Plants
Flaming Katy
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana · Crassulaceae
Kalanchoe, affectionately called Flaming Katy, is the most undemanding flowering houseplant in our range. As a succulent it stores water in its thick, glossy leaves and forgives the odd missed watering. Its dense flower clusters glow for six to eight weeks — a reliable gift for anyone without a green thumb.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Alongside the classic single-flowered cultivars there are the double „Calandiva“ and „Rosalina“ lines, whose blooms look like miniature roses and last even longer. The colour range runs from vivid red through orange and yellow to soft pink and white — something for every season and occasion.
When buying we pick plants on which only some of the buds have opened. That way you take the full six to eight weeks of flowering home with you. Fully open plants look spectacular on the shelf but are already halfway through their performance.
As a succulent, kalanchoe is built to save water. The most common care mistake is therefore watering too often: if the root ball stays wet, roots and stem base rot. Let the soil dry well between waterings — better one thorough drink than constant sips.
After flowering, Flaming Katy does not have to go in the bin. Cut out the spent stems, keep the plant slightly cooler and water sparingly, and with a little luck it will bloom again. Kalanchoes are short-day plants: bud formation is triggered by around six weeks of long, dark nights — nurseries manage this with blackout screens; at home a room that stays genuinely dark in the evening does the trick.
Important for pet households: as undemanding as kalanchoe is, it is toxic to cats and dogs. Like many members of the stonecrop family it contains cardiac-active bufadienolides, which can cause stomach upset when eaten and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems. In homes with nibbling pets we keep it out of reach or recommend a pet-friendly alternative.
Decoratively, Flaming Katy is a team player: in planted bowls it combines well with other succulents such as echeveria, and next to green houseplants it brings instant colour to the windowsill. The compact cultivars also suit small flats and narrow shelves.
Is Flaming Katy toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts contain cardiac-active bufadienolides and are toxic to cats and dogs — the flowers most of all. For children the plant is considered mildly toxic; eating it must be avoided in any case. Keep out of reach in pet households.
Typical symptoms: After ingestion: drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy; larger amounts can cause heart rhythm disturbances — see a vet immediately in that case.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place bright to sunny; a south or west window is ideal, just avoid harsh summer midday sun.
- 02Water sparingly: let the soil dry well between waterings; waterlogging is the biggest enemy.
- 03Cut out spent flower stems regularly to prolong flowering.
- 04Feed lightly every two to three weeks while in bloom.
- 05Normal room temperature all year; not below 12 °C in winter.
- 06For a repeat bloom, simulate six weeks of short days with dark nights.
Frequently asked
- How often should I water a kalanchoe?
- Much less often than most houseplants. As a succulent it stores water in its leaves — on average once a week in summer and every ten to fourteen days in winter is enough. What matters is that the soil has dried out well beforehand.
- Is kalanchoe toxic to cats?
- Yes. Kalanchoes contain cardiac-active bufadienolides that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems in cats and dogs. The flowers carry the highest concentration. In households with nibbling pets, keep it out of reach or better choose a pet-friendly alternative.
- Will my kalanchoe flower again?
- Yes, with one trick. As a short-day plant it only sets new buds after about six weeks of long, dark nights. Cut out the spent blooms, water sparingly and keep the plant consistently dark from the evening onwards — it will flower again after two to three months.
- Why are my kalanchoe leaves going soft and yellow?
- Soft, glassy or yellow leaves are almost always a sign of overwatering. Take the pot out of the cachepot, let the root ball dry off and in future only water once the soil feels distinctly dry. If it smells rotten, only repotting into fresh, free-draining soil will help.