Flaming Katy care guide
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Also known as: Florist kalanchoe
Pets and children
Considered toxic
All parts contain cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rhythm problems in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Flaming Katy
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- Water thoroughly once the soil dries, as a guide; it is a summer grower but dislikes humidity, so from the rainy season to midsummer wait a few days after drying and water in the evening.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Water about two or three days after the soil dries; it sets buds now, so avoid letting it stay bone dry.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- While flowering indoors, water sparingly a few days after the soil dries, as a guide, and only once or twice a month below about 5°C.
Light and placement for Flaming Katy
A summer grower that generally wants sun and moving air, or a bright window indoors, with light shade in midsummer; as a short-day plant it sets buds when kept away from evening lights from fall on.
Overwintering Flaming Katy
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender to cold: as a guide, move it to a bright window when nights fall below about 10°C and keep it above 5°C, away from heater drafts and the chill at the glass, with sparing water.
Fertilizing and repotting Flaming Katy
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid fertilizer about twice a month from spring to fall, less in midsummer and none in winter, plus a small feed after flowering.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Flaming Katy
- Overwatering rots the roots and the leaves yellow and drop.
- In a room lit at night it fails to set buds.
- Winter chill at the window damages the leaves.
Tips for growing Flaming Katy
- Cut back spent flower stems to encourage the next flush.
- From about October, put it somewhere dark at night or cover it to trigger bloom.
- Keep water off the leaves to limit rot and mold.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
