Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva'

Scientific Name

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva' is a bushy succulent with dense clusters of showy double flowers that resemble rose blossoms. It grows up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) tall. The colors of the flowers include white, cream, yellow, salmon, light pink, rose, lavender, red, and burgundy. The flowers last for at least six weeks.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva' — *Photo by Prenn*

How to Grow and Care

Like other succulents, Calandiva needs well-draining soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH level. Add sand or perlite to your potting soil or buy a blend made for succulents and cacti. Plant Calandiva outdoors, about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart. Give the plant full sun outdoors and as much sunlight as you can indoors, either with direct sunlight or bright, indirect sunlight. A spindly looking plant may result from too little light.

Because Calandiva is a drought-tolerant plant, it's best to err on the side of too little water rather than too much. Water the plant thoroughly every week or less, but wait until the soil is dry before rewatering. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage flowering, using a liquid fertilizer for an indoor plant and a liquid or granular type for outdoor plants.

Minor pruning and pinching are all that Calandiva needs to encourage flowering and create a more bushy, full shape. Cut back the tallish stems that rise above the leaves after the flowers finish blooming. Leave small new plant shoots that form at the ends of the leaves remaining if you want your plant to grow larger.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Calandiva.

Origin

The Calandiva series was discovered in 1998 by a Swedish grower who noticed a purple Kalanchoe blossfeldiana mutant that had 32 petals instead of 4. The plant was intensively bred and then introduced to gardeners in 2002.