Caring for your Kalanchoe

HOW TO GROW
Kalanchoes require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily in order to flower profusely and retain their foliage colors.

TEMPERATURE
Ideal temperatures are 50 to 60°F in the daytime.

WATERING
Allow the top layer of soil to become dry before watering thoroughly.

FERTILIZING
Feed every two weeks from May until they bloom, then withhold fertilizer until active growth resumes. Use a high phosphorous, water-soluble chemical fertilizer such as 15-30-15 diluted to half strength.

REPOTTING
When plants become crowded, repot in equal parts commercial potting soil and sand.

TO BLOOM
For Christmas, blossfeldiana requires at least 14 hours complete darkness and 10 hours of sunshine or artificial light each day from September through early December. After they bloom, cut the stems off below the flowers and just above the first pair of strong leaves.

PROPAGATE
Propagate from stem cuttings in early autumn or from seed. If seed is sown by early January, it will produce blooming plants for Christmas. The other species can be grown from stem or leaf cuttings.