Kalanchoe blossfeldiana or Christmas kalanchoe

Care of the succulent plant Kalanchoe blossfeldiana or Christmas kalanchoe

The genus Kalanchoe, family Crassulaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to Asia, Africa and Europe. Some species are: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi.

Common names: Christmas kalanchoe, Florist kalanchoe, Flaming Katy, Madagascar widow's-thrill. This species is native to Madagascar.

They are succulent plants with a shrubby habit that reach 45 cm (17.7") in height. The leaves are fleshy, dark green in color and have serrated margins. The flowers are small and appear in corymbs above the leaves; They can be red, pink, white, or orange. They bloom in late winter and early spring.

They are used as indoor plants, greenhouse plants and on balconies, terraces and patios. In regions with a subtropical climate they are used in flowerbeds and borders.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana needs a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day. It does not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents. Transplant after flowering, renewing the substrate.

Water moderately all year long waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer for succulents during spring and summer.

Prune off wilted flower stems at the end of the flowering period.

They are plants very resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive watering.

They are propagated by cuttings from the tips of the stems; let them dry for 2 days, use rooting hormones and plant in a sandy substrate.