How to Care for Calandiva, the Beautiful Flowering Succulent

With its rose-like blooms and easygoing nature, calandiva has become a cherished houseplant. This flowering succulent, also known as kalanchoe blossfeldiana, flourishes with minimal effort. Learn the simple secrets to keeping your calandiva healthy and happy.

Calandiva is a hybrid cultivar that was first developed in the Netherlands. It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus of succulents, which contains over 100 flowering varieties.

Compact in size, calandiva reaches just 12-18 inches tall at maturity. Its fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves form a tidy rosette.

From winter to spring, clusters of colorful flowers bloom on calandiva. Blooms come in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and white. The double-petaled flowers resemble miniature roses.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Calandiva

Calandiva thrives in household environments Follow these care guidelines

• Light Bright indirect light is best Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.

• Temperature: Average room temperature between 60-75°F suits it well. Keep away from cold drafts.

• Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water only when completely dry.

• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix made for succulents and cacti.

• Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Humidity: Average humidity is fine. Does not require high humidity.

How to Water Calandiva Properly

Water calandiva deeply but infrequently. Wait until the top inch or two of soil becomes completely dry before watering again.

Watering once every 1-2 weeks is usually sufficient. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.

Always water at the base of the plant. Take care not to splash water on the leaves or flowers, as this can cause rot.

Allow excess water to drain from the drainage holes. Never let calandiva sit in soggy soil, which can quickly lead to root rot.

Achieving the Best Growth

Calandiva is a relatively slow growing succulent. But you can maximize growth by:

• Giving it bright filtered sunlight from a south or west window

• Using a potting mix made especially for cacti and succulents

• Watering properly and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings

• Feeding monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer

• Avoiding cold drafts and keeping temperatures above 50°F

With ideal care, your calandiva will reach its mature size of 12-18 inches tall within a few years.

How to Get Calandiva to Bloom

In nature, calandiva blooms in winter and spring. The shortening days of fall trigger bud formation.

To encourage flowering indoors, place calandiva in complete darkness for 12-14 hours daily starting in November. Keep this up for 6 weeks.

Once buds appear, restore normal lighting conditions. Blooms should open 4-6 weeks later. Enjoy the flowers for 6-8 weeks.

After flowering finishes, prune back leggy stems and remove spent blooms. This tidy up will encourage reblooming next year.

Common Problems With Calandiva

Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Drooping leaves: Underwatering. Water more frequently.

• Yellow leaves: Overwatering or insufficient sunlight. Reduce watering and increase light exposure.

• Leaf drop: Normal as older leaves die. Just remove fallen leaves.

• Leggy growth: Needs more sunlight. Rotate plant or move it closer to a window.

• No blooms: Not enough darkness to initiate flowering. Move to a dark room for 12+ hours daily.

How to Prune and Propagate

Prune calandiva in early spring to shape it and remove dead leaves and spent blooms. Use sterile scissors or pruners.

To propagate new plants from cuttings, clip a healthy stem below a leaf node. Allow the cut end to callous over and dry for a few days before planting in moist potting mix.

You can also divide an overgrown calandiva. Carefully separate its rosettes and repot them individually. Water sparingly until established.

Tips for Repotting Calandiva

Repot calandiva every 2-3 years in spring. Gently remove it from its pot and loosen any circling roots.

Replant in a container just one size larger with fresh succulent potting soil. Firm the soil gently and water well. Place in bright light while it adjusts to its new pot.

Choosing the right pot for calandiva is key. Pick a container with drainage holes and use a porous potting mix, like a cactus and succulent blend. This will prevent soggy soil.

A shallow or squat pot looks most proportional for these compact plants. Terra cotta pots work nicely for calandiva.

With its vibrant blooms and sculptural form, calandiva makes an effortless addition to any space. Just be sure to provide this carefree succulent with bright light and well-draining soil, and it will keep flourishing year after year.