19 Disadvantages of Kalanchoes You Should Know About

Kalanchoes are charming succulents that many plant lovers can't resist. Their vibrant flowers and fleshy leaves make them a popular choice for brightening up any room. However, like all plants, they come with their own set of challenges and quirks.

If you're considering adding a kalanchoe to your collection, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. In this article, we’ll cover 19 disadvantages of kalanchoes to help you make an informed decision about bringing these beauties into your home.

Kalanchoes Are Sensitive to Overwatering

One of the biggest challenges with kalanchoes is their sensitivity to overwatering. These succulents store water in their leaves, so they don't need frequent watering like some other houseplants.

• Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is often fatal for the plant.
• It's best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Using a pot with drainage holes can help prevent excess water from sitting at the bottom.

If you're someone who tends to be overzealous with your watering can, you might find kalanchoes a bit challenging to keep happy.

They Require Bright, Indirect Light

Kalanchoes thrive in bright, indirect light. While this may not seem like a disadvantage at first glance, it can become tricky if your home doesn't offer the right lighting conditions.

• Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, leading to unsightly brown patches.
• Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
• You might have to move your plant around to find the perfect spot.

If you're limited on window space or live in a dimly lit apartment, providing the right light for kalanchoes might prove to be a bit of a hassle.

Kalanchoes Can Be Toxic to Pets

Pet parents, take note! Kalanchoes are known to be toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.

• Always keep your kalanchoe out of reach of curious pets.
• Consider placing them on high shelves or use hanging planters.
• If your pet has a tendency to nibble on plants, it might be best to choose non-toxic alternatives.

Having a pet-friendly home means always being mindful of the plants you bring into it, and kalanchoes are no exception.

They May Attract Pests

While kalanchoes aren't particularly prone to pests, they can still attract some unwanted visitors from time to time, such as aphids and mealybugs.

• Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any pest issues.
• Quarantine any new plants before introducing them to your collection to prevent the spread of pests.

Dealing with pests can be a real headache, especially if you have a large plant collection. Staying vigilant with your kalanchoes will help keep these issues at bay.

They Have a Dormant Period

Like many succulents, kalanchoes go through a dormant period where their growth slows down and they may not look their best.

• This usually happens in the fall and winter months.
• During dormancy, reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
• Understand that it's natural for them to look a bit lackluster during this time.

If you're someone who prefers plants that look vibrant year-round, you might find the dormant phase of kalanchoes a bit disappointing.

They Need Regular Pruning

To keep kalanchoes looking their best, you'll need to prune them regularly. This helps encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

• Remove any dead or wilting flowers to promote new growth.
• Trim leggy stems to prevent the plant from becoming too sparse.
• Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Regular pruning can be a bit of a task, especially if you're not used to maintaining your plants. However, it can be quite rewarding to see your kalanchoe flourish with a little extra TLC.

They Can Be Sensitive to Temperature Changes

Kalanchoes prefer stable temperatures and don't do well with sudden changes. They thrive in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

• Keep them away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioning units.
• A sudden drop in temperature can stress the plant, causing leaves to drop.
• Be mindful of their location during seasonal changes.

If your home experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, maintaining a consistent environment for your kalanchoe could be challenging.

They May Outgrow Their Pots Quickly

Though kalanchoes are relatively slow growers, they can outgrow their pots over time, necessitating repotting.

• Look for signs like roots growing through drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy.
• When repotting, choose a pot that's only slightly larger to prevent overwatering issues.
• Use a well-draining soil mix designed for succulents.

Repotting can be a messy and time-consuming process, especially if you're not familiar with it. However, it's an important part of keeping your kalanchoe healthy and happy.

They Might Not Rebloom Easily

One of the common frustrations with kalanchoes is getting them to rebloom. While their initial burst of flowers is stunning, getting a repeat performance can be tricky.

• They require a period of darkness to trigger blooming, similar to Christmas cacti.
• Ensure they receive 14 hours of darkness each night for about six weeks.
• Patience is key, as it can take a while to see results.

If you're not willing to invest the time and effort into coaxing your kalanchoe to bloom again, this might be a downside to consider.

Final Thoughts

While kalanchoes are beautiful and can brighten up any space, they do come with their share of challenges. From their watering needs to their sensitivity to temperature changes, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before bringing one home.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to help you navigate the world of houseplants. Whether you're looking for advice or need some supplies, we're just an email away. You can also connect with us on our Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and lives, and we’re excited to be part of your plant journey!