Kalanchoe Calandiva is a plant with a beautiful balance of traits. They are fancy but not flashy. They are delicate, long-lasting and so vibrant. Its compact shape and bright, layered blooms make it one of the best flowering plants to gift, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or simply as a thoughtful gesture. Calandiva’s charm lies in its vibrant clusters of flowers that last for weeks, a cheerful and enduring reminder for any recipient. It's a delightful, low-maintenance gift that brings joy and beauty long after other flowers have faded. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking contrast to its bright flowers, creating a harmonious look.
Native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe Calandiva belongs to the hardy Crassulaceae family, a group of succulents known for their resilience and ability to thrive with minimal care. Indoors, it’s perfectly suited to windowsills, tabletops, and other sunny spots where it can bask in indirect sunlight. Outdoors, it can add a pop of color to gardens, patios, or even shaded porches, thriving as long as it’s protected from frost.
One of Calandiva’s most endearing qualities is its long-lasting blooms. Unlike many flowering plants that require constant care, Calandiva’s flowers can last for several weeks, adding cheerful brightness to any setting. While known for its extended flowering period, many plant owners wonder how to encourage a second bloom cycle once the initial flowers fade. With the right care techniques, Kalanchoe Calandiva can bloom multiple times each year, adding lasting color and charm throughout the seasons. Whether you’re a new plant parent or an experienced gardener, the following techniques will help you maintain a flourishing, blooming Calandiva that brings lasting beauty to your space.
Understanding Kalanchoe blooming cycle
The blooming cycle of Kalanchoe Calandiva follows a natural rhythm influenced by seasonal light and temperature changes. Native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe plants are accustomed to a climate with distinct seasonal shifts that cue flowering. In its natural habitat, the Calandiva begins its blooming phase in response to shorter daylight hours and slightly cooler temperatures, which typically occur in late winter to early spring. These conditions signal the plant to enter its flowering phase, producing clusters of brightly colored blooms that last for an impressive 6–8 weeks. For many plant lovers, this long bloom period is a major appeal, as Calandiva can maintain its vibrant display long after other flowering plants have faded.
After this blooming period, Kalanchoe Calandiva enters a natural dormancy phase. During this time, the plant focuses less on flowering and more on energy conservation, shifting its resources toward foliage growth and root development. In this phase, new blooms are rare or entirely absent, as the plant channels its energy into maintaining the strength and health of its leaves and stems. This dormancy period typically aligns with the late fall and winter seasons when environmental conditions encourage the plant to rest. Dormancy is essential for Kalanchoe Calandiva because it allows the plant to "recharge," storing energy in its thick, succulent leaves and stems to support future growth. Rather than expending energy on flowers, the plant is building reserves that will help produce strong, healthy blooms when the next cycle begins. Indoors, Kalanchoe Calandiva can still follow its natural blooming cycle, but it relies on artificial cues rather than seasonal changes in outdoor light and temperature.
How to Make Kalanchoe Calandiva Rebloom
1. Lighting Requirement
Kalanchoe Calandiva is naturally cued to bloom by changes in daylight hours, so replicating shorter days indoors can trigger new flower buds. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light during the day, which supports growth and prepares it for blooming. Indoors, place it near a well-lit window, avoiding direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Too little light can hinder bud formation and lead to weak, leggy growth. Bright, indirect light is essential for healthy foliage and strong stems, creating a foundation for successful blooming.
For reblooming, consistency is key—avoid interruptions to the dark cycle, as even brief exposure to light during this period can disrupt bud formation. By balancing bright light during the day with extended darkness at night, you can successfully trigger reblooming and enjoy a fresh display of flowers.
2. Temperature and Humidity Requirements
To encourage Kalanchoe Calandiva to rebloom, maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is important. This plant thrives in a stable, cool environment with ideal temperatures ranging from 60–75°F. Temperatures on the lower end of this range, especially during its resting period, can help signal the plant to enter its bloom cycle. Maintaining a consistent temperature is also beneficial, as sudden fluctuations can disrupt the plant’s growth rhythm and delay blooming.
Kalanchoe Calandiva prefers average household humidity, typically around 30–50%. Since it is naturally adapted to drier conditions, it does best in low to moderate humidity levels. Excess humidity can lead to fungal issues, affecting the health of both the foliage and flowers.
3. Watering Routine During Dormancy and Growth
The watering routine for Kalanchoe Calandiva changes significantly between dormancy and growth phases. During dormancy, which typically follows the blooming period, the plant requires less water as it shifts its energy away from flowering and toward root and foliage maintenance. Reducing watering during this phase is essential; allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. This rest period lets the plant conserve energy and avoid root rot, which can occur if the soil stays too moist.
When the plant begins forming new flower buds, adjust the watering schedule to support its increased needs during active growth. Aim to keep the soil lightly moist without oversaturating it. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can quickly lead to root issues, so balance moisture to support bud development without drenching the soil.
4. Feeding and Fertilizing to Support Reblooming
Feeding Kalanchoe Calandiva is key to promoting strong growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Begin fertilizing in early fall, when the plant naturally prepares for its bloom cycle. Monthly applications of diluted fertilizer continue until flower buds appear, supplying the nutrients needed to form healthy flowers and strong foliage.
Once buds are visible, reduce fertilizing, as overfeeding during blooming can cause excess foliage growth at the expense of flowers. By timing fertilization around the plant’s natural cycle, you ensure it receives nutrients just when it needs them, resulting in a healthier, more robust rebloom.
5. Pruning After Blooming to Promote New Growth
Pruning is essential after blooming to encourage Kalanchoe Calandiva to channel its energy into fresh growth. Once flowers have faded, gently remove the spent blooms by snipping them close to the stem. This process, known as deadheading, prevents the plant from wasting energy on old flowers, redirecting it toward new foliage and future blooms. In addition to removing old blooms, light trimming around the plant can help maintain its shape, removing any dead stems or leaves that may detract from its appearance. Regular pruning supports healthier growth and allows the plant to conserve energy, making it more likely to rebloom.
6. Providing a Rest Period for Bloom Recovery
To initiate flowering, Kalanchoe Calandiva needs a “short-day” light cycle, meaning reduced light exposure each day to mimic the natural shorter days of winter. For around 4–6 weeks, expose the plant to 12–14 hours of complete darkness each day. This can be done by placing the plant in a dark closet or covering it with a box or cloth to block out light consistently. During the remaining hours, provide bright, indirect light to support its daytime energy needs.
This cycle mimics seasonal changes that signal the plant to produce flower buds. This rest allows the plant to recuperate, conserving energy and preparing for its next bloom cycle. By giving the plant time to recharge, you help it store essential resources for healthy growth and vibrant flowering in the future. A quiet, undisturbed rest period also supports its natural growth rhythm, encouraging a stronger, more predictable bloom cycle.
Common Problems and Tips for Successful Reblooming
Your Kalanchoe needs to be healthy for a successful reblooming. Stunt growth, leggy growth, and pests are some common issues that Kalanchoe Calandiva owners may encounter. If blooms are sparse or absent, it may be due to insufficient light, inadequate rest periods, or overly wet soil. Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and undergoes a proper dormancy phase with reduced watering. Leggy growth usually indicates low light conditions; moving the plant to a brighter location can help it maintain a compact, healthy shape.
Pests, such as aphids or mealybugs, can occasionally appear, particularly if the plant is overwatered or in a high-humidity environment. Inspect the plant regularly, and treat any pests with a gentle insecticidal soap if necessary. Consistency in light, water, and feeding, along with patience, is key to successful reblooming, as it can take several months for Kalanchoe Calandiva to fully prepare for another flowering phase.
