Kalanchoe blossfeldiana or Flaming Katy is a succulent plant from Madagascar that has enjoyed great popularity as a houseplant in this country for several years. The easy-to-keep and profusely flowering plant is usually only cultivated for one year - similar to the no less popular poinsettia - as it is difficult to get it to flower again in the following years. However, with our tips you might succeed in such an attempt - give it a try.

The pretty Flammende Käthchen is very easy to care for

Which location does the Flaming Käthchen prefer?

The Flammende Käthchen needs a bright place, although the strong midday sun should be avoided. If the leaves of the plant turn reddish, this is a sign of sunburn and you should remove the plant from the sun immediately. Please note that the Kalanchoe is a short-day plant that only produces buds for the next season in winter if it gets a maximum of nine hours of light per day. From November you should be careful not to expose the plant to light for too long.

In which substrate does Flaming Katy feel particularly comfortable?

It is best to place the Flammende Käthchen in cactus soil and, above all, ensure good drainage, for example with expanded clay (€19.73) or pottery shards. The succulent does not tolerate waterlogging at all.

What should you pay attention to when watering the Flaming Katy?

Native to the hot, tropical regions of East Africa, Flaming Katy is able to store water in its fleshy leaves. Therefore, water the plant no more than once a week during the hot months - and only if the substrate feels dry when you test it with your fingers. In winter, of course, the plant needs less moisture.

When and how often should Flaming Katy be fertilized?

If you repot the Flammende Käthchen once a year, additional fertilizer is not necessary. Otherwise, provide the plant with special liquid cactus fertilizer regularly during the growing season. Be careful never to fertilize on dry roots as this will damage the roots.

At which temperatures does the Flaming Käthchen feel particularly comfortable?

In order for the Flaming Katy to bloom long and profusely, you should cultivate it, especially in winter, at a room temperature of around 16 to 20 °C and a maximum of nine hours of light - only then will the buds develop for the following summer.

Can you cut back the Flaming Katy?

Since the Flaming Katy tends to grow fast, you can safely prune it a little from time to time. On the other hand, faded flower heads are not cut off, but simply plucked off carefully.

How can the Flaming Katy be multiplied?

With leaf or shoot cuttings, you can ensure a constant supply of new plants yourself. In addition, the Flaming Katy can also be multiplied by seeds.

Which diseases and pests attack the Flaming Katy particularly often?

Diseases and pests are rare in the Kalanchoe, the plant is considered to be very robust. The only problem is excessive moisture, to which the plant often reacts by changing the leaves and dropping them.

Can you hibernate the Flaming Katy?

The Flaming Katy is a tropical plant and can therefore only overwinter indoors at temperatures of at least 15 °C.

tips

During the summer months, the Flaming Käthchen feels most comfortable in the fresh air - for example on the balcony or terrace.

Category:

Vegetable garden