Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is an evergreen shrub that has dark green, glossy, and scallop-edged leaves. It is a short-day plant that requires a lesser amount of sunlight. It is indigenous to Madagascar and is the scientific name for Kalanchoe flaming Katy, which are petite succulents.
Florist’s kalanchoe, Christmas kalanchoe, and Widow’s Thrill are some other names for it. It is a common houseplant that is used to make the house beautiful. Its name is derived from ‘Kalanchauhuy’ a Chinese name.
Qualities of Kalanchoe Flaming Katy
Bright:
Kalanchoes bloom in clusters of multicolored, star-shaped blooms. They come in pink, orange, yellow, red, and white blooms, among other hues.
Long-lasting: It’s incredible how long Flaming Katy blooms—weeks or months.
Appealing appearance:
Due to the attractive appearance of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, pollinators such as butterflies and bees are also attracted, which is good for your garden’s biodiversity.
Decorative purposes:
It is frequently used for decorations because of its bright flowers and attractive appearance; it is widely used in decorations for festivals and celebrations.
Low upkeep:
Like the Dipladenia plant, this plant is easy to propagate and requires little maintenance, making it a good choice for novices.
Use in Medicine:
Floral Kalanchoe is widely used in the treatment of minor burns, skin irritations, and inflammation.
Purify the Air:
Florist Kalanchoe is also helpful for the removal of toxins from the environment and helps to improve indoor air quality.
Drought Tolerant:
These plants can withstand periods of drought as their leaves can store water.
Physical appearance of kalanchoe plants:
FLOWER SHAPE:
Kalanchoe plants have star-shaped flowers and have different colors like red, white, yellow, pink, and orange.
LEAVES:
It is an evergreen shrub that has dark green, glossy, and scallop-edged leaves. These have crenate margins, which are often reddish.
LENGTH:
Flaming Katy has compact growth and can grow up to 40 cm.
BLOOMING TIME:
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana flaming Katy has an incredible blooming time and blooms in winter and late spring.
Care guide to kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Right Location for Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Kalanchoe plants can tolerate some bright light, but too much light will burn the leaves of flaming katy, and less light will inhibit the flowering. So choose a shaded location that receives bright and indirect sunlight.
Temperature
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is temperature sensitive, and the ideal temperature for flaming Katy is 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Above this temperature, the leaves will burn, and below this, the plant growth will be stunted.
Light for flaming Katy
They are sensitive to cool temperatures, so plant them at a location where the sunlight will reach. They like partial shade and indirect light because direct light will burn the leaves.
Water
Kalanchoe flaming Katy can store water and can survive long dry periods. Water them in the evening when the soil is dry; they like moist soil, but overwatering can cause root rot.
Soil
For kalanchoe flaming Katy, well-drained soil is preferred, and the soil with cactus or succulent. This will enhance the soil fertility, and it will thrive best.
Fertilization
They do not require fertilizer, but during the growing season, add water-soluble fertilizer every month. This will help the plant to meet its nutrient needs. Their growth will be enhanced, and it will produce healthy blooms in spring.
Pruning
Prune flaming Katy in late spring after the blooming time with the help of a sharp knife. Pruning is necessary for normal growth, and the plants look tidy and beautiful.
Repotting
Report your Kalanchoe flaming Katy after two to three years; this will enhance its growth. Repot your plants before spring so they will grow and prepare themselves for blooming continuously.
Propagation of Kalanchoe flaming Katy
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana can easily be propagated by cutting the stems using a sterile knife and choosing a healthy stem. Cut 2 to 4 inches of stem, which contains two to three pairs of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and water the cuttings until they develop roots. It can also propagate in water, but this method of propagation is not recommended.
Flowering
They bloom in spring and late winter, and they require 6 to 8 hours of light to bloom normally. If flaming katys are cared for properly, they can bloom for several years. Trim your plant for reblooming and add succulents or cacti to the soil. In this way, the blooming time can be increased.
Issues and their solutions
Overwatering
Kalanchoe flowers like well-drained soil, but overwatering causes root rot. In this case, the plant will wilt and will eventually die. Only water the plant when the soil is dry at a depth of 2 to 3 cm, and use pots that contain drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Underwatering
Due to underwatering, the leaves of the floral kalanchoe will drop, and they will become wrinkled. Underwatering also ceases the blooming.
We should water flaming Katy regularly in growing seasons and on hot days. Water the plant when the soil is dry.
Light Deficiency
In the absence of light, the plant will not bloom, and its growth will also cease, so adequate light is important for normal growth. For normal growth, plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana in a bright location that receives bright and indirect sunlight or plants in partial shade.
Temperature
Kalanchoe plants cannot withstand either of these temperature extremes. Because they prefer temperatures between 60 and 75°F, keep your plant away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and cold heaters.
Diseases and Pests:
Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and southern blights are among the pests that can interfere with healthy growth. Their normal growth may be hampered by diseases like fusarium, botrytis blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. This adds beauty to the house.
Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, fungicides, and pesticides for their normal growth.
Nutrient deficiency in Kalanchoe plants
Lack of nutrition can also retard the normal growth of flaming Katy and reduce flowering. For normal growth of the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana plant, add water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks in growing seasons.
Kalanchoe flowers drop
Environmental stress and improper care cause the kalanchoe flowers to drop. Flowers also drop due to changes in the environment of the plant.We can prevent flower dropping by regular watering, adequate light, nutrition, and pruning.