Growing Kalanchoe Succulents with Gorgeous Pink Blooms

Kalanchoe succulents are beloved for their long-lasting flowers and ease of care. With over 100 kalanchoe species to choose from, these hardy plants bring cheer even to beginner gardeners. One especially stunning variety is the kalanchoe with pink blooms. Read on for tips to grow vibrant pink kalanchoe in your home or garden.

Kalanchoes hail from Africa and Madagascar where they thrive in sunny climates. Their drought-tolerance made them popular houseplants worldwide. The name kalanchoe comes from Chinese words meaning “that which falls and grows”. This refers to the plantlets that form on kalanchoe leaves before dropping off to propagate new plants.

There are over 100 kalanchoe species but most common is K. blossfeldiana. It reaches 18 inches tall with scallop-edged leaves. Flower colors include red, orange, yellow, white, and pink. Blooms appear in winter and spring.

Beyond the flowers, kalanchoes are prized for sculptural foliage. Many species have rounded, powdery leaves that store water in their stems and leaves. This drought-hardy nature makes kalanchoes ideal for beginners who may occasionally forget to water.

Caring for Kalanchoe Succulents

Kalanchoe care is easy when you provide:

• Bright, indirect light indoors and morning sun plus afternoon shade outside.
• Infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between drinks. Reduce water in winter.
• Fast-draining cactus mix for potting soil.
• Temperatures between 55-80°F. Bring indoors below 55°F.
• Monthly fertilizing with balanced houseplant food during spring and summer.
• Annual repotting in fall after blooming. Use clay pots for drainage.

Proper care keeps kalanchoes healthy for years. Watch for pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Prune damaged leaves and flowers to encourage fresh growth

Choosing a Kalanchoe Variety with Pink Blooms

Many kalanchoe varieties produce pretty pink flowers. Top options include:

• K. blossfeldiana – Popular houseplant with clusters of small pink blooms.
• K. fedtschenkoi – Lavender-pink dangling bell flowers.
• K. luciae – Light pink blooms on “flapjack” succulents.
• K. pumila – Pale pink flowers on a low, spreading succulent.
• K. rhombopilosa – Trailing kalanchoe with bright pink blooms.

Select plants with vibrant, pest-free leaves and healthy stems. Avoid leggy plants with yellowing leaves.

Caring for Pink Kalanchoes

Kalanchoe care is the same regardless of flower color. Give your pink kalanchoe:

• Sunlight: At least 6 hours of sun. Insufficient light causes leggy growth.
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce water in winter.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 55-80°F. Protect from frost.
• Soil: Use cactus mix or succulent soil for drainage. Repot annually.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Pruning: Remove spent flowers and leaves for new growth.

Adjust care based on the plant’s needs. Monitor leaf and bloom health to ensure proper light and water.

Encouraging Pink Kalanchoes to Bloom

Getting consistent blooms from pink kalanchoe requires:

• 14 hours of daily darkness for 6 weeks in fall/winter.
• Bright, indirect light during the day. Direct sun can inhibit blooms.
• Phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage buds.
• Temperatures between 60-80°F for ideal flowering.
• Pruning old blooms to promote new ones.

With the right conditions, kalanchoes can bloom year-round. Be patient if your new plant isn’t blooming yet. Focus on healthy growth first.

Displaying Pink Kalanchoe Plants

Kalanchoe’s long bloom time is perfect for display. Try:

• Placing in east or west windows where light isn’t harsh.
• Mixing colors by combining pink with red, orange, or yellow kalanchoes.
• Adding contrast with green foliage plants.
• Allowing trailing types to spill over shelves or hang in pots.
• Cutting blooms for floral arrangements.

Kalanchoes shine alone or combined with other houseplants. Use pink blooms to brighten up dull winter windowsills.

Troubleshooting Common Kalanchoe Problems

Even easygoing kalanchoes can develop issues like:

• Leggy growth – Needs more light
• Wilting – Under or overwatering
• Burnt leaf tips – Too much direct sun
• No blooms – Insufficient darkness or phosphorus
• Root/stem rot – Overwatering
• Pests – Aphids, mealybugs, scale

Catch problems early and adjust care. Discard plants with severe infestations.

Propagating Pink Kalanchoes

Propagate new pink kalanchoe plants from offsets, leaves, or cuttings:

• Remove an offset or 3-4 inch stem tip cutting.
• Allow to dry 1-2 days until calloused.
• Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
• Plant in well-draining soil.
• Place in indirect light and wait 1-2 months for roots.
• Begin watering once rooted.

This allows you to easily multiply your plants. Give baby kalanchoes as gifts!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do kalanchoes live?

Over 20 years with proper care.

Should kalanchoes grow indoors or outdoors?

They thrive indoors but can live outside year-round in zones 10-12.

When is the best time to plant kalanchoe?

Spring is ideal but you can plant anytime.

Why won’t my kalanchoe bloom?

Likely needs more sun, phosphorus fertilizer, cooler temps, and winter darkness.

Are kalanchoes toxic to pets?

Yes, kalanchoes contain toxic compounds. Keep away from pets.

Enjoying Gorgeous Pink Kalanchoe Blooms

Few houseplants reward you as much as kalanchoes while requiring so little work. With bright light, occasional watering, and well-draining soil, they’ll thrive indoors for years. Let beautiful pink kalanchoe blossoms brighten up your winter windowsill!