| My husband brings home the plants from his office after they stop blooming. We have now about 20 kalanchoes and I had to plant them outside for lack of space in the house. They are doing great, blooming since late September, all of them. My questions is: Should I plant them back in pots and bring them inside during the winter (I don't have many windows) or there is a way for them to survive outside where they are now? I really need your help, thanks. |
| There are many Kalanchoe plant varieties, and all need temperatures above 50F to survive, so don't leave yours outdoors over the winter. Some Kalanchoe's are grown for their flowers and others are grown for their interesting foliage. The most commonly grown is K. blossfeldiana, which normally flowers in spring but can be forced to flower at almost any time. The leaves of this plant turn reddish in sunlight and the large flowerheads last for many weeks. This Kalanchoe needs a rest period. After flowering prune the tops down and place the pot on a shady windowsill. Keep the compost nearly dry for a month and then put the plant in a well-lit spot and water normally. To keep your plant in tip-top shape, provide average household warmth (minimum 50F in winter). Place in an east or west facing window from spring to autumn and a south facing window in winter. Water thoroughly when actively growing, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. |
