Kalanchoe Care Guide: Growing Flowering Kalanchoe Indoors & Out

Kalanchoes are succulent showstoppers with clusters of vivid, long-lasting flowers above scalloped, deep-green foliage. Native to Madagascar, they thrive as houseplants and, in mild climates (USDA zones 8–10), as outdoor perennials. With minimal care, they'll rebloom for seasons.

Essential Kalanchoe Care

Light & Temperature

Bright, indirect light is best—strong direct sun burns leaf tips. Ideal temps: 60°F+ (16°C+). Outdoors, choose partial sun to light shade.

Soil & Water

Use a well-draining mix: 60% peat moss, 40% perlite. Water deeply, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill a kalanchoe.

Maintenance

Pinch back leggy growth and remove spent flower stems to keep plants compact. Fertilize monthly during active growth with a balanced houseplant food.

Propagating Kalanchoe

Take 2–3 inch stem cuttings, strip lower leaves, and let the cut end callus in a warm, dry spot for a few days. Plant in pre-moistened peat-perlite, cover with plastic for humidity, and place in bright indirect light. Roots form in 14–21 days.

Forcing a Second Bloom

Kalanchoes need short days (long nights) to set buds. In fall/winter, natural short days often trigger blooming. Otherwise, give 12–14 hours of total darkness daily for 6 weeks (e.g., in a closet), with cool nights (40–45°F / 4–7°C) and 60°F (16°C) days. Once buds appear, resume normal care.

With this cycle, your kalanchoe can flower repeatedly, brightening winters for years.