Kalanchoe Care: 2 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 2 Kalanchoe varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Kalanchoe. They share a love of lots of bright light and some direct sun for the best colour.

The Species

  • Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) -- After flowers fade, cut the stalk and keep it dry to rebloom.
  • Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) -- Furry brown-edged leaves; keep water off the fuzz.

Shared Care

  • Light: lots of bright light and some direct sun for the best colour.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with a single leaf laid on dry soil or a stem cutting left to callus then rooted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.