Kalanchoe blossfeldiana or Flaming Käthchen is a succulent plant from Madagascar that has been very popular as a houseplant in this country for several years. The easy-to-keep and lushly flowering plant is usually only cultivated for one year - similar to the no less popular poinsettia - as it is difficult to get it to bloom again in subsequent years. However, with our tips you could be successful in such an attempt - give it a try.
How do I properly care for a Flaming Käthchen?
The Flaming Cat (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) requires a bright location without direct midday sun, cactus soil with good drainage, economical watering, regular cactus fertilizer during the growing season and room temperatures between 16-20 °C in winter. The plant can be pruned, propagated and overwintered indoors.
Which location does Flaming Käthchen prefer?
The Flaming Käthchen needs a bright place, although the strong midday sun should be avoided. If the leaves of the plant turn reddish, this is a sign of sunburn and you should remove the plant from the sun immediately. Please note that the Kalanchoe is a short-day plant that only forms buds for the next season in winter if it receives a maximum of nine hours of light per day. From November onwards you should be careful not to expose the plant to light for too long.
In which substrate does Flaming Käthchen feel particularly comfortable?
It is best to place the Flaming Käthchen in cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon) and, above all, ensure good drainage, for example using expanded clay or clay shards. The succulent does not tolerate waterlogging at all.
What should you pay attention to when casting the Flaming Käthchen?
The Flaming Cat comes from the hot, tropical regions of East Africa and is able to store water in its fleshy leaves. Therefore, water the plant no more than once a week in the hot months - and only if the substrate feels dry when you test it with your finger. Of course, the plant needs less moisture in winter.
When and how often should the Flaming Käthchen be fertilized?
If you repot the Flaming Käthchen once a year, additional fertilizer is not necessary. Otherwise, supply the plant regularly with special liquid cactus fertilizer during the growing season. Be careful never to fertilize dry roots as this will damage the roots.
At what temperatures does Flaming Käthchen feel particularly comfortable?
So that the Flaming Käthchen blooms long and profusely, you should cultivate it, especially in winter, at a room temperature of around 16 to 20 °C and a maximum of nine hours of light - only then will the buds be formed for the following summer.
Can you cut back the Flaming Käthchen?
Since the Flaming Käthchen tends to grow quickly, you can safely prune it a little from time to time. On the other hand, spent flower heads are not cut off, but rather carefully plucked off.
How can the Flaming Cat multiply?
With leaf or shoot cuttings, you can ensure a constant supply of new plants. In addition, the Flaming Cat can also be reproduced by seeds.
Which diseases and pests particularly often affect Flaming Käthchen?
Diseases and pests are rare with the Kalanchoe and the plant is considered very robust. The only problem is excessive moisture, to which the plant often reacts by changing the leaves and dropping them.
Can you hibernate the Flaming Käthchen?
The Flaming Cat is a tropical plant and can therefore only overwinter inside the apartment at temperatures of at least 15 °C.
Tip
During the summer months, Flaming Käthchen feels most comfortable in the fresh air - for example on the balcony or terrace.
