Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Also known as: Florist kalanchoe
The florist kalanchoe sold in supermarkets everywhere: glossy scalloped leaves and weeks-long clusters of vivid flowers. It comes from Madagascar, stays around 20–45 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Kalanchoe
- Origin: Madagascar
- Mature size: 20–45 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Mature size
- 20–45 cm
- Growth habit
- Upright, bushy, with glossy scalloped leaves
- Leaf colour
- Deep green scalloped leaves
- Flower colour
- Red, orange, yellow, pink or white long-lasting clusters
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
- Other names
- Florist kalanchoe
About the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
The florist kalanchoe sold in supermarkets everywhere: glossy scalloped leaves and weeks-long clusters of vivid flowers. Short-day plant — 12–14 hours of darkness nightly for six weeks re-triggers blooming.
Care and cultivation
Kalanchoes grow fast in bright light and a gritty mix. Water the soil, never the felted leaves, and deadhead spent blooms. Many kalanchoes are short-day plants: to re-bloom, give 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly for about six weeks in autumn. Light: Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. Water: Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Use a Standard succulent mix.
Description
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a Kalanchoe succulent from Madagascar. The florist kalanchoe sold in supermarkets everywhere: glossy scalloped leaves and weeks-long clusters of vivid flowers. Short-day plant — 12–14 hours of darkness nightly for six weeks re-triggers blooming.
Identification
Look for: Deep green scalloped leaves leaves in a 20–45 cm form. Also answers to Florist kalanchoe. The genus is Kalanchoe, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Florist kalanchoe'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Kalanchoe blossfeldiana?
Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Kalanchoe blossfeldiana need?
Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.