How to Get Kalanchoe to Bloom: Essential Tips
How to Get Kalanchoe to Bloom?
To get Kalanchoe to bloom, it requires low light conditions and a period of 14 hours without light.
It is most commonly blooming in late winter to late spring, with lower light levels during fall and winter encouraging blooming.
After the flowers fade, they should be cut back to redirect energy.
In summer, keep the plant in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and in a sunny location.
In fall, water should be reduced and the plant moved indoors if frost is expected.
Fertilize with a 0-10-10 fertilizer in late winter or when the first buds are forming.
To make Kalanchoe bloom at a specific time, provide a 14-hour period without light daily 6 weeks before the desired bloom time.
Key Points:
- Kalanchoe blooms best with low light conditions and a 14-hour period without light
- Blooming occurs most commonly in late winter to late spring, while lower light levels in fall and winter encourage blooming
- After flowers fade, cutting them back redirects energy
- In summer, keep the plant in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and in a sunny location
- Reduce watering and move the plant indoors in fall if frost is expected
- Use a 0-10-10 fertilizer in late winter or when buds are forming, for fertilization
Did You Know?
1. Kalanchoe is a succulent plant native to Madagascar, but it has been cultivated and naturalized in various parts of the world.
2. To encourage blooming in Kalanchoe, give the plant a period of darkness for about 12-14 hours every day. This mimics the shorter days of winter and triggers the blooming process.
3. The vibrant hues of Kalanchoe flowers are not actually petals, but modified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are tiny and usually yellow in color.
4. While most plants need a lot of sunlight to bloom, Kalanchoe is an exception. It thrives in bright, indirect light and excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
5. One interesting fact about Kalanchoe is that some species are considered highly toxic to pets if ingested. Always keep it out of reach of curious animals, especially cats, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Lighting Conditions For Kalanchoe Bloom
Kalanchoe, a popular houseplant in North American homes, prefers low light conditions to trigger its blooming cycle. Unlike many plants that thrive in bright and direct sunlight, Kalanchoe requires specific lighting conditions.
To encourage budding and blooming, it is recommended to provide the plant with 14 hours of darkness daily. This extended period of lightless conditions mimics the natural environment of Kalanchoe in its native region, where it can bloom almost year-round.
By exposing the plant to this prolonged darkness, you stimulate the plant’s natural instincts to initiate budding and subsequent blooming.
Timing And Light Requirements For Kalanchoe Blooming
The timing and light requirements play crucial roles in encouraging Kalanchoe to bloom. As a container houseplant, Kalanchoe typically blooms in late winter to late spring. This period coincides with lower light levels during fall and winter, which naturally stimulate Kalanchoe to enter its blooming phase. Therefore, it is important to take advantage of the reduced light levels during these seasons to promote blooming in your Kalanchoe.
If you wish to time the bloom of your Kalanchoe for a specific occasion, like Christmas, you can employ a technique that involves minimizing watering and providing a 14-hour period without light daily for six weeks before the desired bloom time. This method helps synchronize the plant’s blooming cycle with your desired timeframe.
In addition to the reduced light levels, Kalanchoe requires a minimum of 10 hours of bright light to thrive. Therefore, it is necessary to place the plant in a sunny location during summer, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight to meet its light requirements. However, it is important to note that the plant should be kept away from drafts and in a warm environment to prevent any adverse effects on its blooming process.
Hibernation Period For Kalanchoe Bloom
Similar to many plants, Kalanchoe requires a rest period, often referred to as hibernation, to accumulate energy for blooming and growth. During this dormancy period, which lasts for approximately six weeks, the plant should not be watered or fed. This allows the plant to direct its energy towards storing nutrients and preparing for its upcoming blooming cycle.
During the dormancy period, it is crucial to refrain from any watering or feeding, as this can disrupt the plant’s natural rhythm and hinder the success of its bloom. It is important to provide optimal conditions for the plant during this rest period, ensuring it is kept warm and away from any drafts.
Maintaining Proper Care During And After Kalanchoe Blooming
Once the flowers of your Kalanchoe have faded and died, it is important to cut them back. By doing so, you redirect the plant’s energy from sustaining the spent flowers towards new growth and future blooming. Removing the faded flowers also improves the overall appearance of the plant, making it more visually appealing.
