Plate No. 21

Flaming Katy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

"A small bouquet that lasts for weeks"

Native to

Highlands of Madagascar

Botanical illustration of Flaming Katy
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana — drawn from life
History

A brief account

Flaming Katy is a compact, brightly coloured succulent that has become a beloved houseplant for its long-lasting flowers and cheerful disposition. It was brought from Madagascar in 1924 by the German seedsman Robert Blossfeld, whose name the plant now carries, and modern breeding has produced varieties in nearly every shade from white to scarlet. The blooms can last for several weeks, making it one of the most rewarding succulents for seasonal colour indoors. Its tidy form and repeat flowering make it a dependable choice for bright windows and shelves.

How to care for

Place Flaming Katy according to its light needs: Bright light with some direct morning sun. For watering, when the top of the soil is dry; reduce after flowering. For the potting medium, use standard succulent mix. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer. 15–24°C. Frost-tender. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.

How to propagate

Stem-tip cuttings root easily in dry soil. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent. Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young Flaming Katy into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.
Cultivation

Quick tips for care & planting

Light
Bright light with some direct morning sun.
Water
When the top of the soil is dry; reduce after flowering.
Soil
Standard succulent mix.
Temperature
15–24°C. Frost-tender.
Propagation
Stem-tip cuttings root easily in dry soil.