Kalanchoe Plant Care: How to Grow & Rebloom Kalanchoe (2026)
How to grow kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) indoors in the US: light, watering, soil, reblooming, propagation, pet safety and fixes for common problems.
Kalanchoe needs bright light, a fast-draining cactus mix and water only when the soil is dry. Keep it at about 60–75°F, in a pot with drainage holes. To make it bloom again, give it 14 hours of complete darkness each night for about 6 weeks in fall. It grows outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10–12, and it is toxic to cats and dogs.
Kalanchoe at a glance
| Botanical name | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana |
| Common names | Kalanchoe, florist kalanchoe, Flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe |
| Family / origin | Crassulaceae; native to Madagascar |
| Plant type | Flowering succulent, tender perennial |
| Size | Usually 6–12 inches tall and wide in a pot (up to about 18 inches) |
| Light | Bright light, with a few hours of gentle direct sun |
| Water | When the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry |
| Soil | Cactus or succulent mix; pot with drainage holes |
| Temperature | 60–75°F; protect from temperatures below 50°F |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 10–12 |
| Bloom time | Late winter to spring; can rebloom with a darkness treatment |
| Flower colors | Red, orange, yellow, pink, white and purple, in single or double forms |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Kalanchoe care: light, water, soil and feeding
Light
- Give it at least 6–8 hours of bright light a day, near an east, west or south-facing window.
- A few hours of gentle direct sun is fine. Filter strong afternoon sun in summer to avoid scorched leaves.
- Too little light causes leggy stems and few flowers. In dark homes, a grow light helps.
Watering
- Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1–2 weeks indoors.
- Let excess water drain, and empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
- Water less in winter, and keep water off the flowers and leaves where possible.
Soil and pot
- Use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or regular potting mix with about one-third perlite or pumice.
- Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terra cotta helps the soil dry faster.
Temperature and humidity
- Ideal: about 60°F at night and 70–75°F during the day.
- Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents and frost. Below 50°F, it can be damaged.
- Normal household humidity is fine. Avoid misting.
Fertilizer
- Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
- Stop feeding in fall and winter, and during the darkness treatment.
Source: NC State Extension, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana plant profile.
How to make kalanchoe rebloom
Kalanchoe is a short-day plant. It sets flower buds only after several weeks of long nights. Most store-bought plants were forced to bloom, so they will not flower again unless you recreate those conditions.
Cut off spent flower stems and trim back leggy growth.
Begin around September or October for winter blooms.
Every night, put it in a closet or under a box from about 6 pm to 8 am. Even short bursts of lamp light can reset it.
Return it to a bright window during the day.
Water sparingly and do not fertilize until buds appear.
Once buds show, stop the darkness treatment. Flowers usually open a few weeks later.
Growing kalanchoe outdoors
- Zones 10–12 (for example, south Florida, southern California, Hawaii): grow it outdoors year-round in well-drained soil, with morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Colder zones: move it outside in summer once nights stay above 50°F, then bring it back in before fall frost.
- Harden off first. Indoor leaves scorch quickly in direct sun, so introduce outdoor sun over a week or two.
How to propagate kalanchoe
In spring or summer, cut a 2–4 inch stem tip, or remove a healthy leaf.
Leave it to dry for 2–3 days until the cut end seals.
Insert it into slightly moist succulent mix.
Keep it in bright, indirect light and water lightly. Roots usually form in 2–4 weeks.
Pruning and repotting kalanchoe
- Deadhead spent flower clusters back to the leaves.
- Pinch leggy stems just above a leaf pair in spring to keep the plant compact.
- Repot every 2–3 years, or when roots fill the pot, into a pot only 1–2 inches wider. Spring is best.
- After repotting, wait about a week before watering so any damaged roots can heal.
Popular types of kalanchoe
| Type | What it looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florist kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana) | Clusters of small, bright flowers | The common gift plant |
| Calandiva | Double, rose-like flowers | A blossfeldiana cultivar |
| Panda plant (K. tomentosa) | Fuzzy gray leaves with brown tips | Grown for foliage |
| Paddle plant / flapjacks (K. luciae, K. thyrsiflora) | Flat, round leaves that blush red in sun | Grown for foliage |
| Mother of thousands (K. daigremontiana) | Tiny plantlets along leaf edges | Spreads aggressively; can be invasive in warm climates |
Mother of thousands and its relatives, sometimes grouped as Bryophyllum, drop plantlets that root wherever they land. In frost-free areas they can escape gardens, so keep them in pots.
Is kalanchoe toxic to pets?
Yes. Kalanchoe contains bufadienolides, compounds that affect the heart. All parts are toxic to cats and dogs. Eating it most often causes vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can, rarely, cause abnormal heart rhythms.
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. A fee may apply. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Kalanchoe is not a medicinal plant to try at home. Do not eat it or use it on skin as a remedy.
Common kalanchoe problems and fixes
-
Soft, yellow or mushy leaves
Overwatering or root rot. Let the soil dry, trim brown roots and repot in fresh mix.
-
Long, stretched stems
Not enough light. Move it brighter and pinch the stems back.
-
No flowers
Nights are too short or interrupted by light. Use the 6-week darkness method.
-
Shriveled leaves
Underwatering. Water deeply, then let the soil dry before the next watering.
-
Brown or white patches
Sunburn or powdery mildew. Filter harsh sun and improve airflow.
-
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids or spider mites. Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, or spray with insecticidal soap.
Kalanchoe FAQs
How often should I water a kalanchoe?
How do I get my kalanchoe to bloom again?
Is kalanchoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Can kalanchoe live outside?
How long do kalanchoe flowers last?
Why are my kalanchoe's leaves turning yellow or mushy?
Does kalanchoe need direct sun?
More houseplant guides
Written by the Eduyush team. Care details checked against NC State Extension and ASPCA guidance in October 2026. Conditions vary by home and region, so adjust watering and light to your plant.
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