The gorgeous Kalanchoe grows in a wide range of weather, but be mindful as these bloomers are not hardy plants and could die from the cold.
Did you know some cultivars of Kalanchoes can withstand cool temperatures?
Learn more about Kalanchoe cultivars and how you can grow them as perennials and annuals.
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Kalanchoe Flowering Season
Kalanchoe makes a beautiful decorative plant to grow in gardens and patios by producing long-lasting clusters of red, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, and white blooms.
A flowering succulent from the temperate regions of Africa, Asia, and South America, it thrives in warm weather indoors or outdoors.
When grown outdoors on a patio or garden, you should be mindful of the temperature because it hardly survives less than 50°F.
Most hardy ones grown in containers can bloom throughout winter and early spring in the combination of short days and long nights.
These Kalanchoe varieties are well-suited as annuals in cold regions.
Otherwise, you can plant them outside as perennials and let them thrive each year if you live in warm regions with winter temperatures hardly dropping below 30°F.
Kalanchoe as Perennial
Most species of Kalanchoe are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, dry environments.
As perennials, these plants will attain a height of 8-12 inches within a few years and remain permanent plant that comes back every year.
- Remember, these are short-day plants, meaning they require long periods of darkness to produce flowers, usually in the winter months.
- Otherwise, simulate an artificial condition by covering the plant with a dark cloth for at least 12-14 hours daily to mimic its natural habitat.
- Those grown as perennials can withstand winter as the low temperature hardly falls below 30°F.
Nonetheless, some adorable Kalanchoes varieties will adorn your garden or home.
Flaming Katy, Marnier’s Kalancohe, and Chandelier Plant are a few popular choices.
Kalanchoe as Annual
Although not grown annually, you can grow your Kalanchoes as annuals where the climate is unsuitable for year-round growth.
Better grow Kalanchoe in a container or pot you can keep outside in spring and summer and bring them inside in fall and winter.
Annual Kalanchoe typically only survives for one growing season before it dies off because it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Additionally, they will act like an annual if the plantlets overtake the surrounding soil. The plantlets will take up moisture and nutrients from the soil, stressing the mother plant and causing it to die back.
Therefore, trimming plantlets will help keep them thriving.
Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Paddle Plant, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Flaming Katy, and Blossfeldiana make perfect cold hardy varieties that can survive cold winters of USDA 9.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Unlike other plants, Kalanchoes do not grow dormant in winter but keep growing and producing flowers.
Protect them from frost by sparingly bringing them indoors or in a protected area (greenhouse, covered porch) and water.
An ideal temperature, a few hours of sunlight, and mild monthly fertilizing will help boost flower production.
