The Blossfeldiana is the most popular succulent plant from the Kalanchoe genus, and was mainly grown for its flowering ability, rather than its foliage - like other succulents. Growers can motivate the plant to bloom at any time of the year, although they are naturally spring bloomers. The green leaves will become a reddish color around the edges, if given enough sunlight.

Blooming: In the past these plants were thrown away after the flowers died, which is why it was better known as a flowering gift plant. However, they can bloom many times, at any time of the year - indoors. It's best to prune these back as soon as the existing flowers are spent or dead, which will encourage new buds and further flowering.

Taking cuttings from the flaming katy and propagating them (easily done) will allow a grower to create new plants and provide a higher chance of seeing more flowers, in case the parent plant decides it no longer wants to produce more (it's easier than being concerned about the parent re-flowering).

Level of care: Taking care of these is pretty easy, and they may actually thank you for a little neglect. Getting them to re-flower is the difficult part, although as mentioned above you can just propagate new cuttings.

Pets: The Kalanchoe plant is toxic to pets (dogs and cats), as advised by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), if consumed. The ASPCA advises owners to contact there veterinary clinic if their animal begins vomiting or has diarrhoea.

Facts

Origin: Madagascar. Names: Flaming katy (common). -- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (botanical/scientific). Max Growth (approx): 18 inches in height. Poisionous for pets: Toxic to cats and dogs.

Orange Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Flowers

Yellow Kalanchoe Flowers

Flaming Katy Care

Temperature: Temperature:Average room temperatures from 65°F/18.3°C - 75°F/23.8°C and no lower than 50°F/10°C, is best; avoiding frost if they are grown or sitting outside for a period of time. Light: The F.katy is a hardy plant which can tolerate various lighting conditions, although it enjoys resting on a windowsill that is bright, but not too much direct sunlight during the summer. Some growers around October time, will try and provide the plant with plenty of dark hours at night (up to 14 hours) to allow it to rest, which can encourage future blooms. Watering: Because its a succulent, it will hold water within it's leaves, so there's no need to keep the soil damp, all the time. When they need watering it's a good idea to give them plenty, and then allow the soil to become dry again. Soil: When grown outside the plant thrives on most soils, so grown indoors a good potting mix - will suffice. Fertilizer: A standard liquid fertiliser can be used once a month or so from spring until the end of summer. Check the instructions, for the fertilizer bought. Re-Potting: These are re-potted around spring time. Do be careful when re-potting because the leaves can snap easily; they are kind of brittle. Humidity: Normal room humidity is fine, and they do not need misting. Propagation: These are easily propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings ( spring or summer). Treat them like other succulents and allow the cutting to dry out for a few days, then plant in soil. A root should be forming within a couple of weeks or so, and then wait for new growth.

Overall, this plant is a tough fellow that's easy to take care of, and looks great sitting gracefully on a window sill. Producing flowers after the last bloom is the tricky part. However, as mentioned above - take cuttings and propagate a new plant .