Approximately from February to June, the Flaming Käthchen delights its viewers with its lush blooms. The plant is considered to be quite undemanding, but is usually thrown away after flowering. However, this is not necessary, because the Kalanchoe - as the Flaming Käthchen is also called - can be easily overwintered and, with a few tricks, made to bloom again in the following years.
Is Flaming Käthchen hardy?
The Flaming Cat (Kalanchoe) is not hardy because it comes from Madagascar and is adapted to a tropical climate. However, it can easily overwinter in the living room at temperatures between 10 and 15 °C as long as it receives sufficient light and is watered less.
Flaming Käthchen comes from Madagascar
The Flaming Käthchen belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, which in turn is part of the thick-leaf family. The succulent plant is also nicknamed the Madagascar bell, which in turn indicates its origin. The pretty plant originally comes from the African island of Madagascar and is adapted to a hot and very dry climate. Here too, Flaming Käthchen feels most comfortable in a sunny, warm and protected location - especially protected from rain. Of course, the plant, which comes from the tropics, is not hardy here - quite the opposite, because temperatures should not fall below 10 °C even in winter; the optimal temperature is 15 to 22 °C.
Wintering Flaming Käthchen properly
Under these conditions, the Flaming Käthchen can easily overwinter in the living room at home, provided that the other conditions there are also right.
- From around November the plant needs a few weeks of winter rest.
- Otherwise it feels very comfortable with enough light.
- We also water less in winter than during the growing season.
- Fertilization should also be stopped.
- You can overwinter the Kalanchoe in the living room,
- However, cooler wintering at temperatures between 10 and 15 °C is better.
- The bedroom is suitable for this, but a winter garden is also a suitable place.
Think about the next bloom in winter
During the winter months you have to prepare the plant for the next flowering period, because the Kalanchoe only forms buds if it does not receive more than a maximum of nine hours of light per day for a few weeks - regardless of whether it is of natural or artificial origin – receives. You should simulate these conditions at home so that you can still enjoy the pretty flowers the following year.
Tip
If you cut back the Flaming Käthchen after it has flowered, it will sprout again and more vigorously. Immediately after flowering, the plant can sometimes be “persuaded” to bloom a second time if you pick off the dead flowers straight away.