After the blooming phase, it is crucial to resume regular care for your Kalanchoe. This includes providing the appropriate amount of light, watering, and fertilization. To ensure the plant receives adequate nutrition, consider fertilizing with a 0-10-10 fertilizer in late winter or as the first buds are forming. This fertilizer composition helps promote blooming and overall plant health.
During spring, it is important to feed the Kalanchoe plant regularly to support its growth and encourage new buds. Additionally, regularly removing spent flowers will prevent the plant from diverting energy to sustaining them, ultimately promoting the development of new blooms.
Kalanchoe Bloom: Seasonal Considerations And Care
Understanding the seasonal considerations and providing proper care is essential in maximizing the blooming period of Kalanchoe plants. Kalanchoe typically blooms in late winter to late spring. To ensure the best blooming success, it is important to adjust the plant’s care routine accordingly throughout the seasons.
During summer, it is recommended to:
- Keep the Kalanchoe plant in well-drained soil
- Place it in a sunny location with moderate moisture
This provides the plant with the necessary light levels and water requirements it needs to thrive during the warmer months. Taking care to not overwater the plant is crucial during this time, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and hinder the blooming process.
As fall approaches and light levels naturally decrease, reducing the watering frequency and preparing the plant for its dormant period is essential. If frost is expected, it is advisable to move the plant indoors to protect it from any potential damage. During this transition, it is important to maintain the appropriate light levels while gradually reducing the amount of water provided to the plant.
Extending The Bloom Period Of Kalanchoe Plants
Kalanchoe plants are cherished for their ability to provide up to six months of beautiful flowers and thick, attractively scalloped leaves. Although they naturally bloom in late winter to late spring, with proper care and attention, it is possible to extend their blooming period.
One key factor in extending the bloom period is to ensure that the Kalanchoe plant is placed in optimal lighting conditions throughout its growth cycle. Providing a consistent 10 hours of bright light, along with the necessary rest period and timing adjustments, will greatly enhance the plant’s ability to produce flowers for an extended period.
Regular maintenance, such as removing spent flowers and providing proper care during and after blooming, is also crucial in promoting continuous blooming. By attending to these essential tasks, you can help your Kalanchoe plant display its vibrant flowers and foliage for an extended duration.
By providing the necessary lighting conditions, adjusting the plant’s care routine based on the seasons, and implementing timing techniques, you can extend the blooming period of your Kalanchoe and enjoy its beautiful flowers and foliage for months on end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my kalanchoe plant not flowering?
The lack of flowering in your kalanchoe plant could be attributed to insufficient exposure to the right light conditions. Kalanchoes are photoperiodic plants that rely on the length of daylight to trigger blooming. Since they typically bloom in early spring, it might be necessary to simulate six weeks of winter lighting conditions to encourage the development of flower buds. By providing your kalanchoe with the appropriate amount and quality of light, you can enhance its chances of producing beautiful blooms.
What triggers kalanchoe plants to bloom?
Kalanchoe plants exhibit beautiful blooms when triggered by the right environmental conditions. These African natives have successfully made their way into North American homes. To encourage blooming, kalanchoe plants prefer low light conditions. The key to initiating budding lies in providing 14 consecutive hours of darkness. By ensuring the plant experiences an extended period without light, the kalanchoe is prompted to develop buds and ultimately burst into an exquisite display of flowers.
Does kalanchoe like sun or shade?
Kalanchoe plants thrive in bright, indirect light indoors, making them perfect for well-lit areas such as near a window. Outdoor kalanchoes, on the other hand, can tolerate both partial shade and full sun. While they can handle direct sunlight, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent them from getting scorched. If you notice leggy stems, it may be a sign that the plant is lacking sufficient light and may benefit from a brighter spot.
What are the flowering times for kalanchoe?
Kalanchoes are renowned for their stunning blooms, which grace us with their presence during the winter months. The flowering times for these captivating plants begin in June and extend all the way through September, showcasing their beauty for a significant duration. In some exceptional cases, these delightful flowers may even continue to blossom beyond September, offering a touch of floral charm for an extended period. Embracing the colder months, kalanchoes bring a burst of color and vitality to gardens and pots alike.