Kalanchoe - the perfect indoor plant

By Blake Jackson

Kalanchoe, a versatile houseplant, offers a stunning display of colorful, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage throughout the year. Its vibrant blooms, ranging from yellow and orange to red, pink, and magenta, provide a cheerful contrast to the winter blues.

"Kalanchoes are the Energizer Bunny of flowering houseplants," says David Trinklein, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. "Their flowers just keep going and going and going."

Beyond its floral beauty, kalanchoe's fleshy, glossy-green leaves with scalloped edges add visual interest even when the plant isn't in bloom. "Kalanchoes really do offer the best of both worlds," Trinklein adds.

Native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, many kalanchoe species exhibit unique reproductive strategies. For instance, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, also known as "mother-of-thousands," produces plantlets along its leaf edges. These plantlets readily root, leading to prolific propagation.

Florist's kalanchoe, the most popular variety, thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It prefers cooler temperatures, with night temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures can delay or reduce flowering.

As succulents, kalanchoes are tolerant of drought. Their thick, waxy leaves help retain moisture. Therefore, it's best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.

To encourage reblooming, move kalanchoes outdoors after the last frost and prune them back to half their size if they've become leggy. Fertilize regularly during the summer.

To induce flowering, provide short days (14 hours of darkness) and long nights (10 hours of light) for about six weeks.

Kalanchoes are generally pest and disease resistant. However, overwatering can lead to crown rot, and powdery mildew may occur in humid greenhouse conditions.

Propagation is relatively easy. Take stem cuttings and root them in a well-draining medium. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment.

While kalanchoe's beauty is undeniable, it's important to note that many species contain cardiac glycosides, which can be toxic to pets. Exercise caution and keep kalanchoes out of reach of curious animals.

Photo Credit: pexels-mayukh-karmakar