There are many, many types of kalanchoe in cultivation with over one-hundred and twenty-five species available to know and grow. While some are invasive, there is one that most people are fairly familiar with – the Christmas kalanchoe or Madagascar widow’s-thrill. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the scientific name of this plant and the flower colors are insanely bright – sunglasses required! Although they start to bloom around Christmas time, they are still in full flower in a garden center near you.
The kalanchoe known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is native to Madagascar and was introduced in 1932 by Robert Blossfeld – a German hybridizer. The species was eventually named after Mr. Blossfeld and is grown for its stunning seasonal red, pink, yellow, orange, white, and salmon flowers. This plant is triggered to bloom as a result of shorter days similar to the daylength reaction of poinsettias. The small, four-petaled flowers are arranged in clusters that combine to make a stunning flower head. Indoors as a potted plant, the flowers will last for some time when kept in a bright sunny area. Do not overwater as root rots can develop. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and make sure they have proper drainage – do not allow them to sit in a saucer of water.
Once the weather has settled sometime in March, your kalanchoe can be planted outside in a full sun to part shade location. Gradually adjust the plant to outdoor conditions as it can otherwise sunburn. Well-drained soil is essential and – once established – the kalanchoe can be considered highly drought tolerant, has a medium tolerance to salty conditions, and is recommended as a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ plant. The glossy scalloped leaves will serve as a groundcover of sorts during the summer when there will be few if any flowers. Kalanchoes will also look good in rock gardens, in raised planters and in stand-alone containers. Once the day length begins to shorten in October, new flower buds will begin to develop. Now while Christmas kalanchoes available during the Holidays may have had their daylight artificially manipulated to induce flowering, outdoor specimens will adapt to the natural light cycles and most likely begin to bloom in January and then on through spring. They can be cold sensitive and will most likely require some frost/freeze protection if cold weather settles in.
Propagation is as simple as taking stem cuttings in spring using three-inch pieces with at least two pairs of leaves. Allow the cuttings to callus for a couple of days and then insert them into sterile potting medium. Roots can develop in as soon as fourteen to twenty-one days.
While most kalanchoes can grow up to one-foot tall, there are some named dwarf cultivars such as ‘Pumila’ and ‘Tetra Vulcan’. Otherwise, the color selection is based on your taste. Both single and double-flowering varieties – some with twenty-six petals – are available in a range of bright, florescent colors. The kalanchoe is just another nice plant to consider as a gift to others or for yourself! For more information on all types of plants suitable for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Gilman, E. F., Klein, R. W. & Hansen, G. (2023) Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Trinklein, D. H. (2014) Care of Flowering Potted Plants. The University of Missouri Extension Service.
Davenport, M. (2007) Kalanchoe. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Home and Garden Information Center.
Winter, N. (2001) Kalanchoe brings top holiday color. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design (2022)the University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
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