Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Family Crassulaceae
Months of flowers from a plant that barely asks for water — kalanchoe stacks clusters of red, orange, pink, or yellow blooms above glossy succulent leaves, and it does its best work in fall and winter, exactly when a windowsill needs it most.
On a bright sill it is close to effortless, blooming for weeks while other houseplants sulk, and bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit it outdoors in warm climates. One caution: it is toxic to cats and dogs, so give it a shelf they can't reach — then enjoy the show.
Bright light — some direct sun for bloom
Low water
Moderate growth
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
None winter chill
From the print shop
Growing kalanchoe? Hang it.
Our Plant Library collection carries kalanchoe — Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, print Nº 258, “Kalanchoe.”
526 designsfrom $12.99white or black backgroundmatte poster, unframed
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what kalanchoe actually needs.
Hardy inZones 10-12Kalanchoe · Common problems
Common kalanchoe problems
Pests
2 problems on file
Diseases
3 problems on file
Kalanchoe · Growing & propagation
Growing kalanchoe
- Light
- Bright light
Some direct sun for bloom
- Water
- Low
Succulent; soak then dry fully
Soil- Cactus/succulent mix · pH 6.0 - 7.0
Fertilizer- Light monthly in growth
Pruning- After bloom
Deadhead spent flower clusters; pinch to keep compact.
Spacing- One per pot
How to plant & propagate kalanchoe
- Propagate
- Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups
Kalanchoe · Calculators & field guides
A little help in the garden.
Kalanchoe · Yearly calendar
The kalanchoe year, month by month
No fixed season calendar for kalanchoe — its care follows conditions, not the calendar.
Kalanchoe · Ecology & uses
Ecology & uses
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe in the garden system
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Moisture- Upland / dry
Deer- Browsed
Protect young plants
Origin- Introduced
What kalanchoe is grown for
! Some parts toxic — see notesToxic to cats/dogs — bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), so ASPCA flags possible abnormal heart rhythm alongside the usual GI upset
Use- Windowsill bloom
- Use
- Gifts
- Use
- Low water
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
Kalanchoe · Varieties & cultivars
Choosing a kalanchoe variety
'Calandiva' (rose-like double); single-flowered types; K. 'Flapjacks' (paddle-leaf, foliage)
Sources & plant identity
Know what you’re growing.
See where the knowledge comes from.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
The plant, at a glance.
- Botanical name
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
- Plant family
- Crassulaceae
- Growth habit
- Succulent · Perennial
- Origin
- Introduced
- USDA plant symbol
- KABL
- Invasive risk
- Low
Hardiness, size and timing vary with your cultivar, soil and climate.
Rooted in research.
University extension research, brought together with hands-on growing experience at Story Thyme Farms.
for Kalanchoe
Research from these sources
Publisher marks identify sources, not sponsorship or endorsement.
Where to buy
Third-party nurseries — not Story Thyme Farms.
Third-party nurseries, not Story Thyme Farms. Prices are theirs.
Story Thyme Farms may earn a small commission from these links, at no cost to you — it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions
Kalanchoe questions, answered straight.
Is kalanchoe safe for kids and pets?
With care. Toxic to cats/dogs — bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), so ASPCA flags possible abnormal heart rhythm alongside the usual GI upset Site it accordingly if children or pets roam the garden. This is general reference, not medical or veterinary advice — call a vet or poison control if something has actually been eaten.
How do you propagate kalanchoe?
Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups.
Elsewhere
Where kalanchoe sits in the library.
Monstera
Golden Pothos
Snake Plant
Heartleaf Philodendron