How to Care for Flaming Katy

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Keeping your plant alive and healthy
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Flaming Katy ( Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ) is a very hardy succulent plant suitable for indoor and mild outdoor growing. While it is easy to care for while growing and will flower for a long time, it's best to compost the plant after flowering and replace it with another one because it's never quite as good again after it flowers and it's very hard to get it to flower again.

Correction. Pictures shown are of an African violet NOT a flaming Katy. The care shown is for an African violet but not a flaming Katy. Don't throw your flaming Katy or African violet away after flowering. African violets are easier to flower then a flaming Katy but not impossible. Do not overwater either plant. Don't put your African violet in direct hot sun as it can burn the leaves. Its best to bottom water African violets. This prevents water spots on the leaves and crown rot.

Both flaming Katy and African violets can be prone to pests. [1] Thrips, aphids and mealy bugs. Taking a leaf cutting from an African violet will give you many plantlets, not just one. Its best to take a leaf cutting of your African violet isn't doing well or to grow and share with others. No need in tossing such a beautiful plant. (Unless you have truly killed it).

Steps

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    This is a plant that is happy to sit on the windowsill provided it doesn't get too hot. The preferred temperature is average warmth, although the cooler the room, the happier the plant will be. [2]
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    It doesn't need a lot of watering. Too much watering can bring about root rot but too dry and the leaves will shrivel and turn yellow. [3]
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    However, if you don't remember, it'll still thrive. A standard liquid fertiliser is appropriate.
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    Otherwise, don't worry about it. It's really only an aesthetics issue.
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    Take cuttings . Rather than trying to keep the plant flourishing after flowering, it's recommended that you take cuttings from it and grow new ones for the next year. And so on, for as long as you like. Cuttings should be placed in a soil-based compost. [4]
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  • Question
    When does the Flaming Katy flower?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    Usually from February to April. The more you expose the plant to the light, the more it will bloom.
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  • Question
    How do I take a cutting?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    You don't have to cut the plant. You can just remove dead flowers to stimulate flowering.
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  • Question
    How will it survive in the garden ?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    It will survive if the temperature doesn't drop below zero. Otherwise, it could die.
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      Tips

      • Playing around with the hours of daylight this plant receives can force it to flower all year round but only through reducing the amount of light. It's up to you and whether you're keen on spending the time doing this.
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      • This plant is usually pest free. If aphids bother it, use soapy water to remove them.
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      • If you place the plant outside, keep it in the shade.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Flaming Katy plant
      • Suitable container
      • Watering can

      A real African violet

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/78810/Kalanchoe-blossfeldiana/Details
      2. ↑ http://www.thegardenhelper.com/kalanchoe.html
      3. ↑ https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/flaming-katy
      4. ↑ https://worldofsucculents.com/make-flaming-katy-kalanchoe-blossfeldiana-cuttings/
      5. http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/flaming-katy.html – research source

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