Kalanchoe blossfeldiana aka Flaming Katy

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, florist kalanchoe, and Madagascar widow's-thrill, is a popular succulent plant native to Madagascar. It is typically grown as a gift plant for its small tubular flowers that bloom in various colors such as red, yellow, lilac, and orange. Unlike many other succulents, the Blossfeldiana is mainly grown for its flowering ability rather than its foliage. With enough sunlight, the green leaves will turn a reddish color around the edges. Although they are naturally spring bloomers, growers can motivate the plant to bloom at any time of the year. After the existing flowers are spent or dead, it's best to prune them back to encourage new buds and further flowering. Florist Kalanchoe is an excellent choice for plant parents looking for the delight of colorful blossoms paired with the ease of a succulent. Despite their tropical-like leaves, Kalanchoe is native to dry regions of sunny Madagascar. So, instead of throwing them away after the flowers die, they can bloom many times, making them a long-lasting and enjoyable addition to any indoor garden.

Common names

Flaming Katy, Kalanchoe, Madagascar Widow's Thrill

How to care for Flaming Katy

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Flaming Katy due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Flaming Katy does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Flaming Katy, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Flaming Katy prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Flaming Katy to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Flaming Katy is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Flaming Katy plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Flaming Katy should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Flaming Katy grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Flaming Katy’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Flaming Katy blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia