Calandiva Plant Care: How to Grow and Keep It Thriving

The Calandiva is a popular houseplant, a variety of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana bred for double petals that resemble miniature roses. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a suitable choice for new gardeners, and its long-lasting blooms can brighten any room for weeks.

Calandiva Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is important for a healthy Calandiva. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window is ideal in summer, providing adequate light without the harshness of direct sun, which can scorch its leaves. During winter, a south-facing window can offer the medium light levels the plant prefers.

Water

As a succulent, the Calandiva stores water in its leaves and is sensitive to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, which means watering about every one to two weeks. To check for dryness, insert a wooden skewer into the soil; if it comes out clean, it’s time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage and ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots, which can lead to root rot.

Soil

The right soil mix is important for a healthy Calandiva. A well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix is the ideal choice, as it prevents water from logging around the roots. When repotting in early spring, select a container with drainage holes. You can place a piece of screen over the hole to prevent soil from washing out.

Temperature & Humidity

Calandiva plants prefer stable indoor temperatures between 60 and 80°F (15-27°C). They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold drafts, so avoid placing them near open windows or doors in winter. The plant adapts well to indoor humidity levels and does not require extra misting or a humidifier to thrive.

Fertilizer

A Calandiva benefits from feeding during its growing season to support its blooms and growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every month during the spring and summer. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to a salt buildup in the soil, which may harm the plant’s roots.

Encouraging Calandiva to Rebloom

Many owners discard Calandiva plants after their flowers fade, but they can be encouraged to flower again. The plant is photoperiodic, meaning its blooming is triggered by day length. To stimulate a new bloom cycle, the plant requires a period of “short days” with long, uninterrupted nights.

Starting in the fall, ensure the plant receives 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness each day. This can be achieved by placing it in a closet or covering it with a box each evening, then returning it to bright, indirect light during the day. Maintain this routine for about six to eight weeks and reduce watering frequency. Once new flower buds form, you can stop the darkness treatment and resume your normal care routine.

Pruning Your Calandiva

Pruning is a simple task that keeps your Calandiva looking full and encourages new growth. The primary reason to prune is to remove spent flower stalks after the blooming period finishes. This process, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy toward new foliage and future blooms.

To deadhead, pinch or snip off the withered flower clusters close to the stem. To promote a more compact shape, you can also pinch back the growing tips. For a more significant pruning, cut stems back just below the second or third leaf after flowering is over to maintain a desirable shape.

Common Calandiva Problems

Yellowing leaves or a wilting appearance are signs of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If you suspect this, allow the soil to dry out completely and adjust your watering schedule. Leggy growth, where stems become stretched and pale, is a clear indicator of insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location will resolve this.

Pests are not a frequent problem, but Calandivas can attract mealybugs or aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cotton-like masses on the stems and leaves, while aphids are tiny insects that cluster on new growth. Both can be treated by wiping them off with a cloth dipped in soapy water or a diluted isopropyl alcohol solution.