Depending on variety Kalanchoe are grown for foliage or flowers, and sometimes both.
Some varieties such as K. orygalis really are foliage plants, others such as K. blossfeldiana are grown for the flowers as well.
This is a large genus of plants, most easy care and many readily available for sale online or at florists, where the long flowering nature makes them a popular plant.
With over 150 species are one of the more ‘tropical’ looking genus of succulents that includes K. thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ with its fascinating oval leaves that form horizontal stacks, just like a stack of well… flapjacks.
Popular Varieties
How To Grow Kalanchoe
These are a frost tender plant, so protection is needed. With wonderful bright flowers right through summer they are great in pots indoors in a well lit situation.
The most popular use is as container grown plants. They do grow well in pots, and are mostly very easy care and hardy.
Some species are suited for growing in hanging baskets, while others grow well outdoors in the right climate.
This is interesting group with some being annuals, others perennials and some small shrubs, so conditions will vary a little.
It is not really possible to lump them all together, however a few general care guidelines can be followed.
- A free draining potting mix is essential.
- All species require lots of sun and good ventilation or air movement.
- They are not a frost tolerant group of plants.
- Although they are succulents, they do like some additional water when in active growth.
Cultivation is not difficult if given warmth. All species grow well in specialist succulent potting mix.
In warmer climates in a frost free position you can easily grow them in the garden or in containers outdoors. In frost prone areas, container growing is best where they can be moved to a protected position as needed.
When do Kalanchoe plants Bloom?
Kalanchoe flower in the winter months, however they can flower at other times depending on climate.
In cultivation outside its natural environment you need to give these plants a helping hand.
How to help you Kalanchoe to Flower?
Often these succulents are grown indoors can be reluctant to flower, so you need to mimic outdoor conditions.
Three factors can improve flowering of most species. And these should be implemented at the end of summer into autumn/fall for 8 – 10 weeks.
- Reduce temperature – Cooler temperstures 10 – 15C (50 – 60F)
- Longer nights – So darkness or very low light for more than 12 hours a day for 2 months
- Reduce watering. After well at the beginning of this period and them not again for 6 weeks or until when flower buds begin to form.
Do not fertilise before flowering, wait until spring to fertilise your Kalanchoe. This is also a good time to repot them.
Do not mist spray, low humidity will also help flowering.
Other species Cultivars and Varieties
- K. eriophylla (Panda Plant) have a pink tinge to the foliage while
- K. daigremontiana, or Mother of Thousands.
- K. gastoni bonerii ‘Donkey Ears’.
- K. delagoensis also known as ‘Chandelier Plant’ or ‘Mother of Thousands’.