Flaming Katy (kalanchoe) care guide
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Quick answer
Water your flaming Katy when the soil has dried out completely. Flaming Katy needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun.
- WateringEvery 8 to 12 days · summer
Every 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate15–24 °C (59–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often
Water your flaming Katy when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Flaming Katy needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your flaming Katy every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate15–24 °C (59–75 °F)
Humidity30–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 15–24 °C (59–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Kalanchoe genus, so this applies to every Kalanchoe species, including this one.
Full flaming Katy toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a flaming Katy?
Water your flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a flaming Katy need?
Flaming Katy needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is flaming Katy safe for cats and dogs?
This plant can cause serious poisoning. Contact a vet promptly, even if your pet seems well. Keep flaming Katy out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Norfolk Island pine, pink jasmine, Madagascar jasmine, or hindu rope hoya.
Why is my flaming Katy turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · native range · habit
- Royal Horticultural SocietyGrowing Conditions · Botanical Details · Cultivation · Pests · Diseases
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · Cultural Conditions · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionFPS-309 · cultural conditions · diseases
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlKalanchoe spp. pet-safety record · not species-exact for Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
- How we check our plant advice
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