toxic and never take any chances with fellow humans and pets.

Other plant- and care guides

FAQ - Kalanchoe

Most frequent questions and answers

Absolutely! Kalanchoe species are like the friendly mentors among easy houseplants. With a bit of light, well-draining soil, and occasional water, you’re on your way to becoming a successful plant parent.

Certainly! Depending on your climate, Kalanchoe species can thrive outdoors. Just ensure they are protected from extreme weather conditions, and they’ll soak up the sunshine.

If your Kalanchoe is stretching towards the light, it’s a sign it’s craving more sunshine. Move it to a brighter spot, and consider rotating the pot regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light. Additionally, regular pruning, especially after flowering, helps maintain a bushier, more compact shape.