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© Vladimir Gostev, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is flaming Katy, a flowering succulent growing 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall and wide. Dense clusters of small double flowers 0.5 inch (12 mm) across in red, pink, orange, yellow, white, or bicolor — the flower display lasts 6–8 weeks. Named after Robert Blossfeld, the German nurseryman who introduced it commercially. A short-day plant: flowering is triggered by 14+ hours of uninterrupted darkness per night for approximately 6 weeks. Commercial growers force flowering year-round using blackout curtains. To rebloom at home, the plant must receive 14 hours of complete darkness per night (6 PM to 8 AM) for 6 weeks, typically starting in October. Without this controlled darkness, the plant grows vegetatively but does not reflower. Succulent leaves — drought-tolerant; allow soil to dry between waterings. Toxic to cats and dogs: contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) that can cause cardiac symptoms if ingested. Native to Madagascar. Bright direct light during the day for compact growth; insufficient light causes etiolation.
Native Range
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is native to Madagascar.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 0.5–1 gallon (2–4 liters) on windowsills, desks, and as a long-lasting flowering gift. The 6–8 week bloom duration exceeds most flowering gift plants. Toxic to cats and dogs — keep out of reach of pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Commercially available in bloom year-round (forced). Natural bloom is winter to spring. Each display lasts 6–8 weeks. Reblooming requires 6 weeks of 14-hour darkness exposure.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, or bicolor — dense clusters of small double flowers lasting 6-8 weeksFoliage Description
Dark green, thick, succulent, glossy, scallop-edgedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright direct light for compact growth. Allow soil to dry between waterings — succulent leaves store moisture. Short-day plant: 14 hours of complete darkness for 6 weeks triggers reblooming. Toxic to cats and dogs (cardiac glycosides). Native to Madagascar.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base. Pinch stem tips after blooming to maintain compact form and encourage branching for more flower clusters.Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons