Kalanchoe synsepala
Kalanchoe synsepala · Crassulaceae
📷 lienyuan lee · CC BY 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles toxiques : troubles digestifs chez chiens et chats par ingestion, irritation gastrique.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around kalanchoe synsepala and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and thick
- Flowering
- Winter and spring (December to April)
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Tender (10-12 °C minimum)
- Origin
- Madagascar and East Africa
- Soil type
- Well-draining, mineral, low fertility
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Water moderately, only when the soil dries out noticeably: it's a succulent that stores water. In winter, cut watering in half. A sandy, well-draining substrate is essential.
The common mistake
Excessive winter watering: many people keep the same rhythm as summer and the plant's roots rot. Kalanchoe dies from too much water far more than from drought.
The pro's trick
Repot in a special succulent mix (potting soil + coarse sand 1:1) or buy ready-made cactus soil: it's the key to survival. A plant in regular potting soil will die in two winters.
Seasonal watch
Winter: if temperature drops below 10°C, virtually stop watering (once a month max). Below 5°C, it collapses. Bring it inside or protect it depending on your climate.
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Drastically reduce watering in autumn-winter: once a month is sufficient. Avoid standing water which quickly causes root rot, a characteristic problem of succulent plants.
Light
Prefer bright, direct light for at least 4 to 6 hours daily. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Indoors, the plant will tolerate light partial shade but will grow less vigorously. Avoid overly dark locations which cause the foliage to become pale and weak.
Soil and substrate
Use a specialized succulent potting mix or prepare a very well-draining blend (peat-free compost, sand, perlite). Drainage is crucial: add gravel or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot. Rich soil would promote water retention and rot.
Pruning and trimming
Pinch the stem tips in spring to encourage branching and a compact shape. Remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear. After winter flowering, you can lightly shorten tired stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply a highly diluted fertilizer or one formulated for succulents once or twice during the growing phase (May to August). Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes soft, non-succulent foliage. Feeding every two months is more than sufficient.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs which settle between the leaves. Rot is the main risk in case of excess humidity or overwatering. If problems arise, isolate the plant and intervene with appropriate solutions. Good drainage and adequate air circulation are enough to prevent most issues.
Did you know?
Kalanchoe synsepala is remarkable for its spectacular winter flowering, a rare characteristic among houseplants that brightens the grey walls of winter. In East Africa, this succulent has long been used by local populations for its ornamental qualities and its hardy nature, capable of withstanding dry periods.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.