Madagascar Widow's Thrill Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

The Christmas Kalanchoe or Florist Kalanchoe is a popular flowering succulent that is grown for its ornamental value. It is native to Northeast Madagascar and is a member of the stonecrop or orpine family (Crassulaceae). The specific epithet, blossfeldiana, honors Robert Blossfeld who was German nurseryman from the 1920s to 1940s. He discovered this species in Madagascar and brought it to Europe. This compact plant grows from 6 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide. It has tiny, long-lasting flowers and glossy, green leaves.

The Christmas Kalanchoe prefers bright indirect sunlight or partial shade. Prolonged direct sun can scorch the leaves so afternoon shade is recommended. For houseplants, the soil should be a well-drained potting mix that is suited for cactus or succulents. These plants are drought tolerant, and it is best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and then water them deeply. This plant is hardy outdoors in zones 10 to 12 and prefers temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.. It is intolerant to frost and should be brought indoors in cooler climates before the temperatures drop to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. To insure blooming, the plant should received 6 to 8 hours of bright light every day. In the fall and winter, total darkness is required for 14 hours a day for at least 6 weeks  Blooms will appear in the spring and can last for several weeks. To encourage more blooms, deadhead the spent flowers. This plant can be propagated by their stem or leaf cuttings.

These plants have an upright, multi-branched habit. The leaves are thick, fleshy, oval-shaped, and dark green with scalloped edges. The tiny blooms grow in large umbels of flower clusters and have bold colors of red, orange, yellow, pink or white. 

The Christmas Kalanchoe is an excellent container plant and will brighten any area of your home. They may also be placed in a sunny site such as window sills, patio, or porch. In warmer climates, they may be planted outdoors as a groundcover or in rock gardens, raised planters, or containers. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The most common insect pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Overwatering can cause root rot or stem rot. To prevent powdery mildew, provide good air circulation around the plant. If the plant fails to bloom, it may be the result of the plant not receiving the period of darkness required to reset the bloom cycle.

Keep this plant out of the reach of children, dogs, and cats due to its toxicity if ingested.

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