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 durable 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 (6+ weeks), it's best to compost or discard the plant after flowering. Many gardeners find it is easier to replace it with another one because it's never quite as good again after it flowering is complete. These plants require specific treatments to get them to flower again.

Flaming Katy can be prone to pests [1] such as thrips, aphids and mealybugs.


Steps

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  1. A Flaming Katy plant prefers a bright, sunny location indoors. This plant 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]
  2. 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]
    • An easy way to know when to water is to lift the plant and pot to determine it's weight. When wet, just watered, it will be relatively heavy. When dry and in need of water, it will be relatively light in weight.
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  3. However, if you don't remember, it'll still thrive. A standard liquid fertiliser is appropriate.
  4. Otherwise, don't worry about it. It's really only an aesthetics issue.
  5. Take cuttings . Rather than trying to keep the plant flourishing after flowering, some gardeners recommended that you take cuttings from it and grow new ones for the next year. Cuttings should be placed in potting soil or compost. Continue this year after year for as long as you like. [4]
  6. Insect pests should not be a concern for short term care and enjoyment of a Flaming Katy plant.
    • If you wish to grow the plant long term, check for aphids, mealybugs and scale insects. If you have these insects on other houseplants they will infest Flaming Katy as well. Organic chemical controls, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be necessary; use according to the manufacturers recommendations.
  7. These plants are difficult to coax to flower again in the home.
    • The plants require a 6-8 week short day treatment (only 10 hours of light and 14 hours of dark each day). This regime is quite difficult in a home, but will work if you wish to try it.
    • Most gardeners find it much easier to purchase a new plant and enjoy the flowers for 6 to 8 weeks in the home.
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Community Q&A

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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

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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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