How Do I Keep My Kalanchoe From Growing Sideways?

Do you ever find yourself gazing at your Kalanchoe and wondering why it's growing sideways instead of upright? You're not alone. Many plant parents experience this quirky behavior and aren't quite sure how to handle it. But don't worry—there's a perfectly good explanation for your plant's sideways antics, and even better, there are solutions to get it back on track.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about why your Kalanchoe might be growing sideways, and how to encourage it to grow upward instead. From understanding the plant's natural tendencies to adjusting its environment, we’ll tackle it all. So, grab a cup of tea and let's get into it!

Understanding Your Kalanchoe's Natural Growth Habits

First things first, it's helpful to know a bit about your Kalanchoe's natural behavior. This succulent, native to Madagascar, tends to grow in a bushy or trailing manner. That means when it's in the wild, it can spread out to catch the sunlight it needs. This trait can lead to a tendency to grow sideways, especially if it doesn't receive enough light.

It’s also worth noting that some varieties of Kalanchoe naturally have a more sprawling growth habit. This is something to keep in mind if you’re choosing a plant and want a specific growth pattern. If you want a more upright plant, you might want to opt for a variety known for its vertical growth.

But even if your Kalanchoe is a naturally sprawling type, there are still things you can do to manage its growth shape. Understanding its natural tendencies is the first step to working with, rather than against, your plant.

Light: The Main Culprit Behind Sideways Growth

If your Kalanchoe is growing sideways, it’s likely trying to tell you something about its light situation. These plants love sunlight and will stretch towards the light source if they’re not getting enough of it. This process is called phototropism, and while it’s fascinating, it can lead to some wonky growth patterns if not managed properly.

To combat this, start by assessing your plant's current location. Is it sitting in a dimly lit room or perhaps behind some heavier curtains? If so, moving it to a sunnier spot could be the game changer you need. Ideally, your Kalanchoe should be in a location where it gets bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.

If you can’t provide more natural light, consider supplementing with grow lights. These can mimic the sunlight your plant craves and help it grow upright. Just be sure to rotate your plant every so often so that all sides receive equal light exposure, encouraging balanced growth.

Potting and Soil: The Foundation of Stability

Believe it or not, the type of pot and soil you use can significantly influence how your Kalanchoe grows. If your plant is in a shallow pot or one that’s too small, its roots might not be able to anchor it properly, causing it to tip over or grow sideways.

Make sure your Kalanchoe is planted in a pot with adequate depth and width to allow for growth. A heavier pot can also prevent tipping. When it comes to soil, a well-draining mix is essential. Kalanchoes don’t like to sit in water, so a cactus or succulent mix that offers excellent drainage is ideal.

Consider repotting if you suspect that the current pot or soil is contributing to the sideways growth. This could be a good opportunity to check the roots for any signs of rot, which can also impact the plant's stability and overall health.

Pruning: Encouraging Upright Growth

Pruning is a fantastic way to control the shape and direction of your Kalanchoe's growth. By trimming back some of the leggy or sideways-growing stems, you can encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing new, more upright shoots.

Grab a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and carefully trim back any stems that are growing in undesired directions. Be sure to make your cuts just above a leaf node, as this is where new growth is likely to emerge.

Don't be afraid to prune your plant back quite a bit if necessary. Kalanchoes are resilient, and a good trim can stimulate new, healthier growth. Plus, you might even find that you can propagate some of the cuttings to grow new plants!

Watering Wisely: Preventing Top-Heavy Growth

Watering might not seem directly related to sideways growth, but overwatering can lead to a plant that's top-heavy and more prone to tipping over. Excessive water can make the stems grow faster than they should, causing them to be weak and floppy.

Kalanchoes prefer to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, give it a little more time. Remember, it's better to underwater than overwater with these succulents.

Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. This simple step can go a long way in maintaining the overall health and stability of your plant.

Temperature and Humidity: Keeping Conditions Just Right

Kalanchoes are pretty forgiving plants, but they do have some preferences when it comes to temperature and humidity. Ideally, they should be kept in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (about 15°C to 29°C). They’re not fans of extreme cold or heat, which can stress them out and cause irregular growth.

As for humidity, these plants are relatively tolerant of average household levels. However, if your home is particularly humid, this could affect the soil moisture and, consequently, the plant's growth pattern. On the flip side, too little humidity might make the plant dry out too quickly, affecting its overall health.

Keeping your Kalanchoe in an area where the temperature and humidity are stable will help it grow in a more controlled manner. Avoid placing it too close to heaters or air conditioners, as these can cause fluctuations in conditions that your plant won't appreciate.

Fertilizing Sparingly: Less is More

While it's tempting to think that more fertilizer will boost your plant's growth, over-fertilizing can lead to problems. Excess nutrients can cause your Kalanchoe to grow too quickly, resulting in weak, leggy stems that are prone to growing sideways.

A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your Kalanchoe sparingly. During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Make sure to dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid overwhelming your plant.

During the fall and winter, when the plant's growth naturally slows, skip fertilizing altogether. This will help your Kalanchoe maintain a healthy, steady growth rate, keeping it more likely to grow upright.

Using Support Structures: A Little Help Goes a Long Way

If your Kalanchoe is particularly stubborn about growing sideways, it might benefit from a little physical support. Staking the plant can help guide its growth in the right direction.

Use a small stake and gently tie the main stem to it with soft plant ties or even strips of fabric. This can provide the necessary support for the plant to grow upwards while it strengthens its own stems.

Just be sure to check the ties regularly to ensure they're not cutting into the plant as it grows. You want to support it, not restrict it!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a comprehensive look at how to keep your Kalanchoe from growing sideways. Whether it's adjusting the light, repotting, pruning, or even using a little support, there are plenty of ways to guide your plant back to its upright glory.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for new houseplants, plant care accessories, or just want to chat about plant parenting, we're here for you. Feel free to email us or DM us on Instagram. Let's grow together!