Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. Although known by many common names, including Christmas kalanchoe, florist kalanchoe, and Madagascar widow’s-thrill, it is most famously referred to as Flaming Katy.
It is an evergreen perennial of the genus Kalanchoe that usually grows as a small shrub or subshrub and produces clusters of flowers in red, pink, and yellow shades.
The flowers last for a long time, sometimes weeks, making this an attractive choice for indoor enthusiasts. This plant is primarily cultivated for the flowers.
Flaming Katy Main Characteristics
| Common Name | Flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, Florist kalanchoe, Madagascar widow’s thrill |
| Botanical Name | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana |
| Synonyms | Kalanchoe globulifera var. coccinea |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Native Range | Madagascar |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 10 to 12 |
| Mature Size | Height: 0.5-1.5 feet; Spread: 0.5-1.5 feet |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Propagation methods | by seeds, by offsets |
| Sun | Full sun to Part shade |
| Soil | Moist, Well-drained |
Flaming Katy Care
The Flaming Katy is a lovely houseplant that requires very little care and maintenance, making it an ideal addition to any home. But that doesn’t mean it tolerates neglect either. Low maintenance doesn’t mean plant and forget; it means it requires very little care, but care nonetheless. Here’s what you need to know.
Light and Location
These plants love the sun and want to be in a bright, sunny spot to truly thrive. They won’t do well in the shade or a dark, dreary corner of your house. But require some shade as well. Try to balance sunlight and shade, as too much of either is unhealthy.
Ideal spots for these plants are usually on the patio, deck, or on an east-facing windowsill that gets plenty of sun.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season. But remember to let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, reduce watering to once every three weeks. Also, ensure the soil is well-draining, as stagnant water tends to cause problems.
Temperature
Flaming Katy loves temperatures around 70°. It is very important that you provide the plant with constant warmth. If it is colder than 50°, you should consider moving the plant to a warmer location inside your home.
Humidity
This succulent grows best in warm, relatively dry environments. To thrive, Flaming Katy wants moderate to low humidity. Around 40-45% humidity is recommended.
Fertilizer
This plant requires little to no fertilizer. In fact, over-fertilizing this plant can be harmful. Therefore, it is usually only fertilized in the growing season. An occasional, light application of water-soluble fertilizer a few times during the growth phase should be sufficient for helping your plant bloom with vigor.
Propagating Flaming Katy
This plant can be propagated by leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer, when the plants are actively growing.
The cuttings should be between 5 and 10cm in length. Each cutting should consist of 3 to 4 leaves on the lower part of the stem with at least two nodes. Wait for the cutting to dry out for a couple of days. Then, plant it into a fresh pot and wait for it to take root.
While propagation by seeds is also possible, it takes longer, and plants that are grown using this method mature slowly.
Repotting Flaming Katy
Choose a container that’s just an inch or so larger in diameter than the plant’s current pot size. Use a soil that drains well, such as commercial cacti mix or mixing your own with one part sand to three parts standard potting soil.
If you’re repotting it after winter, wait until new growth appears in spring before transplanting. Or wait until the plant is finished blooming and has dropped all her petals.
When you’re ready to move your plant, carefully tease apart the roots with a stick or chopstick, so they don’t get entangled as you remove it from the pot. You can disentangle them later if necessary after transplanting. But be careful with the roots, they’re sensitive and don’t leave them out for too long during transplanting, or they’ll dry out.
After gently placing your Flaming Katy in her new container, pat down the soil around her until it’s firm and all air pockets are gone. Water thoroughly using tepid water and place in a sunny spot indoors.
Toxicity
According to ASPCA, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxins in Flaming Katy can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Pets are particularly at risk, as they may eat the plant without realizing its danger. If your pet has eaten any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Common Pests
Flaming Katy is prone to becoming infected with various pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant’s foliage and flowers, leading to substantial health problems. Use rubbing alcohol dipped in a cotton swab to gently wipe away the residue. Contact a professional if the problem persists.
Common Problems
Brown patches on leaves?
These are signs of sunburn on the leaves. Move them away from the sunlight and to a cooler spot. Be more careful in the future, as although these plants like to be in the full sun, intense sunlight can still cause sunburn.
Do leaves have a red edge?
A sign of the plant being in the sun. This is natural and will go away once the plant is out of the sunlight. But move it away from the sunlight if you feel it’s too intense as the leaves can get sunburnt.
Plant wiling?
Check the temperature. If it’s too cold, move the plant to a warmer spot. If it’s within the recommended range, then re-examine your watering routine. Figure out if you’re giving the succulent too much water or too little. Once you’re back to watering properly, your succulent should recover.
Did the stem turn brown or black and mushy?
This is a clear example of stem rot. Cut off the affected stems and give less water as overwatering is the prime cause of stem rot in these plants.
Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana) indoor care tips (Video)
FAQ
How to propagate Flaming Katy?
You can propagate this succulent by cuttings or by seeds. You can also use stem and leaf cuttings to achieve the same results. Simply choose a healthy stem with a few nodes and cut it off at the base. Let it dry out for a couple of days, then plant it in soil, and wait for it to take root. Leaf cuttings need to be planted cutting side facing the soil to take root.
Seeds tend to take longer and achieve less success than cuttings, so propagation by seeds is generally not recommended.
How to care for Flaming Katy?
Place the plant in a sunny location that receives direct sunlight for a few hours a day. Water it regularly, but let the top layer of soil become dry before watering again. For the best results, maintain 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.
What is the best soil for Flaming Katy?
The soil needs to be very well-draining. This plant tends to get stem rot if waterlogged, so be vigilant. One part perlite and three parts standard potting mix are usually sufficient.
Attribution
“Wallpaper 4K 3840×2160 tapeta Kalanchoe blossfeldiana cv. Calandiva” by Babij is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0