Flaming Katy (Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe)
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Compact evergreen succulent with glossy scalloped leaves and dense clusters of long-lasting tubular flowers, popular as a flowering houseplant.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides). Ingestion by pets or children can cause vomiting, diarrhea and arrhythmias. Keep out of reach and seek veterinary or medical help if eaten.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Give Flaming Katy bright light for 6–8 hours daily. An east or west-facing window is ideal; a few hours of direct morning sun helps blooms. Avoid intense midday sun through a south window and rotate the pot for even growth.
Water
Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain, then let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again. Reduce frequency in cooler months. Always use a well-draining mix and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers low to average humidity (about 30–50%). It does not need extra humidity—avoid misting. Good air circulation and a dry interval between waterings reduce risk of fungal problems.
Temperature
Ideal 15–25°C (59–77°F); tolerates 10–30°C (50–86°F). Protect from temperatures below 10°C and avoid cold drafts to prevent leaf or flower drop.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellow, soft leaves and mushy stems
Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage leading to root rot
Solution: Stop watering, remove plant from soggy soil, trim rotten roots, repot in fresh well-draining mix and reduce watering frequency
Leggy growth and few blooms
Cause: Insufficient light or overcrowding
Solution: Move to brighter location with several hours of light, prune to encourage bushiness, and provide fertilizer in spring
Sticky residue or white cottony spots
Cause: Pests such as mealybugs, aphids or scale
Solution: Isolate plant, remove pests with alcohol swabs or insecticidal soap, repeat treatments and consider systemic insecticide for severe infestations
Dropping flowers or leaves
Cause: Cold drafts, sudden temperature change or underwatering
Solution: Keep plant in stable, warm spot away from drafts, check soil moisture and adjust watering; avoid temperatures below 10°C
✂️How to Propagate Flaming Katy (Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe)
Stem cuttings: snip a healthy 5–7 cm tip, remove lower leaves and let the cut end callus 1–3 days. Insert into a fast-draining mix (cactus/succulent mix) and keep bright, indirect light; water sparingly until roots form (2–4 weeks). Leaf cuttings or single leaflets can root but more slowly. Gently separate offsets at the base and pot individually. Sow seed on the surface in spring in moist, well-draining mix and keep warm and bright until seedlings appear.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Crassulaceae
Native to: Native to Madagascar and nearby Indian Ocean islands, adapted to seasonal dry climates.
Natural Habitat: Grows in dry, rocky slopes and open scrub with well-draining soil and strong light. Experiences seasonal drought and warm temperatures with periodic rainfall.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Provide bright light, keep temperatures cool but above 10°C, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Short days help induce rest and, for some cultivars, the flowering cycle.
Spring
Increase watering and begin light feeding as new growth appears. Repot if rootbound, pinch back leggy stems to encourage branching and prepare for active growth.
Summer
Protect from harsh midday sun; provide morning or late afternoon sun. Water more regularly during active growth, use balanced fertilizer monthly, and ensure good airflow.
Fall
Gradually reduce water and feeding as days shorten. Deadhead spent blooms, prune lightly, and move to a bright, stable indoor spot before cold weather arrives.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Kalanchoe?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry—typically every 1–3 weeks depending on light, pot size and season; do not let soil stay soggy.
How do I get my Kalanchoe to rebloom?
Provide bright light, a period of cooler nights (around 12–15°C), and shorter days for 6–8 weeks before desired bloom to encourage reblooming.
Is Kalanchoe poisonous to pets?
Yes. Kalanchoe contains cardiac glycosides and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart issues if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
What soil is best for Flaming Katy?
Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix or amend potting soil with perlite/sand to ensure good drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Can I propagate Kalanchoe from a leaf?
Yes—leaf cuttings can root, though stem-tip cuttings and separating offsets are faster and more reliable methods for propagation.
Turn These Tips into Daily Plant Chats
Get watering reminders, humidity alerts, and adorable updates straight from your Flaming Katy (Florist Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe). TextMyPlant keeps you on schedule so your plants always look their best.
Start chatting with your plants🌿Related Plant Guides
string of pearls
BeginnerSenecio rowleyanus
Trailing succulent with spherical, bead-like leaves resembling peas; popular in hanging baskets, drought-tolerant, prefers bright light and well-draining soil.
snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue)
BeginnerDracaena trifasciata
Evergreen perennial with stiff, upright sword-shaped leaves often variegated; drought- and low-light-tolerant succulent houseplant, popular for easy indoor care.
Jade plant (money plant)
BeginnerCrassula ovata
A popular, easy-care succulent shrub with glossy, fleshy leaves and woody stems; commonly grown as a houseplant or bonsai, tolerant of drought and bright light.
Hens and chicks
BeginnerEcheveria spp.
Rosette-forming succulent native to Mexico and Central America; prized for fleshy, colorful leaves and compact growth. Prefers bright light and well-draining soil; drought-tolerant.
Last updated: 11/7/2025