Kalanchoe care — everything about the Flaming Katy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as Flaming Katy, are colorful houseplants with long and reliable blooms. The species from Madagascar belongs to the succulents and is absolutely easy to care for. With colorful flowers in bright colors, the plant delights for weeks. The first varieties had bright red flowers, which is also the reason for the German name. A large number of varieties are now available through breeding. Shades of yellow, orange, violet, rose and pink are available. As a special feature, there are also specimens with double flowers. According to their origin, all Kalanchoe species have low demands on substrate and watering. However, the soil must not dry out completely and the amount of light and temperature must be right.

Useful information Site care Watering Fertilizing Types of pests & diseases FAQ

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Interesting facts about Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Botanical name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Other names: Flammendes Käthchen, brood leaf, Goethe plant
Use: flowering houseplant, table decoration, cut flower, seasonal balcony plant
Origin: Madagascar
Flower colours: red, pink, yellow, orange, white, two-tone
Flowering period: all year round
Special features: the succulents convince with a long flowering period and a large number of flowers. They need evenly warm temperatures and the location should be in the sun. The fleshy leaves store water, so water sparingly. Requires little maintenance.

In which location does the Flammendes Käthchen feel most at home?

The tropical plant needs a light spot in the house that should not be exposed to direct midday sun. A location on a windowsill facing east or west is ideal. If the Kalanchoe is too dark, the flower color will be lighter and long, soft shoots will form. Too sunny a location can damage the leathery leaves and result in unsightly burns. Year -round temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius are ideal. Flaming Katy are not hardy and do not tolerate phases with lower temperatures. From the end of May to August Kalanchoe blossfeldianastand outdoors. Half-shady places protected from rain and without direct sunlight are ideal here.

Our gardening tip: Kalanchoe create a beautiful picture in combination with cacti and other succulents. Planted in glass containers and covered with sand, you can create atmospheric and easy-care arrangements.

How do I care for my Flaming Katy ?

Kalanchoe require little attention because caring for the Kalanchoe is easy and takes little time. In addition to the optimal location, need-based watering and fertilizing are important. After flowering, you can cut back the flower stalks and plant them in new soil if necessary. Repotting is necessary as soon as the root ball is completely rooted. Use a larger pot and good quality potting soil mixed with sand or cactus soil. After transplanting, it is important that the plant establishes itself in a light location and takes root well.

Our gardening tip: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana belongs to the group of so-called «short-day plants». In order to form new buds and new flowers, it is necessary for the plant to be without light for at least 12 hours a day for several weeks. If the short days are missing, the plant grows without flowers. The popular houseplant often does not bloom again when it is on the windowsill. From horticultural culture, Kalanchoe are available with flowers all year round.

How do I water my Flaming Katy correctly?

Only water your Flaming Katy from below, because the leaves of the decorative houseplant are sensitive to watering from above. To do this, fill the flowerpot saucer with low-lime water if possible and pour away the excess water after 15 minutes. In this way, the popular flowering plant receives enough water and stays vital. If available, rainwater can also be used for watering. The watering rhythm depends heavily on the location, the room temperature and the size of the pot. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings as it is important that there is never standing water.

Our gardening tip: Kalanchoe reacts sensitively to standing water. It is therefore important that water never remains in the saucer or planter. In most cases, watering once a week is sufficient.

How do I fertilize my Flaming Katy?

Kalanchoe prefer loose, well-drained soil and regular fertilizer applications. A high-quality flower fertilizer with guano or a cactus fertilizer from March to August every 3 to 4 weeks is ideal. In this way, you can take good care of your flowering potted plant. The nutrients it contains are conducive to a rich abundance of flowers and good growth.

What other types of Kalanchoe are there?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the most common species. The following species are also available in the Succulent family depending on the season:

Kalanchoe minimata — Madagascar bells

As an enchanting flowering plant, the Madagascar Bell is as easy to care for as the Flaming Katy. Madagascar bells bloom with orange bells for many weeks. The growth form of the special Crassula is harmonious.

Kalanchoe tomentosa – Cat’s Ear

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora – desert cabbage

Kalanchoe daigremontiana — Broodleaf species

These species are characterized by attractive leaves and low maintenance requirements. Here, too, it is important that the substrate is permeable and that there is never a build-up of moisture. The plants are robust and grow a few centimeters year after year. Flowers are less common in these species.

Which pests and diseases can the Flaming Katy get?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are popular indoor plants that are less susceptible to diseases and pests if the site conditions are optimal and they are cared for properly. Possible problems can be:

root damage

The consequences of waterlogging are mostly root damage. If the plant is in the water for some time, it can quickly happen that the plant wilts, despite sufficient moisture. Saving the succulent plant requires reduced watering and transplanting.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Kalanchoe

Why doesn’t the Flammende Käthchen bloom again the following year?

Kalanchoe need less than 12 hours of daylight to flower. If the houseplant is indoors and receives light in the evening, the formation of flowers is disturbed and renewed flowering is sparse. The flower formation is comparable to that of the poinsettia.

Can Kalanchoe be outdoors in summer?

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are conditionally suitable for the garden. Seasonal planting of bowls or balcony boxes is possible. It is important that the succulents are protected from rain and intense sunlight. At low temperatures, the otherwise dark green leaves turn an intense red. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius lead to growth arrest and reduced flowering.

Are Kalanchoe poisonous?

Many of the Kalanchoe species are non-toxic to humans. However, cats react to the acids contained in the leaves.

Do Kalanchoe have to be cut?

A cut is not necessary. Fading is removed regularly. Long shoots can be shortened, but Kalanchoe does not have to be pruned regularly.

How is the reproduction at Flaming Katy?

The thick-leaved plant is propagated by top cuttings. For this purpose, shoots without flowers are cut as cuttings after the winter. Cuttings with two pairs of leaves are ideal. Put them in potting soil immediately after cutting. With sufficient heat and light, roots will form within a few weeks and the young plants can be planted in pots. Propagation by seeds is possible, but very expensive.