Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) Growing & Care Guide

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) Growing & Care Guide

April 26, 2024

Hey there, plant enthusiasts! Plant

Are you ready to add some serious pizazz to your home with a Flaming Katy? This little beauty from Madagascar is about to take your space to the next level! firecherry_blossom

First off, let’s talk about why this plant is such a rockstar:

  • white_check_mark It’s a total low-maintenance queen
  • white_check_mark The blooms are out of this world (up to 26 petals, say what?!)
  • white_check_mark It’s the perfect gift or centerpiece to wow your friends

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) Growing & Care Guide

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of plant care! herbmemo

Sunlight: This sun-loving babe thrives in full sunlight outdoors or bright indirect light indoors. No shade for this lady! sunny

Watering: Don’t drown your Flaming Katy! Only water when the soil is completely dry to the touch. droplet

Fertilizing: Treat your plant to a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer high in the three main nutrients. It’ll thank you later! seedling

Plantingpalm_tree Outdoors (zones 10-11): Container or border/edging in well-draining soil and full sun house Indoors: Well-draining potting soil in a container 1-2 inches larger than the plant, placed in a sunny spot

Temperature: Keep your Flaming Katy cozy between 55-70°F (13-21°C). No frost allowed! 🌡️

Pruning: Snip away dead flowers and trim stems a third of the way down at a 45-degree angle. It’s like a spa day for your plant! scissors

Pests & Diseases: Watch out for mealy bugs, aphids, brown scale, powdery mildew, root rot, and fungal diseases. Prevention is key – avoid overwatering and wet leaves! bugmushroom

Note Keep this plant away from curious pets – it’s toxic to our furry friends! dogcat

Now, let’s talk propagation! It’s as easy as taking a stem cutting, letting it dry for a few days, and planting it in soil. Boom, baby Flaming Katy! babyherb

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) Growing & Care Guide
 

Common Problems:

  • x No new blooms? Trick your plant into thinking it’s a different season with light manipulation!
  • x Wilting leaves? Check your watering habits – not too much, not too little!
  • x Dropping leaves? Keep your plant away from cold drafts and extreme temperatures!
  • x Yellowing leaves? Move it to a brighter spot!
  • x Powdery mildew? Cut off affected leaves and treat with fungicide ASAP!

 

FAQs:

Can I cover my outdoor Flaming Katy during winter?

Nope, it’s better to bring it inside! This plant can’t handle the cold. 🥶

Does the Flaming Katy come in colors other than red?

You bet! Expect a rainbow of red, orange, pink, yellow, and white! rainbow

How big will my Flaming Katy get?

This compact cutie usually stays under a foot tall and wide. Perfect for small spaces! herb

Where did the Flaming Katy come from?

Straight outta Madagascar! It was first recorded in 1753 and later hybridized in 1932. 🇲🇬

Is “Kalanchoe” the same as Flaming Katy?

“Kalanchoe” is the genus, and Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a specific species within that genus. herb

 

So there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to make your Flaming Katy the talk of the town. Get ready to watch your space come alive with this vibrant, low-maintenance beauty! firecherry_blossomsparkles

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    About the Author

    Cameron

    Cameron is a plant journalist who loves everything green and eco-friendly. He writes for various publications about the benefits of native plants, such as enhancing biodiversity, reducing water use, and supporting pollinators. He also runs a special column about Native Plants of the Month on Askseeds.com Cameron believes that everyone can make a positive difference one seed at a time.

    SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

    NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH

    LEAFY LETTERS

    Join our Newsletter

    Become an integral part of our community of fellow plant lovers, where every edition is a botanical adventure waiting to unfold. Discover exclusive gardening tips, stay updated on the latest plant trends and answering readers questions on Ask Seeds!

      Ask Seeds LEAFY LETTERS