How To Get Kalanchoe To Rebloom & My Top Care Tips
Some people throw their Kalanchoe out after its first bloom, thinking the plant is done. But let me assure you, these plants are far from finished after one blooming. You just need to get to know the plant to learn how it flowers.
My experience with these plants has taught me the importance of understanding their lifecycle. A period of dormancy is crucial, during which kalanchoes prepare themselves to flower again.
This stage involves limiting water, never feeding, and manipulating light exposure. By mimicking the natural conditions these plants encounter in their native habitats, it’s possible to encourage a fresh display of blooms.
General care for kalanchoes outside their blooming season is equally important to ensure they remain healthy throughout the year. Regular care involves managing light exposure, watering correctly, and providing the right temperature range, along with avoiding common pitfalls such as overwatering. With attentive care, kalanchoes can bring a burst of color to your home year after year.
Understanding the Kalanchoe Plant
In exploring how to enhance the reblooming process of the Kalanchoe plant, it’s essential to understand its origins and unique characteristics.
Origin of Kalanchoe
The Kalanchoe, a robust succulent, is indigenous to the warm climates of Tropical Africa. As an African native, it has adapted to thrive in environments that are prone to periods of drought.
Characteristics of the Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
My focus here is on Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, one of the most popular species due to its vibrant flowers and ease of care. This plant features fleshy leaves with scalloped edges, contributing to its ornamental appeal.
The leaves exhibit a rich green hue contrasting beautifully with the bright bloom clusters. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana’s flowers come in a kaleidoscope of colors including red, pink, yellow, and orange, making it a striking addition to any indoor plant collection.
As with many succulents, this variety of kalanchoe favors conditions that replicate its natural habitat—well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Kalanchoe
Creating the right environment for my Kalanchoe starts with understanding its specific needs for light, temperature, and watering. I also make sure the soil and container are just right to emulate its natural habitat.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe thrives in bright, indirect light. When indoors, place it near a window that gets plenty of morning sun but is shaded in the afternoon to prevent scorching.
- Bright, indirect light, no direct afternoon sunlight
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
I maintain an ideal temperature between 60 and 85ºF for my Kalanchoe. It prefers a warm environment but not too hot. For humidity, Kalanchoe isn’t overly fussy, but it does well in a moderately humid environment, typical of most homes.
- Temperature: 60-85ºF (15-29ºC)
- Humidity: Moderate
Watering Practices to Prevent Overwatering
Kalanchoe is susceptible to overwatering. I check the topsoil and water it only when it’s dry to the touch. Typically, this translates to watering once every two to three weeks, adjusting for plant size and environmental conditions.
- Check soil: Water when topsoil is dry
- Frequency: Once every 2-3 weeks
Soil Composition and Container Specifications
The right soil mix and container are essential to prevent waterlogging. I utilize well-draining soil and always choose a container with adequate drainage holes. This promotes healthy root growth and prevents root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend
- Container: Drainage holes are a must
Get Your Kalanchoe to Rebloom (Understanding Photoperiodism)
To encourage kalanchoe to rebloom, a grasp of photoperiodism—the plant’s response to the length of night and day—is crucial. I’ll explain how manipulating light and darkness can trigger Kalanchoe’s blooming cycle.
Importance of Darkness in Blooming Cycle
Kalanchoes need a period of darkness to initiate blooming, which mimics the natural decrease in daylight as winter approaches.
To induce reblooming, you want to deprive the plant of light. For perfect reblooming ensure the plant experiences at least 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for six weeks late in the winter season.
You don’t always need to go this extreme and the plant will often rebloom with less darkness.
Where you are in the world will determine how you go about achieving this. For me, in the north of England, this isn’t difficult; our winter nights are naturally long. The Sun will set around 4pm and not rise again until 8am.
I move my plant from its usual position under a grow light to the back of the house and into a north-facing winter. You want to do this around the end of September if you want your plant to bloom for Christmas.
If you live in an area where the natural sunlight is too high at this time of year, then this can be achieved by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with a box during its dark period. The plant’s intrinsic biological clock responds to these longer nights, setting off the development of flowers.
Rest Period Care for Stimulating Blooms
During the rest period, my Kalanchoe care regimen shifts to support dormancy, which is vital for stimulating reblooming.
Watering is reduced significantly, allowing the soil to dry out completely. The plant must also be kept warm and protected from drafts, maintaining an ideal temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the rest period is over, evidenced by the emergence of new flower buds, you can up the watering slightly.
Advanced Kalanchoe Care Techniques
Advanced care techniques can enhance the health and aesthetic appeal of your Kalanchoe, covering everything from propagation to repotting. My goal is to guide you through the best practices for these procedures with clear and concise information.
Propagating Kalanchoe for More Plants
I find stem cuttings to be the most effective method for propagating Kalanchoe. It’s a straightforward process:
- Select a healthy stem: Look for a robust stem with several leaves, avoiding any that appear leggy.
- Prepare the cuttings: With a sharp, sterilized blade, I cut just below a leaf node, ensuring each cutting is about 3-5 inches long.
- Root the cuttings: Before I place them in soil, I allow the cuttings to dry for a day or two to form a callous—this helps prevent rot.
- Pot the cuttings: I plant them in a well-draining succulent mix, watering sparingly until roots develop, usually within a few weeks.
Repotting Mature Plants for Continued Growth
For mature Kalanchoe plants, repotting is essential for maintaining robust growth and preventing the plant from becoming root-bound. Here’s my process:
- Choose the right time: I prefer to repot in spring as Kalanchoe enters its active growth phase.
- Selecting a new pot: The new pot should be one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
- The repotting step-by-step:
- I carefully remove the plant from its current pot, shaking off excess soil and inspecting the roots for signs of rot.
- For the new pot, I use fresh succulent mix, positioning the plant so the root ball is level with the top of the pot.
- I fill around the roots with more potting mix and water the plant, allowing it to settle into its new home.
