Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Crassulaceae family, native to Tsaratanana Mountains of northern Madagascar. It grows 20–45 cm (8–18 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 20–45 cm (8–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tsaratanana Mountains of northern Madagascar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially flowers
Kalanchoes contain bufadienolides (heart poisons): eating them causes vomiting and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems in cats, dogs and grazing animals.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe)
- How far apart should I plant Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. Kalanchoes contain bufadienolides (heart poisons): eating them causes vomiting and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems in cats, dogs and grazing animals.
- What grows well with Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Flaming Katy (florist’s kalanchoe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Glossy scalloped leaves and dense heads of small four-petalled flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink or white, sold by the million as a flowering pot plant. A short-day plant: it reflowers only after about six weeks of long nights.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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