Learning how to prune kalanchoe is a simple task that keeps these popular succulents looking their best. This quick guide will show you the easy steps to encourage more blooms and a healthier plant.
Pruning might seem scary, but it’s really just giving your plant a helpful haircut. Kalanchoes, like the common Flaming Katy, benefit greatly from a little trimming. It stops them from becoming leggy and promotes a compact, bushy shape. More importantly, it tells the plant to focus its energy on creating those beautiful flower clusters we all love. With the right timing and technique, you’ll have a thriving kalanchoe for years.
How To Prune Kalanchoe
Before you make your first cut, it’s important to gather what you need and understand the plant’s cycle. Having the right tools makes the job cleaner and safer for your plant.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
Timing is everything for a successful prune. The ideal period is right after the plant finishes blooming. This is usually in late spring or early summer. The plant is entering a growth phase and will recover quickly. You can also do light pinching throughout the growing season to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter, as the plant is often dormant or preparing to bloom.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or sharp scissors. Blunt tools can crush stems.
- Rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant spray for your tools.
- A clean cloth or paper towel.
- Optional: Gardening gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions
Follow these steps for a healthy prune. Remember, you’re in control, so step back occasionally to check the plant’s overall shape.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Wipe the blades of your shears with rubbing alcohol. This prevents spreading any diseases from other plants. It’s a simple step that’s often overlooked but very important for plant health.
Step 2: Remove Dead Flowers and Stems
Start by cutting off the old flower stalks. Trace the stalk down to where it meets a set of leaves or the main stem, and make a clean cut there. Next, look for any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Remove these at their base where they attach to the stem. This cleans up the plant and allows light to reach the center.
Step 3: Cut Back Leggy Growth
Look for stems that are long, thin, and have few leaves. These are “leggy” stems often reaching for light. Choose a point just above a leaf node (the small bump where leaves grow from). Make your cut at a slight angle about a quarter-inch above that node. This encourages two new branches to sprout from that point, creating a fuller plant. Don’t be afraid to cut a stem back by half if it’s very long.
Step 4: Shape the Plant
Rotate the plant as you work. Trim any stems that are sticking out awkwardly to create a rounded, even shape. The goal is a compact, bushy appearance rather than a few long stems. If your plant is very overgrown, you may need to remove some stems completely at the soil line to open it up.
What to Do With the Cuttings
Don’t throw those cuttings away! Kalanchoes are incredibly easy to propagate. Let the cut end of a healthy stem dry and callous over for a day or two. Then, just stick it in a pot with fresh, well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Water lightly, and in a few weeks, you’ll have a whole new plant starting to root. It’s a great way to share plants with friends.
Aftercare Tips Post-Pruning
Your plant just had a little surgery, so it needs gentle care. Place it in bright, indirect light for a week or so. Hold off on watering for a few days to let the cuts heal and prevent rot. After that, resume your normal watering routine, always letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. You can give it a light feeding with a balanced, diluted fertilizer about a month after pruning to support new growth.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
- Pruning at the Wrong Time: Cutting just before bloom time can remove flower buds.
- Using Dirty Tools: This can introduce infection.
- Over-pruning: Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once. It can cause to much stress.
- Wrong Cut Location: Cutting too far from a leaf node can leave an ugly stump that dies back.
- Watering Too Soon: Wet soil on fresh cuts is an open invitation for stem rot.
Encouraging Your Kalanchoe to Rebloom
Pruning is the first step to get more flowers. Kalanchoes are “short-day” plants, meaning they need long nights to set buds. After pruning, for about 6 weeks, ensure the plant gets 14 hours of complete darkness and 10 hours of bright light each day. You can put it in a closet at 6 PM and bring it out at 8 AM. Reduce watering slightly during this time. With this routine, you should see new flower buds forming.
FAQ Section
How often should I prune my kalanchoe?
A major prune is typically needed once a year, after blooming. Light pinching or trimming can be done whenever you notice it getting leggy throughout the growing season.
Can I prune a kalanchoe that is flowering?
It’s best to wait. Pruning during flowering interrupts the display and removes the plant’s beautiful effort. Only remove individual dead flowers if you wish, but save the structural pruning for after.
Why is my kalanchoe getting so tall and leggy?
This is usually a sign of insufficient light. The plant stretches to find a brighter spot. Move it to a sunnier location and prune back the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth from the base.
Is it okay to prune kalanchoe in winter?
It’s not ideal. The plant is often in a dormant state or developing bloom buds during shorter days. Pruning now might stress it or cut off future flowers. Stick to spring and summer for the best results.
My pruned stems look wilted, what did I do wrong?
Some wilting can be normal right after cutting. Ensure you’re not overwatering, as this is the most common issue. If the cut end itself is mushy and black, it may be rot from to much moisture. Cut above the rotten section and let it callous again before replanting.
Pruning your kalanchoe is a simple and rewarding part of its care. By following these steps—using clean tools, cutting after blooms fade, and shaping for fullness—you directly improve your plant’s health and appearance. The process not only creates a tidier plant but also stimulates lush new growth and more reliable flowering. With your new knowledge, you can confidently maintain a beautiful, blooming kalanchoe season after season. Remember, those cuttings can easily become new plants, making your effort even more worthwhile.