Succulents & Cacti
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Supermarket-cheap clusters of long-lasting blooms on a succulent that reflowers with a dark trick.
- Typical watering
- Every ~12 days
- Light
- bright light with direct morning sun
- Difficulty
- easy
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Let the top half of the soil dry before watering
- Deadhead spent flower clusters down to the first leaf pair
- To rebloom, give 14 hours of darkness nightly for 6 weeks
- Keep at 16-24°C; frost ends it instantly
Common questions
How often should I water a kalanchoe? +
A healthy indoor kalanchoe typically wants water every 12 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does a kalanchoe need? +
A kalanchoe does best in bright light with direct morning sun light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is a kalanchoe toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the kalanchoe is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy kalanchoe — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
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- Cactus The ultimate low-maintenance sunbather.
- Christmas Cactus A jungle cactus, not a desert one - it drinks more than you'd think and blooms on cue in winter.
- Echeveria Perfect pastel rosettes that stay perfect only with real sun and a stingy watering can.
- Jade Plant A miniature tree with coin-like leaves that can outlive its owner on a sunny sill.