Flowering Kalanchoe in Lady Vase

Light: Kalanchoe plants grown indoors do best with bright, indirect light. Plant outdoor kalanchoes in partial shade to full sun. When planted in full sun, it's ideal for it to receive some afternoon shade to protect it from scorching. Leggy stems are a sign that the plant isn't receiving enough light.

Soil: Outdoors, a kalanchoe plant grows best in well-drained, loamy or sandy soil. Indoor plants should be potted in a blend that doesn't retain too much moisture, like a 50 percent potting soil and 50 percent cactus mix, or 60 percent potting soil and 40 percent perlite. To ensure proper drainage and avoid an overly moist environment, you can plant your kalanchoe in a clay pot, which can help wick excess water from the soil.

Water: If you have a habit of occasionally forgetting to water your plants, a kalanchoe can be the perfect plant for you. This hardy plant does well with minimal water, requiring saturation only every few weeks or so (and even less often during the winter months). Let the soil dry out completely in between waterings to help prevent root rot. Because the kalanchoe is a succulent, its leaves are actually capable of storing water; even if you're a few days late watering, the plant will be just fine.

Temperature and Humidity: Your household environment is important to the kalanchoe, though it's not as fussy as other indoor houseplants. Generally, it will thrive at temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so, with the exception of protecting it from frost, you don't have to do much to create the proper indoor environment. Kalanchoe plants are not fussy about air moisture levels. As outdoor garden plants, kalanchoe is not a good choice outside of USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12 because they don't thrive at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and will instantly die if touched by frost.

Fertilizer: Like most flowering plants, kalanchoe benefits from fertilizer, though they are less hungry than many plants. Garden-grown plants require little more than a single light feeding in the spring. Indoor plants should be fed with a well-balanced fertilizer blend once a month during the spring and summer months, but not during the winter. If flowering is sparse, switch to a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus.