No Toxic Poinsettia In Your Home? Try A Beautiful Alternative

I know a lot of people love having Poinsettia plants in their homes around Christmas time. 

But if those are just...not for you, and you want to try something new?  Here we go! If you’re looking for a houseplant that brings color and cheer, the florist’s kalanchoe is a fantastic choice!

Kalanchoe flowers are showy with vibrant colors like yellow, orange, red, pink, and magenta, and they really know how to steal the spotlight! Not only are the flowers stunning, but kalanchoes also have thick, glossy green leaves with pretty scalloped edges that look great all year round.

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Most kalanchoes come from Madagascar and tropical Africa, and some have some unique ways of growing. Take Kalanchoe daigremontiana (don't worry, I copy and pasted that, I wouldn't have known it lol), for example—it produces little plantlets along its leaves. When these cute little plantlets fall off, they easily sprout new plants around the main one. That’s how it got the nickname "mother-of-thousands"! Because they reproduce so quickly, some people see them as a bit pesky.

The florist’s kalanchoe is probably the most colorful and well-known type. It loves bright light and well-drained soil. If it doesn’t get enough light, it might stretch and look a bit spindly. For the best results, it enjoys a cozy temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and around 70 degrees during the day. Just watch out for temperatures over 75 degrees, as that can slow down its flowers.

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Being a succulent, kalanchoes are great at handling dry spells. Their thick leaves help them lose less water, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings. If you have a pot with a saucer, remember to drain any standing water to keep the roots happy! It’s also a good idea to feed your kalanchoe with a houseplant fertilizer when it’s actively growing—just follow the directions on the label.

Kalanchoes are generally low-maintenance when it comes to pests or diseases. Just be careful not to overwater them, as that can lead to crown rot and sudden plant loss. Although powdery mildew can be an issue in greenhouses, the low humidity in most homes usually keeps it at bay.

If you’re interested in growing more kalanchoes, it’s super easy! Simply remove the flowers from the stems you want to use for cuttings. Take 2–3 inch cuttings and place them in a mixture of peat and vermiculite. Keep the cuttings in a humid spot, and they should start rooting in just two to three weeks.

Just a friendly reminder: kalanchoes can be toxic to pets. Most species contain cardiac glycosides, which can be harmful to animals like dogs and cats. The flowers tend to have the highest levels, so it’s best to keep kalanchoes out of your furry friends’ reach. Enjoy your kalanchoe garden!

Plantingly yours,
Behka