Kalanchoe: Growth, Care, and Facts About This Succulent Houseplant

The cluster of small flowers of the Kalanchoe plant has graced my living room since my childhood. In colours ranging from pink to red to yellow, this perennial succulent has been one of the most low-maintenance plants that I have grown over the years. 

My favourite part of growing the Kalanchoe plant is how some of its species shine brighter in sunlight, intensifying the already beautiful colours. 

It is a show of self-reliance and low maintenance, yielding results year after year. 

If you are a houseplant enthusiast and have been wanting to grow this vibrant plant, dive in and explore the growing and care guide, along with some interesting facts.

What is the Kalanchoe Plant? Discover This Perennial Succulent

The Kalanchoe plants are perennial succulent plants like the Sedum plant and belong to the same Crassulaceae family. Known for its vibrant cluster of small flowers, this plant is native to the regions of Madagascar and tropical Africa and grows 6-18 inches tall. 

Similar to the Dianthus flower, Kalanchoe is a genus and not an individual flower, encompassing over 100 species of flowers that produce blooms in colours ranging from pink and red to white and yellow. 

These drought-tolerant houseplants are also known as Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana and are named after a German botanist, Robert Blossfeld, who introduced this plant to the rest of the world in 1932. 

Before exploring its famous cultivars, take a look at the plant taxonomy: 

Botanical name	Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Rosales
Family	Crassulaceae
Genus	Kalanchoe Adans.
Species	Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln.

What are the Different Types of Kalanchoe Plant? 

There are over 250 species under the Kalanchoe genus that differ based on leaf colour and texture. Some change colour in sunlight, while some self-propagate; the genus encompasses a variety beyond our imagination. 

Take a look at a few famous varieties of the Kalanchoe plants:

Image	Description
	Mother of Thousands Plant  Botanical name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana  Features: Also known as the ‘devil’s backbone.’ Grows small plantlets on the edge of its thick green leaves. These plantlets grow into separate flowers, portraying the plant’s natural propagation process.
	Panda Plant  Botanical name: Kalanchoe tomentosa Features: Also known as the ‘donkey ears,’ the panda plant has silver-green leaves with brown spots on the edges. Produces yellow-green flowers very rarely. Two cultivars are the ‘Chocolate Soldier’ and the ‘Push Plant.’
	Desert Surprise Plant  Botanical name: Kalanchoe humilis Features: The pale green rosette-forming leaves with maroon patches become more intense with direct sunlight. It produces flowers in late winter in the colours pink, red, and purple.
	Fire Rainbow Plant  Botanical name: Kalanchoe sexangulare Features: The Fire rainbow flower features thick, green leaves, similar to those of the ‘Desert Surprise’, with a creamy edge and hints of neon pink. The colour of its foliage intensifies under the sun’s heat.
	Paddle Plant  Botanical name: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Features: The paddle plant features thick paddle- or saucer-shaped green leaves with red-colored edges. The red edges are a layer that protects the plant from the harsh sun rays.

How to Grow the Kalanchoe Flower at Home? 

The kalanchoe succulent is a popular low-maintenance houseplant that is easy to grow at home; all it needs is a good amount of sunlight. 

Although quite hassle-free, let me share my easy Kalanchoe growing guide with you, starting with the growth requirements: 

Soil Type and pH	Well-dried, slightly acidic
Hardiness Zone	10-12 USDA
Sunlight	8 hours of direct sunlight
Water	Every 2 weeks (drought-tolerant)
Fertiliser	Balanced fertiliser
Planting Season	Early spring

Whichever plant variety you select, the steps remain mainly the same. Just purchase or order a kalanchoe transplant and follow the steps given below: 

1. Select a pot an inch larger than the root ball of the Kalanchoe plant.

2. Fill the plant with a potting mix that can be prepared by mixing 60% peat moss and 40% perlite. A sedum plant potting mix will also work, as the requirements are similar.

3. I usually take a terracotta pot, as it has enough drainage holes, and it helps in preventing waterlogging and root rot. 

4. Place the kalanchoe plant in the pot and gently cover and pat it with the potting mix. 

5. Water the kalancho only when the top 2 inches are dry, and make sure it receives adequate bright indirect sunlight, as this succulent loves the sun. 

6. Feed the plant actively every 4 weeks during the growing stage with water-soluble balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength. 

Read next: How to Grow Crocosmia? Planting Tips, Care Advice, and Blooming Secrets

How to Care for a Kalanchoe Plant? 

Essentially, the Kalanchoe care is mainly ensuring that it receives 8 hours of indirect sunlight and remains protected from the frost. 

Apart from the basic plant care steps, these are the 3 steps that one should absolutely not miss for the Kalanchoe plant care:

Overwintering the Kalanchoe 

Hardy to USDA zones 10-12, the kalanchoe plant thrives in warmer climates and cannot tolerate frost. 

Hence, to protect this perennial succulent from frost, I follow the following steps: 

1. Bring the Kalanchoe plants inside if planted outdoors when the temperature drops below 13°C during the night. 

2. As the temperature decreases, the water needs decrease as well; therefore, water only when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry. 

3. Place the plant in complete darkness for 14 hours per day, as it has entered the ‘rest period’, and it is essential to mimic the natural environment of short day long nights to encourage blooming. 

Sunlight Requirements 

Much like the hyssop flower, sunlight is significant for the Kalenchoe also thrives in sunlight. 

1. 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight; otherwise, the plant may become leggy. 

2. Bring indoors in case of harsh afternoon sun, as it can lead to the scorching of the leaves. 

Deadheading/ Pruning 

1. Pruning is not as essential for a Kalanchoe as one might think, and I say this as someone caring for a Kalanchoe plant for a long time. 

2. Deadheading this succulent helps in maintaining the shape and preventing excessive foliage growth. 

3. Cut ¼ above the leaf node at a 45° angle and avoid fertilising just after the pruning to give the plant time to heal. 

Gardener’s Insight 

According to BBC gardeners, one of the seven pruning mistakes is going overboard with the deadheading. Always remove as required; otherwise, it can damage the plant in the long run. 

Also read: Essential Aloe Plant Care Tips to Keep Your Plant Green, Plump, and Problem-Free.

Scientific Research and Findings About the Kalanchoe Succulent

The kalanchoe pinnata is known as the ‘miracle leaf’ for its health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. 

As much as I believe in the ability of plants to heal health issues, I had to look up the scientific verification of the claims. 

Here is what medical research says about the benefits of the kalanchoe plant: 

Study year: 2021  Aim: To analyse the effects of the K. pinnata and Metformin in normal and diabetic skeletal muscle cells Sample type: Human and diabetic muscle myoblast, K. pinnata, and Metformin  Key findings: The study indicated that the combination of the two extracts may help in promoting cell growth and anti-inflammatory markers till day 3.  However, on day 5, it can lead to toxicity, cell death, and increased inflammation in diabetic patients.  Hence, it was concluded that the K. pinnata extracts and metformin together can be harmful for diabetic patients.  Source:  Journal of Medicinal Food

Study year: 2021  Aim: The effects of Kalanchoe daigremontiana and its component quercetin against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis Sample type: In vitro activity analysis of K. daigremontiana and quercetin Key findings: The results of the study concluded that:     1. The quercetin compound was more effective in hindering the growth of the parasitic cells.  It was also stated that further research on animal models is necessary to be conclusive about the same.  Source: National Center of Biotechnology Information

This research paper is proof that sometimes, more than word of mouth, tried and tested scientific research matters. A plant credited with various health benefits can also be harmful if not consumed mindfully. 

Interesting Facts About the Kalanchoe Plants

It is so fun to discover facts that are beyond the morphology and care of the plant. I believe planting is more than a technical process of monotonous steps, and for that, I like to curate facts that keep me hooked to the process. 

Some fun facts about the Kalanchoe plants are: 

1. Many plants of the genus, like the Kalanchoe montana, are considered vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red List. 

2. The Kalanchoe pronunciation is often misunderstood. The correct way to say it is different for the Americans and the British: 
   American: kal-un-KOH-ee
   British: KAL-un-koh

3. The Kalanchoe daigremontiana plant of the genus is associated with the Capricorn Zodiac sign due to its self-dependent quality of producing plantlets. 

4. The word Kalanchoe is derived from the Chinese word ‘Kalan chau’, which means ‘that which falls and grows’, symbolising the growing habit. 

5. In the Chinese culture, the kalancho is a popular option for gifts during the Lunar New Year and is also called ‘wan zi qian hong’, which means being associated with good luck, wealth and prosperity. 

6. The kalanchoes are considered toxic to animals and humans due to the presence of a chemical named cardiac glycosides, which can cause abnormal heart rate and other issues. 

Wrapping Up 

The kalanchoe is a perennial succulent that proves that sometimes ‘less is more.’ With minimal care and effort, one can grow a plant that perfectly elevates the home decor in the most natural way possible. 

Whether it is the thick and glossy leaves or the small bell-shaped flowers, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of growing the Kalanchoe plant. It is a perfect plant for new gardeners who are looking for low-effort but high-quality plants. 

Happy Planting! 

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