Kalanchoe Pruning & Propagation: Post-Bloom Care for Reblooming

Kalanchoe (125 subspecies) blooms late winter through spring as a short-day plant (needs <11 hours daylight). Proper post-bloom pruning ensures reblooming next season.

When to Prune

After blooming ends—when flowers brown at edges or fade. Remove dead/brown leaves anytime. Spent blooms won't drop naturally and prevent reblooming if left.

Pruning Procedure

1. Shake plant to dislodge insects; inspect leaves for pests
2. Remove yellow/brown/decaying shoots at stem base
3. Cut dead stems slightly above branch junction
4. Clip broken/damaged leaves and stems
5. Critical: Trim flower stalks to 2nd or 3rd leaf (not just deadhead) to encourage width/leaf regrowth

Post-Pruning Care

• Reduce watering significantly—critical survival period
• Resume normal watering when new growth appears on cuts
• Fertilize at ½ strength every 2-3 weeks

Propagation from Leaf Cuttings

1. Cut 4-6 inch leaves with stem portion
2. Dry 1-2 days
3. Plant in free-draining cactus soil, leaf just above surface
4. Keep moist, indirect light
5. Roots form in 1-3 weeks; repot to larger container
6. Water when finger 2" deep finds dry soil

Many discard kalanchoe after blooming, thinking it's dead. Proper pruning revives it for years of flowering cycles.