Dragonfire kalanchoe
Kalanchoe hybrid 'Dragonfire'
Dragonfire
About this plant
Kalanchoe 'Dragonfire' is a popular succulent known for its striking, fleshy leaves with red edges and clusters of small, tubular flowers. It is a hybrid variety prized for its vibrant colors and easy care. This plant is often grown indoors or in gardens as a decorative houseplant or patio plant.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Saxifragales
- Plant type
- Succulent
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Hybrid cultivar, originally from Kalanchoe species native to Madagascar and Africa
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated worldwide as a houseplant and in warm climates outdoors.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Rare
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Low
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-24 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining succulent or cactus mix
Watering. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.
Kalanchoe 'Dragonfire' is a tough succulent that thrives with minimal care. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so water sparingly and allow soil to dry between waterings. It requires little maintenance and is suitable for beginners.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Offsets
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- winter
Attractive fleshy leaves with red edges and bright clusters of tubular flowers.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Sap can cause mild skin irritation; keep away from pets and children to avoid ingestion, which may cause mild stomach upset.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Kalanchoe 'Dragonfire' may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to its sap. It is not known to produce airborne pollen that triggers allergies. To reduce exposure, avoid direct contact with the sap and wash hands after handling.
Common problems
Overwatering leading to root rot is the most common problem. Insufficient light can cause leggy growth. Occasionally, pests like mealybugs may appear.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its colorful foliage and flowers, suitable for indoor decoration and outdoor patios.
Notes
Prune spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil. Protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).