How to Grow Kalanchoe Pinnata Plants

If you’re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance plant with beautiful, fleshy leaves and colorful blooms, the Kalanchoe Pinnata (also known as “Chandelier Plant”) might be the perfect addition to your garden. Native to Madagascar, this succulent thrives in warm climates and adds a vibrant, tropical touch to your space with its striking green leaves and bright flowers that bloom year after year.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of growing and caring for Kalanchoe Pinnata, so you can enjoy its unique beauty and benefits right at home.

What is Kalanchoe Pinnata?

Kalanchoe Pinnata, also known as the “Chandelier Plant,” is a striking succulent that features thick, fleshy, green leaves with a beautiful red outline, giving it an ornamental look. When it blooms, it produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, orange, or yellow, depending on the variety. This resilient plant is native to Madagascar but has become popular in gardens worldwide due to its attractive appearance and easy care.

One of the most fascinating features of Kalanchoe Pinnata is its ability to propagate itself through leaf cuttings. The plant’s leaves often develop tiny plantlets along their edges, which can be removed and grown into new plants.

Benefits of Growing Kalanchoe Pinnata:

Ornamental Value: Kalanchoe Pinnata is an eye-catching addition to any garden with its unique, fleshy leaves and colorful blooms. Whether in a container or directly in the ground, it’s perfect for adding a tropical touch to your space.
Low-Maintenance: This plant is a succulent, meaning it’s drought-tolerant and doesn’t require constant attention. Its ability to thrive with minimal water makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.
Air Purifying: Like many succulents, Kalanchoe Pinnata helps purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making it an excellent addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

How to Grow Kalanchoe Pinnata

Choosing the Right Location

Kalanchoe Pinnata thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s best to place it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, such as a windowsill or a garden with full to partial sun. This plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch its leaves, so aim for about 4-6 hours of sun per day.

If you’re growing it indoors, a bright room with lots of natural light is ideal. Just be sure to avoid putting it in a space with excessive humidity, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Soil Preparation and Requirements

As a succulent, Kalanchoe Pinnata prefers well-draining soil. You can plant it in a cactus or succulent mix, or create your own by adding sand or perlite to regular potting soil. This ensures the roots don’t sit in water, which could lead to root rot.

The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Planting from Cuttings vs. Seeds

From Cuttings: Kalanchoe Pinnata is best propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate, simply take a healthy leaf or stem cutting and allow it to dry out for a few days to form a callus over the cut end. Once dried, plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, and keep it in a warm, bright area. Water sparingly until the roots develop.
From Seeds: Growing from seeds is possible but takes longer and requires more attention. You can sow seeds directly into soil or in a tray, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the tray in a warm area with indirect light until germination occurs.

Watering Tips

Kalanchoe Pinnata is a drought-tolerant plant, which means it’s better to underwater than overwater. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the warmer months, you may need to water once a week, but in winter, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.

Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, so always ensure that the soil is dry before watering again.

Fertilizing Kalanchoe Pinnata

Kalanchoe Pinnata isn’t a heavy feeder. However, it benefits from light feeding during its growing season (spring to summer). Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Caring for Kalanchoe Pinnata

Pruning and Shaping

To keep your Kalanchoe Pinnata plant healthy and attractive, prune it regularly to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. You can also trim the plant back to shape it and encourage more branching. Pruning should be done in the early spring, before the plant starts its new growth cycle.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Kalanchoe Pinnata is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs or aphids. If you notice these pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, so make sure the plant has good drainage and avoid wetting the leaves during watering.

Managing Overwintering

Kalanchoe Pinnata is a hardy plant, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. In areas where winter temperatures dip below freezing, bring the plant indoors during the colder months. If you’re growing it outdoors, cover it with a frost blanket or bring it inside if a hard freeze is expected.

Propagating Kalanchoe Pinnata

Kalanchoe Pinnata can be easily propagated using leaf or stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Propagating with Leaf Cuttings

Materials Needed: Scissors, small pot, succulent soil.
Steps:
1. Cut a healthy leaf from the plant, leaving the petiole (leaf stem).
2. Allow the cutting to callus for 1-2 days.
3. Fill a pot with succulent soil and moisten lightly.
4. Lay the leaf flat on the soil, securing it if needed.
5. Place in a warm, bright area with indirect light and mist occasionally.
6. After a few weeks, plantlets will form. Once they have roots, pot them separately.

Propagating with Stem Cuttings

Materials Needed: Scissors, small pot, succulent soil, plastic bag, rooting hormone (optional).
Steps:
1. Cut a 6-inch healthy stem just below a leaf node.
2. Let the cutting callus for 1-2 days.
3. Fill a pot with moist, succulent soil and make a hole in it.
4. Optionally dip the stem in rooting hormone, then plant it.
5. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
6. Once new growth appears, remove the bag and care for the plant.

Encouraging Blooms in Kalanchoe Pinnata

When Does Kalanchoe Pinnata Bloom?

Kalanchoe Pinnata typically blooms in the late winter or early spring, producing small, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow. The plant’s flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.

Tips for More Vibrant Blooms

To encourage more blooms, ensure your Kalanchoe Pinnata receives plenty of sunlight. If the plant is not blooming as expected, it could be a sign of insufficient light or overwatering. Reduce watering during the winter months to simulate its natural dormant period, which will encourage it to bloom in spring.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

1. Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering. Kalanchoe Pinnata prefers to dry out between waterings, so allow the soil to fully dry before watering again. If you’re using regular potting soil, consider switching to a well-draining succulent mix or a terracotta pot to help moisture escape.

2. White Spots on Leaves

White, dusty spots may signal powdery mildew, a fungal infection. To treat it, apply a baking soda solution or an organic fungicide suitable for houseplants. Ensure good ventilation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering to prevent future outbreaks.

3. Wrinkled Leaves

Wrinkled leaves are a sign of dehydration. While Kalanchoe Pinnata is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering. If you notice wrinkles, give the plant a deep watering. The leaves should regain their normal appearance once the plant is properly hydrated.

4. Common Pests

Pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can attack Kalanchoe Pinnata, causing leaves to yellow or curl. Regularly check for pests such as webbing from spider mites or cottony masses from mealybugs. Use horticultural soap to remove pests and neem oil to prevent future infestations.

By identifying and addressing these common issues, you can keep your Kalanchoe Pinnata healthy and thriving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How fast does Kalanchoe Pinnata grow?
Kalanchoe Pinnata grows moderately fast, reaching its full size in about 1-2 years when cared for properly.
Can I grow Kalanchoe Pinnata indoors?
Yes, Kalanchoe Pinnata can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough bright, indirect light.
Does Kalanchoe Pinnata require a lot of water?
No, Kalanchoe Pinnata is drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.
Can I propagate Kalanchoe Pinnata from leaf cuttings?
Yes, Kalanchoe Pinnata can be propagated easily from leaf or stem cuttings, which root quickly in well-draining soil.

Conclusion

Growing Kalanchoe Pinnata in your garden or home can add a touch of tropical beauty and bring a burst of vibrant color with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to succulents or an experienced gardener, this hardy plant is sure to thrive with just a little attention. With its attractive leaves and stunning blooms, Kalanchoe Pinnata is a fantastic addition to any space. Happy planting!

What is Kalanchoe Pinnata?