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Kalanchoe pinnata, also called cathedral bells, is a succulent plant in the stonecrop family.
Note that kalanchoe pinnata, like otherkalanchoe species, is toxic to peopleand pets.
Light
Give kalanchoe pinnata at least six hours of bright light per day.
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Keep indoor plants in a place with bright sunlight, ideally in a south-facing or west-facing window.
Outdoor plants will do best with some afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers.
In full sun conditions, the plant’s leaves will take on a greenish-gold color.
Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, as it can scorch leaves.
Soil
Plant kalanchoe pinnata in a rich, loose, well-drained potting mix.
you’re able to use premade succulent soil or cactus mix or make your own mix.
Combine two parts coconut coir, two parts coarse sand, and one part perlite.
Water this plant only when the soil has completely dried out, but water deeply.
Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Save cuttings to propagate into new plants.
It’s best to do this in spring or summer when the plant is in active growth.
Here’s how to propagate kalanchoe pinnata.
Unlike some houseplants, kalanchoes don’t like to beroot-bound.
Use fresh soil and go up one pot size when repotting.
Plastic, glazed ceramic, and terracotta pots all work well.
These sap-sucking insects can cause leaves to yellow or curl slightly.
Remove pests with horticultural soap and treat plants withneem oilto prevent future infestations.
you might encourage blooming by giving the plant at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Bloom Months
Kalanchoe pinnata blooms appear in the summer months.
What Do Kalanchoe Pinnata’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Kalanchoe pinnata flowers are bell-shaped and hang down from a tall flower stalk at the top of the plant.
The red, pink, and yellow flowers produce a mild, sweet, honey-like scent.
Wait for the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
If you’re not already using succulent soil, consider repotting the plant in this faster-draining mix.
Treat it with a baking soda solution or organic fungicides designed for houseplants.
see to it there’s good ventilation around the plant.
Avoid getting the foliage wet when watering.
Wrinkled Leaves
Kalanchoe pinnata might be drought tolerant, but it does need water to live.
Wrinkled leaves are a sign that the plant is using up the moisture reserved in its succulent leaves.
When you see them, give the plant a deep watering.
The foliage should return to normal once the plant is hydrated again.
Kalanchoe pinnata is considered invasive in zones 10 and 11, where it is winter hardy.
Check with your local cooperative extension in these regions before planting outdoors, or keep the plant inside.
Kalanchoe pinnata and mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) are two different species in the same genus.
Both are vigorous growers that can reproduce by forming plantlets on the edges of their scalloped leaves.
With at least six hours of bright sunlight per day, kalanchoe pinnata can grow well as a houseplant.
Are Succulents Poisonous to Humans?Missouri Poison Center.
Kalanchoe Species.University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
