Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana for Winter Color

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is the Kalanchoe house plant variety most often found in garden centers. During the winter months, clusters of small bright flowers add a show of color over the deep green leaves of the Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana.

This native of Madagascar was introduced by Robert Blossfeld in 1932. It produces clusters of small flowers above dark green, waxy leaves. It is available in single and double flowering varieties. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana produces flowers in a wide range of colors including red, white, orange, yellow and pink.

This is one indoor houseplant that needs a window seat as it requires bright light to do well. It can even tolerate direct sun. Without enough light, it will become leggy and weak.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana prefers cooler temperatures, in the 60 to 70^oF range and 10^oF cooler at night. It is frost sensitive and will only tolerate temperatures into the 40's.

Like other succulents, Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana requires a quick draining soil mixture. Extra sand can be added to regular potting mix to provide the quick draining soil needed.

It will do well in average indoor humidity and, as a succulent, will tolerate low humidity.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana should be allowed to dry between waterings. They should then be watered thoroughly so that the water runs through the pot. The excess should be discarded and the plant not left to stand in the water.

After flowering, the Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana will enter a rest period. When the houseplant resumes growth in the early to mid summer, it should be fertilized with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana can be propagated by seed. The seeds are very tiny and need a very well prepared, fine textured medium for success. Time from seed to flower is as long as 9 to 10 months.

The preferred methods of propogation are by leaf and stem cuttings. The cuttings can be placed into a potting medium of sand (or perlite) and peat. These should be placed inside a plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep the medium from drying out. They should be placed in an area of bright light. In 3 weeks to a month the new plants should be large enough for transplanting.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana are often discarded once the blooms have faded, but they can be successfully brought back to flower the next season with proper care.

When the blooms have faded, the plant should be reshaped by cutting back the branches that have grown too long. Cut or pinch off all the faded blooms. Repot if necessary and resume watering and fertilizing in May to promote new growth.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is photo periodic. The setting of new flower buds is dependant on a period of darkness. Your plant requires a minimum of 12 hours ( but 14 hours is better) a day of darkness for the buds to set for a new flush of blooms. To achieve this the Kalanchoe can be moved to a room or closet where no artificial light will be turned on. During the day the plant needs to be returned to a high light location. Any temperature over 80^oF or any light during the night darkness will negatively impact the bud setting process. Once the new buds are above the leaves, the night darkness is of less importance.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana are a compact flowering succulent and can be pruned back after the flowering period to maintain their compact size and shape. Their need for bright light requires a place near or in a south or west facing window.

To add a touch of color to your winter room, add a Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana.