Crassulaceae
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Bring weeks of color to your space with Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana). This compact succulent stays neat on desks and windowsills, produces dense clusters of elegant blooms, and asks for very little—just bright light and occasional watering. A top choice for gifts, reception areas, and modern interiors where you want reliable flowers with minimal maintenance.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Flaming Katy, Florist Kalanchoe
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Arabic Name: كلانشو
Plant Variant: Standard
Plant Color: Natural
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Species: K. blossfeldiana
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the island of Madagascar in Africa, where it grows in the relatively cool plateaus of the Tsaratanana Mountains.
4. Visual Characteristics
This plant features thick, waxy, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. It is famous for its large, dense clusters of small, four-petaled flowers that rise above the foliage in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
5. Size & Dimensions
A compact, bushy succulent typically reaching 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) in height and width.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. To trigger re-blooming, it requires specific periods of darkness.
7. Watering Needs
Water thoroughly when the soil has completely dried out. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and is highly susceptible to root rot if kept in soggy soil.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a very well-draining potting mix, such as a specialized cactus or succulent soil. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C). It handles average household humidity well but should be protected from cold drafts and frost.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer).
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove spent flower clusters to encourage a tidy appearance.
12. Growth & Propagation
Slow to moderate growth rate. Easily propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings during the spring or summer months.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering is the most common issue, leading to root rot. Watch for pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Powdery mildew can occur if air circulation is poor.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent as an ornamental houseplant, desk plant, or gift. It is known for its exceptionally long-lasting blooms, which can persist for several weeks.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) which can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious heart issues in animals.
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Bring weeks of color to your space with Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana). This compact succulent stays neat on desks and windowsills, produces dense clusters of elegant blooms, and asks for very little—just bright light and occasional watering. A top choice for gifts, reception areas, and modern interiors where you want reliable flowers with minimal maintenance.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Flaming Katy, Florist Kalanchoe
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Arabic Name: كلانشو
Plant Variant: Standard
Plant Color: Natural
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Species: K. blossfeldiana
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the island of Madagascar in Africa, where it grows in the relatively cool plateaus of the Tsaratanana Mountains.
4. Visual Characteristics
This plant features thick, waxy, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. It is famous for its large, dense clusters of small, four-petaled flowers that rise above the foliage in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
5. Size & Dimensions
A compact, bushy succulent typically reaching 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) in height and width.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. To trigger re-blooming, it requires specific periods of darkness.
7. Watering Needs
Water thoroughly when the soil has completely dried out. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and is highly susceptible to root rot if kept in soggy soil.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a very well-draining potting mix, such as a specialized cactus or succulent soil. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C). It handles average household humidity well but should be protected from cold drafts and frost.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer).
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove spent flower clusters to encourage a tidy appearance.
12. Growth & Propagation
Slow to moderate growth rate. Easily propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings during the spring or summer months.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering is the most common issue, leading to root rot. Watch for pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Powdery mildew can occur if air circulation is poor.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent as an ornamental houseplant, desk plant, or gift. It is known for its exceptionally long-lasting blooms, which can persist for several weeks.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) which can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious heart issues in animals.