Q&A for How to Grow Kalanchoe

This could be caused by overwatering. Water your plant thoroughly (if it has a drain hole), then leave it alone for at least a week. If you live in a humid area, then you may only need to water it about once a month. Check the soil frequently for dampness by sticking your finger into the soil. Don't water it until the first three inches of soil feel dry.

The process of getting a kalanchoe to re-bloom is difficult, so just keep trying. Here is a good resource for helping your plant re-bloom: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/flowering/hgic1563.html.

For indoors succulents, I generally suggest watering them from the bottom, like filling a baking tray full of water, setting the pot in it, and allowing the water to soak up until it's moist at the top. That ensures that all of the roots are getting saturated without getting the actual leaves wet.

In general, it needs to be in bright sun, although hot, searing sun may be too much. If it's indoors, don't put it anymore than 3 feet away from a window.

You should follow the same procedure as with any other plant- cut just above (distal to) a leaf node.

It may be an issue of direction. I had my kalanchoes facing east and they weren't thriving. I moved them so they're west-facing and after years of non-flowering, they bloomed and simply would not stop.

Moisture might be the problem, especially if you always keep it moist. Most plants do best when they are allowed to dry out between waterings. Drench the plant until the water drains out the bottom, then allow thesoil to dry out before you water again--this may take about 2 weeks. If the temperature is too warm, and the soil always moist, it can be creating a root rot or fungus-type situation.

No. The plant is probably over-watered, or under-watered. Adjust accordingly, then allow the plant to recover before pruning any living branches.

No, just make sure the soil is moist. Once they start to break soil, use a spray bottle and spray them. The key is not to over-water them without letting them get too dry. Water when the leaves begin to droop.

Could be over-watering, or even sun burn if you watered then in fun sun and left moisture on the leaves.

Try cutting back the branches of the plant. This can promote the growth of blooms and also keep it a manageable size.

Yes. Some species are more toxic than others. As a general rule, they should be kept away from pets.

The succulent leaves are designed to hold water, and they do best if the soil is allowed to dry before watering again. Otherwise, there can be root-rot and similar issues. When you get real friendly with your kalanchoe, you will be able to detect when their leaves start to droop a bit -- that's the sign they need water. A well-designed flower pot will have room for you to stick your finger into the soil to see if it's dry yet, but I prefer to see if the leaves are starting to look weary.

It's best to grow kalanchoe in the sun, though if you are growing the plant in a pot, try to move the plant out of the sunlight on very bright days.

Most kalanchoe species originate from the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa.

Yes, but they should not be left out in the rain, or hot weather, and should have good drainage.

It could be mildew, which can be rubbed off using a water spray. You may want to check for aphids. If the white powder is moving (you may have to use a magnifying glass to determine), you've got mealy bugs; get some safe soap spray and apply according to directions.

If the leaves are shriveled and yellow towards the bottom, that most likely means it's too dry. If the soil continues to be a dark brown color and all the leaves are yellow, it may be too moist.

I brought mine indoors and sat it by a window. Make sure that it gets enough sun, turn it every few days when it starts reaching towards the window, and only water as needed. Mine is doing fantastically, and in fact just won't stop blooming now.

The foliage can grow upwards of 30 inches with the flower stalk reaching heights of up to 50 inches or more.

12-15 inches on average. If protected from temperatures below 50 degrees, perhaps larger. They can become leggy with age.

Yes, you can grow kalanchoe in a self-watering pot. However, because kalanchoe need such a specific amount of water, it is better for the plant to water it yourself. This may promote better blooming and health for the plant.

Cutting back the stems after blooming isn't necessary, as long as there are no dead growths on your plant. Cut off any dead blooms or growths, and trim the stems if they are longer than you want them to be.

Luckily, kalanchoe is a very strong plant, so if you move it away from strong sunlight and make sure to water it properly, it may bounce back. If it does not absorb any of the water you give it, then it might be too far gone to save.

I trimmed my largest leaves to root them. The primary plant then got all sorts of new leaves and buds, and is now blooming.

Use a 6-inch clay pot for a 10-inch high kalanchoe. Clay pots provide better aeration for the roots than pots of other materials.

Kalanchoe can be especially sensitive to cold, particularly when they are freshly planted. Try to plant your kalanchoe in the spring or summer so that it can get maximum exposure to sun and avoid cold temperatures.

It depends on the species of kalanchoe. For instance, kalanchoe baharensis is a species that has thorns/spines.

Use a natural pesticide to get rid of aphids, as a non-natural pesticide can harm the plant or even kill it.

No. If the ends of the leaves turn brow,n it is most likely due to over-watering or under-watering. Once you have adjusted to the correct amount of watering, the leaves should return to normal.