Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Common Names

Flaming Katy, Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe, Widow’s Thrill, Flowering Kalanchoe

Summary

Flaming Katy is a Madagascar-origin evergreen succulent with a compact upright habit and glossy dark-green scalloped leaves, dense clusters of small four-petaled flowers in red, pink, orange, yellow, or white rise above the foliage, and leaves may take on a reddish hue in bright sun, a six-week period with about 14 hours of darkness induces buds for winter to spring blooms that are long-lasting, growing conditions favor bright light and well-draining soil, water sparingly, allowing topsoil to dry between waterings, with typical indoor irrigation every 1 to 2 weeks during growth and less during rest, prefer temperatures around 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and frost protection, repot every 1 to 2 years and fertilize lightly during the growing season, after flowering reduce watering and provide a long dark period to encourage rebloom, suitable for containers and windowsills or outdoor displays in mild climates zones 9 to 11, all parts are toxic to cats and dogs, propagate via stem or leaf cuttings

Lifecycle

Perennial (zones 10–12); otherwise annual as a houseplant.

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining soil, preferably a cactus/succulent mix or well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and/or sand

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Acidic

Bloom Color

Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, White

Bloom Time

Winter and Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, sometimes reddish-edged leaves in bright light.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth, full size in 2–5 years, reaches 8–12 inches tall indoors.

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Offsets (division)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds