James Burghardt
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
KALANCHOE blossfeldiana
Plant Common Name
Flowering Kalanchoe
General Description
Flowering kalanchoe is a succulent tender perennial grown for its bright colorful flowers. This native of Madagascar is a neat, clump-forming evergreen with thick, glossy, oval-shaped green leaves that often have scalloped red edges. Its flowers naturally appear in late winter and spring, but greenhouse grown specimens are cultivated to bloom at all times of the year. The small, tubular flowers are borne on large branched clusters. They are long-lasting and come in vivid shades of red, orange, pink or yellow, depending on the cultivated variety.
For best growth provide flowering kalanchoe with bright light and average well-drained soil. It is wise to protect it from the scorching afternoon sun, especially in regions where summers are very hot. Most kalanchoe are drought resistant and sensitive to root and stem rot, so water sparingly.
It can be challenging to get this tender ornamental to re-bloom because flowering is triggered by short days and long nights. The best method is to provide it with ample and consistent natural daylight, which will allow its natural blooming cycle to take place.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
10"-16" / 25.4cm - 40.6cm
-
Width
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
-
Bloom Time
Winter, Late Winter
-
Native To
Madagascar
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Oval/Rounded
-
Seasonal Interest
Winter
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
No
