cactus succulent

Flaming Katy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, the flaming Katy, is a bushy succulent subshrub native to Madagascar, reaching six to eighteen inches in height with thick, glossy green leaves. The foliage features distinct scalloped margins and stores water efficiently, allowing the plant to survive prolonged dry periods.

The species is distinguished by its dense, upright clusters of small, four-petaled flowers held well above the foliage on sturdy stems. These vibrant blooms appear naturally during the short days of winter and spring, providing a long-lasting floral display.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, long-lasting clusters of vibrant flowers above glossy, scalloped succulent foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant container plant requiring minimal watering once established.

Provides nectar for visiting hummingbirds when grown outdoors in warm, frost-free climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

18"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Madagascar

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a container with ample drainage holes and fill it with a porous, sandy cactus or succulent potting mix.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light or partial shade, avoiding intense afternoon sun.
Water the soil thoroughly only when it has dried out completely, and never allow the pot to sit in standing water.
Maintain warm temperatures above 50°F and protect the plant from freezing conditions or cold drafts.

Pro Tip

Pinch back the growing tips of young stems to stimulate lateral branching; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems results in poor regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Provide bright, indirect sunlight to maintain compact growth and vibrant blooms.
Pinch back young stems to encourage a bushier, more floriferous habit.

Don't

Do not overwater or let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
Avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems where new shoots struggle to emerge.
Do not expose the plant to frost or temperatures below 50°F.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

ContainersRock gardensHouseplantsBorder edging in frost-free climates

Companion Plants

Echeveria Sedum Crassula ovata Dracaena trifasciata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flaming Katy questions

What zones can Flaming Katy grow in?

Flaming Katy is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Flaming Katy deer resistant?

Yes — Flaming Katy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Flaming Katy bloom?

Flaming Katy typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flaming Katy need full sun?

Flaming Katy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Flaming Katy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flaming Katy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.