How to Grow and Care for a Kalanchoe Plant

If you’ve ever strolled through a garden center or received a cheerful potted plant as a gift, chances are you’ve met the kalanchoe. With its vibrant clusters of flowers and thick, shiny leaves, this low-maintenance succulent is more than just a pretty face — it’s one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. Whether you’re a total newbie to houseplants or just looking for something fuss-free, kalanchoes make a fantastic choice.

Let’s break down how to keep your kalanchoe happy, healthy, and blooming — and how to grow new ones, too!

How to Grow a Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoes are not just easy to care for — they’re also incredibly easy to grow. Whether you’re looking to propagate a new plant or just bring one home from the store, here’s how to get started.

1. Starting from a Cutting (The Easy Way)

Kalanchoes are perfect for propagation, making them fun to share or multiply for your own space.

• Take a healthy stem cutting (about 3–4 inches long) from a mature plant.
• Let it dry for 1–2 days so the cut end can form a callus (this prevents rot).
• Plant it in well-draining soil and water lightly. Roots should develop within a few weeks.

Pro Tip: You can also propagate from leaves! Lay a healthy leaf on moist soil, mist occasionally, and tiny new plants will sprout from the edges.

2. Choosing the Right Pot & Soil

Since kalanchoes are succulents, they hate sitting in soggy soil.

• Use a pot with drainage holes—terracotta is a great choice because it helps absorb extra moisture.
• Fill with cactus/succulent mix, or create your own by mixing potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.

3. Planting & Initial Care

• Place your cutting (or store-bought plant) in the pot and gently firm the soil around it.
• Water lightly at first, then follow the kalanchoe care tips below to keep it thriving.

How to Care for Your Kalanchoe

Now that your plant is rooted and potted, let’s talk maintenance. These care steps will keep your kalanchoe happy and blooming for months.

1. Light: Bright but Indirect Sun

Kalanchoes love the light, but not too much of it.

• Best spot: Near an east- or west-facing window.
• Too little light: You’ll see leggy, stretched-out stems.
• Too much direct sun: Leaves may get scorched.

Blooming tip: To encourage flowering, give your kalanchoe 14 hours of darkness per day for 4–6 weeks (move it into a closet or cover it with a box each night). This mimics the shorter days they need to trigger blooms.

2. Watering: The “Soak & Dry” Method

Overwatering is the number one killer of kalanchoes.

• Check the top inch of soil — if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
• Water thoroughly and let all excess water drain away.
• Water less in winter, when the plant is dormant.

Think of watering like charging your phone — wait until it’s low before plugging it in again.

3. Temperature & Humidity

• Kalanchoes do best in 60–85°F (15–29°C).
• Avoid cold drafts or heaters nearby.
• No need for high humidity — average indoor levels are just fine.

4. Fertilizing (Optional but Helpful)

• Feed once a month during spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer.
• No need to fertilize in fall and winter.

5. Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
• Trim leggy growth to keep the plant compact and attractive.

Pruning is like giving your plant a haircut — it stays fresh and grows better afterward.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Final Thoughts

Kalanchoes are one of the most beginner-friendly plants out there. Whether you’re growing them from a cutting or caring for a flowering gift, all they need is:

• Bright light (but not harsh sun)
• Well-draining soil
• Minimal but deep watering
• And just a little attention during blooming seasons

Now, over to you!

Have you ever propagated a kalanchoe or helped one bloom again? What’s your favorite trick to keep succulents happy?

Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s grow and learn together!