Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone

Description

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone, commonly known as Flaming Katy, is a flowering succulent that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and is widely grown as a houseplant due to its vibrant and long-lasting blooms. The plant features fleshy, dark green, and glossy leaves that grow in a rosette formation, and it can reach a height of up to 12 inches. The flowers of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone come in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, and they have a long blooming period from late fall to early spring.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Saxifragales
Family	Crassulaceae
Genus	Kalanchoe

Appearance

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone has thick, succulent leaves that grow in a rosette formation, and they are dark green and glossy. The leaves can grow up to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. The plant produces a single stem that can reach a height of up to 12 inches, and it has a round and bushy appearance. The flowers of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone grow in clusters and are tubular in shape, with four petals. They can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and come in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. The flowers have a long blooming period from late fall to early spring, and they can last for several weeks.

Care Guide

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that requires minimal attention. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:

• Water: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for succulents.
• Sunlight: Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone prefers bright and indirect sunlight, so place it near a window that receives plenty of light.
• Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, and it can be grown as a houseplant in other zones.

Common Pests & Diseases

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. If you notice any pests, you can remove them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered, so be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Habitat

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone is native to Madagascar, where it grows in rocky and arid areas. The plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions, and it can store water in its leaves to survive in drought conditions. It is commonly grown as a houseplant in other parts of the world, and it thrives in well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone?
A: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.

Q: What is the blooming period of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone?
A: The plant has a long blooming period from late fall to early spring, and the flowers can last for several weeks.

Q: What are the common pests of Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone?
A: The plant can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Simone?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, and it can be grown as a houseplant in other zones.

Related Plants

• Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi
• Kalanchoe Pinnata
• Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

References

• “Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281578. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.
• “Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana.” University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp233. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.
• “Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12976/kalanchoe-blossfeldiana/details. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.