Calandiva
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Calandiva
Calandiva
About this plant
Calandiva is a popular flowering succulent known for its large, double-layered blooms in bright colors like red, pink, orange, and white. It has thick, glossy green leaves and blooms mainly in winter and spring. This plant is often grown indoors as a decorative houseplant and is appreciated for its long-lasting flowers and easy care.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Saxifragales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Madagascar
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated worldwide as a houseplant, originally bred from species native to Madagascar.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18–24 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9–11
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining potting mix, cactus or succulent mix
Watering. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is resting.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is resting.
Calandiva is a tough, easy-to-care-for flowering succulent. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry between waterings. It requires minimal maintenance and occasional deadheading to encourage new blooms.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- winter–spring
Showy, double-layered flowers in bright colors; glossy succulent leaves; compact bushy form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
The 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 blossfeldiana 'Calandiva' may cause mild skin irritation in some sensitive people due to its sap. It is not known to produce airborne pollen that triggers allergies. To reduce risk, avoid direct contact with the sap and wash hands after handling the plant.
Common problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Insufficient light may cause leggy growth and fewer flowers. Occasionally, pests like aphids or mealybugs may appear but are usually easy to manage.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive, long-lasting flowers and easy care.
Notes
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Repot every 2–3 years in fresh soil. Protect from frost and cold drafts. Avoid letting water sit on leaves to prevent rot.