The Beautiful and Easy to Care for Kalanchoe Succulent with Yellow Flowers

Kalanchoes are popular succulent houseplants known for their bright and showy yellow, orange, pink, red or white blooms. One of the most common kalanchoe varieties is the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as the Flaming Katy. This easy-to-grow succulent produces clusters of yellow, orange, pink and red flowers that can bloom repeatedly for many weeks. With its vibrant colors and sculptural foliage, the Flaming Katy makes an excellent gift or decorative plant in any home or office.

Overview of Kalanchoe Succulents

Kalanchoes belong to the Crassulaceae family of succulents which includes popular genera like Echeveria, Graptoveria and Sedum There are over 125 Kalanchoe species but the most common varieties grown as houseplants are

• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana – Most popular. Produces clusters of red, orange yellow or pink flowers.

• Kalanchoe luciae – Taller variety growing up to 3 feet. Has glossy leaves and dangling red or yellow flowers.

• Kalanchoe tomentosa – Has velvety leaves with yellow or orange fuzzy blooms.

• Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi – Lower growing with lavender-pink flowers and gray-green leaves.

While native to Madagascar, kalanchoes are now grown worldwide for their ability to bloom year-round in a variety of colors. They are popular gift plants and can often be found around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Key Features of Kalanchoe Succulents

Kalanchoes have some signature features that make them stand out

• Clusters of showy blooms – The flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of thick stalks arising from the center of the plant. Different varieties produce flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white.

• Thick, waxy leaves – The leaves are thick, smooth and waxy looking. Their shape can be rounded, paddle-shaped, long and pointy or heart-shaped depending on the variety. The leaves often have scalloped or serrated edges.

• Bushy, shrub-like growth – Kalanchoes grow upright in a bushy, shrub-like manner. When mature, most varieties will reach anywhere from 12-36 inches tall and wide.

• Reblooming – One of the nice things about kalanchoes is that they can rebloom off and on throughout the year when given proper care. The initial blooming period can last 4-8 weeks.

• Easy propagation – Kalanchoes propagate easily from stem and leaf cuttings. The new baby plants root quickly and will bloom in about 8-12 weeks.

Growing Conditions for Optimal Health

Kalanchoes are native to the tropical regions of Africa so they prefer warm temperatures and higher humidity. Here are the key conditions they need to thrive indoors:

• Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. East or west facing windows work well. Provide 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.

• Temperature – Normal indoor temperatures between 65-80°F are fine. They cannot tolerate frost or freezing.

• Water – Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.

• Humidity – Average room humidity is fine, but misting the plant daily can help mimic their native humidity.

• Soil – Use a fast draining cactus/succulent soil mix or add extra perlite to regular potting soil to improve drainage.

• Fertilizer – Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half strength.

• Pot – Choose a container with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots work well to absorb excess moisture. Re-pot every 2-3 years as needed.

Tips for Encouraging Kalanchoes to Rebloom

Getting kalanchoes to flower repeatedly is easy with proper care:

• Provide bright light to initiate bud development.

• Allow the soil to dry out moderately between waterings.

• Maintain temperatures between 65-80°F. Cooler night temps can promote blooming.

• Prune back leggy growth by 1/3 after initial flowering to encourage new blooms.

• Remove spent flower clusters promptly to focus energy on new buds.

• Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.

• Keep the plant slightly pot bound as restricting roots can trigger blooms.

• Keep plants in their growth phase by avoiding dramatic shifts in temperature or light.

Suitable Display Locations for Maximum Impact

With their sculptural foliage and colorful blooms, kalanchoes make great decorative statements wherever they are placed. Some ideal locations include:

• Tabletop or countertop – Place near a window or in a high traffic area.

• Bookshelves or mantels – Let the blooms take center stage against a neutral backdrop.

• Office desks – Brighten up an office space. The blooms will spark conversations.

• Kitchen windowsills – Add a pop of color while cooking and cleaning.

• Entryways and foyers – Greet guests with colorful blooms.

• Bathrooms – Increase the vibrancy and humidity of a bathroom.

• Dorm rooms – Easy to care for in low light dorm rooms.

• Gift giving – A blooming plant makes a great holiday, birthday, get well or thank you gift.

Common Kalanchoe Varieties to Grow

While there are over 100 kalanchoe species and varieties, some of the most popular include:

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

This is the classic Flaming Katy kalanchoe with big clusters of red, pink, orange, yellow or white blooms. It has glossy, scalloped leaves and a bushy habit reaching 10-18 inches tall. ‘Calandiva’ is a popular cultivar.

Kalanchoe luciae

The paddle plant has long, thick, paddle-shaped leaves up to 10 inches long on tall stems. Clusters of dangling red or yellow flowers extend above the foliage. Grows over 2 feet tall.

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

Lavender scallops has gray-green leaves with pretty lavender-pink blooms. It has a low, spreading habit reaching just 8-12 inches tall.

Kalanchoe tomentosa

The panda plant has fuzzy, white hairs on its leaves and stems giving it a velvety appearance. It produces orange or rust colored blooms. Grows to 12 inches tall.

There are also beautiful hybrids like K. x houghtonii (mother of thousands) and cultivars like ‘Bells’ and ‘Tiki torch’ with unique leaf shapes or colors.

Troubleshooting Common Kalanchoe Problems

Kalanchoes are pretty sturdy plants but occasionally may encounter issues like:

• Leggy growth – Insufficient light causes weak, leggy growth. Provide more sunlight.

• Drooping leaves – Overwatering can cause leaves to yellow and droop. Allow soil to dry out before watering.

• Few blooms – Encourage more flowers by giving more sun, regular feeding, and pruning back after initial blooms finish.

• Leaf spots – Brown spots on leaves can indicate fungal disease. Increase airflow and reduce watering frequency.

• Root rot – Wet soil for too long causes roots and stems to rot. Repot in fresh soil and discard diseased roots.

• Pests – Mealybugs and aphids can sometimes be a problem. Wipe with alcohol or use insecticidal soap.

With the right care, most kalanchoe issues can be avoided and it will reward you with an attractive display of yellow, orange or red blooms again and again. It’s no wonder this colorful succulent is so beloved by gardeners!

Some key facts and statistics:

• The most common kalanchoe variety mentioned was Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.
• Light, water, and temperature conditions were each mentioned 4 times.
• Blooms, flowers, or flowering was mentioned 15 times.
• Reblooming and propagation were each mentioned 3 times.
• Yellow flowers were mentioned 6 times.
• Other flower colors mentioned were red, orange, pink, lavender, and white.
• Height ranges given were 10-18 inches, over 2 feet, and 8-12 inches.
• Other popular varieties listed were K. luciae, K. fedtschenkoi, and K. tomentosa.
• Key growing tips, display locations, problems, and remedies were covered.