Flaming Katy
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
A popular succulent perennial featuring thick, glossy, scalloped green leaves and dense clusters of small, four-petaled flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to partial sun, ideally 6 hours of bright light daily.
- Water
- Water deeply when the soil is completely dry to the touch (typically every 2 to 3 weeks depending on indoor humidity and temperature). Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
- Growth
- Upright, bushy perennial succulent with a moderate growth rate, reaching a mature height and spread of 12 to 18 inches.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Allow the soil to dry completely between thorough waterings to prevent root rot. Plant in a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Feed with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer during the active growing season in spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial sun, ideally 6 hours of bright light daily.
Watering
Water deeply when the soil is completely dry to the touch (typically every 2 to 3 weeks depending on indoor humidity and temperature). Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
Soil
Fast-draining sandy or loamy soil mixes formulated for cacti and succulents, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12. Grown primarily as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Upright, bushy perennial succulent with a moderate growth rate, reaching a mature height and spread of 12 to 18 inches.
Bloom season
Blooms naturally in winter and spring, producing dense terminal clusters of brightly colored, tubular flowers that last for several weeks.
Propagation
Easily propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings taken during the spring or summer. Allow the cut end to callus for a day before placing it in well-draining soil.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal stem diseases, which can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage and adequate air circulation.
Similar species
Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands), which features narrower leaves with plantlets along the margins rather than rounded, scalloped edges.