An Introduction To The Kalanchoe Genus – Kalanchoe Types, Propagation, Pruning & FAQs

What do you usually consider if you look for a new plant baby? Would appearance be your main priority? Perhaps most of the time, appearance matters to plants, but some other benefits should be considered. Among the popular type of houseplants are succulents. They are pretty popular because of their appearance but also because they are low maintenance. For this article, we will learn about a specific genus of succulents called Kalanchoe. Continue reading this article as we understand Kalanchoe types, care, features, propagation, and many more.

What Is A Kalanchoe Plant?

Is a Kalanchoe a succulent? Kalanchoe is a succulent plant mostly grown due to its tiny and colorful flowers. This kalanchoe plant is also known as window’s thrill. It is pronounced as “Ka-luwn-kow-ee” if you are unsure how to pronounce “Kalanchoe.” Asking, is Kalanchoe a perennial succulent? The answer is yes; most Kalanchoe types are perennials. Most plant lovers wonder if Kalanchoe is annual or perennial.

Features

This plant is trendy for its bright colored flowers in shades of red, magenta, yellow, orange, and even white. There are various Kalanchoe types available such as Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana and Calandiva. Another attractive Kalanchoe is also grown for its attractive leaves instead of flowers. This includes Kalanchoe Thyrisflora, an unusual paddle plant, and Kalanchoe Pumila, a powdery-leaved fower dust plant. Generally, Kalanchoe types are low maintenance, can survive and thrive in any environment, and are known for their physical appearance. Even with little care, Kalanchoe plant care indoors and Kalanchoe plant care outdoors are relatively easy to accomplish. To understand how long Kalanchoe types live, how to make Kalanchoe bloom, if Kalanchoe is toxic to cats, and what to do with Kalanchoe after flowering, continue reading this article about different Kalanchoe types care.

Toxicity

Like all plants under the Kalanchoe genus, various Kalanchoe types can be toxic to humans and animals. If you are thinking, is Kalanchoe poisonous to cats? The answer is definitely yes. If you are also thinking, is Kalanchoe poisonous to dogs? The answer is also a yes. It affects both humans and animals. Kalanchoe care ensures that your pets and kids are not left unattended with this type of plant. The poison can cause to upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, and excessive slobbering.

How Often To Water Kalanchoe

Make sure that you are not overwatering your Kalanchoe. It is better to water sparingly than to overwater your plant. Most succulents do not survive overwatering more than underwatering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases to your Kalanchoe. When the few centimeters of topsoil are already dry, it is a sign to water your plant.

How To Make Kalanchoe Bloom

Here’s a quick reference on how to make Kalanchoe bloom.

• Keep your succulent warm by placing it in a warm room with bright indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not below 50 degrees Fahrenheit during nighttime.
• Water your succulent regularly, but avoid soggy soil still. Do not forget the soak and dry method, waiting for your water to drain completely from your pot. Before watering your succulent, it is ideal if the topsoil is dry already, this is a good indicator that you can proceed in watering your succulent
• Feed your succulent at least once a month during its growing season. You may use a balanced liquid blooming houseplant fertilizer.
• If the indoor temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you may place your succulent outdoors to allow partial sunlight. You may also put it indoors by the window without direct sunlight.
• Don’t forget to prune your succulent if necessary. Pruning helps to maintain the size and shape of your plant. It also promotes the growth of new leaves and removes dead or dying stems and leaves.
• Simulate a six-week dormant period. You can transfer your succulent to a bright but cold room at around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Dedicate 10 hours daily for your plant to receive bright sunlight. Move your succulent to a dark room or area for the other 14 hours of the day. Make sure not to water your succulent during this nap period.
• After the 6-week simulated dormant period, check on your succulent to see if it is starting to form buds already. You can now resume regular care.

How To Prune Kalanchoe

Once they mature, you may prune any Kalanchoe types to let them breathe and avoid overheating and root rot. The easiest way to prune your plant is to cut off some stems into short sections or by removing dead leaves. Kalanchoe leaves turning yellow means they are dead and not getting enough sunlight. You may snip off the pale blossoms and dead foliage. Pruning your Kalanchoe helps it to look organized and neat.

How To Propagate Kalanchoe

This type of plant is straightforward to propagate. You may propagate through stem or leaf cuttings.

• Choose a leaf or stem and make sure it has at least 2 leaves
• Please do not take any stems that have flowers on it
• Use a clean knife or blade to cut the stem off, or you may also use your fingers to snap off your chosen cuttings
• Let the cuttings heal for at least 2 to 3 days or until they calloused
• Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture. Ideally, you must keep the soil damp within 2 to 3 weeks.

Kalanchoe Plant Care Outdoors

Can Kalanchoe be planted outside? Absolutely yes, outdoors Kalanchoe plant care is not complex at all. They have low water needs, whether planted indoors or outdoors. The plants can stand some drought but do not let the soil be too dry. Kalanchoe can grow outdoors in regions with warm or mild winters. The climate needs of each Kalanchoe plant differ for them to survive. Avoid any locations with intense sunlight, especially during midday. This could be very harmful to your Kalanchoe plant. You may plant each Kalanchoe at least 8 to 10 inches apart to give them enough space to grow in full bloom.

Kalanchoe Plant Care Indoors

If you are thinking, is a kalanchoe plant indoor or outdoor? Also, yes, it is possible. If chosen to place indoors, ensure your Kalanchoe plant gets enough light to bloom. Keep your plant inside a room with enough bright and natural light. Avoid giving direct sunlight to your Kalanchoe, as it can damage the plant. You may place your plant by the window sill for abundant sunlight and the proper shade needed by your plant. You may also use grow light to suffice the needed light by your Kalanchoe plant. Too much exposure to artificial light can hinder your plant from blooming.

ALSO READ:

• How To Care For Kalanchoe Plants (An Overall Guide)

Kalanchoe Types

There are more than 120 species of Kalanchoe around the globe. However, we’d like to make a list of 33+ Kalanchoe species with general information and detailed guidelines:

• Kalanchoe Pinnata
• Flapjack Paddle Plant ‘Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora’
• Kalanchoe Marnieriana
• Kalanchoe Marmorata
• Alligator Plant – Kalanchoe Daigremontiana
• Kalanchoe Millotii
• Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
• Calandiva – The Popular Kalanchoe Perennial
• Kalanchoe Humilis
• Kalanchoe Pumila
• The Cooper Spoon Plant ‘Kalanchoe Orgyalis’
• Kalanchoe Pink Butterflies
• Kalanchoe Dragonfire
• Christmas Tree ‘Kalanchoe Laciniata’
• Kalanchoe Laetivirens
• Kalanchoe Sexangularis
• The Chandelier ‘Kalanchoe Tubiflora’
• Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea
• The Perennia ‘Kalanchoe Farinacea’
• Kalanchoe Synsepala
• The Panda Plant/ Pussy Ears ‘Kalanchoe Tomentosa’
• Kalanchoe Uniflora
• Kalanchoe Rhombopilosa
• The Flaming Katy Plant ‘Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana’
• Kalanchoe Longiflora
• Kalanchoe Panamensis
• The Silver Teaspoons Plant ‘Kalanchoe Hildebrandtii’
• Kalanchoe Beharensis ‘Fang’
• Kalanchoe Bracteata

FAQs About Kalanchoes

1. Can Kalanchoe be planted outside?

Absolutely yes, outdoors Kalanchoe plant care is not complex at all.

2. How long do Kalanchoe plants live?

An average Kalanchoe plant can reach up to a 7-year lifespan if you take care of it well.

3. Is a Kalanchoe plant indoor or outdoor?

You can grow Kalanchoe both indoors and outdoors.

4. Is Kalanchoe perennial or succulent?

It’s a perennial succulent. However, most of them are perennials.

5. Is Kalanchoe poisonous to cats or dogs?

Yes. Kalanchoe is poisonous to cats, dogs, and children. Make sure you keep them away from the plants.

6. Kalanchoe leaves turning yellow – What does it mean?

Kalanchoe leaves turning yellow means they are dead and not getting enough sunlight. You may snip off the pale blossoms and dead foliage.

7. What to do with Kalanchoe after flowering?

It’s simple, prepare for it to bloom again! How to do this? Remove the spent bloom by cutting them. Maintain other conditions like sunlight, temperature, and moisture, … All you have to do now is wait for the Kalanchoe to bloom again!

Final Words

By the end of this article, we hope you appreciate Kalanchoe types more. This succulent is usually grown due to its gorgeous leaves and flowers. All Kalanchoe types are perfect additions to your houseplant collections, succulent gardens, and other landscape projects. Relatively this plant is easy to grow. You can let any Kalanchoe types thrive with enough sunlight, proper watering, and soil requirements. If you are wondering, is kalanchoe poisonous to cats? Unfortunately, yes. Most Kalanchoe types are poisonous to both humans and animals. Aside from this watch-out point, we believe you might consider any Kalanchoe types as your next plant baby.