If you want your kalanchoe to thrive, getting its light right is the most important thing you can do. The ideal setup for these succulents is bright indirect sunlight, which keeps them colorful and blooming without the risk of sunburn.
Kalanchoes are popular for their cheerful flowers and easy-going nature, but they can be picky about light. Too much direct sun scorches their leaves, while too little makes them leggy and stops them from flowering. This guide will help you find that perfect spot.
Kalanchoe Light Requirements – Optimal For Bright Indirect Sunlight
This heading sums up the golden rule. Kalanchoes perform their best when they recieve several hours of strong, filtered light each day. Think of the light inside a room with a large, sunny window, but where the sun’s rays never directly hit the plant. This condition mimics their natural habitat and encourages compact growth and prolific blooms.
What Does Bright Indirect Light Actually Look Like?
It can be confusing to picture. Bright indirect light is not shady or dim. It’s a well-lit space where a plant recieves plenty of light, but no hot, direct beams from the sun touch its leaves.
Here are some easy ways to identify it:
- The Shadow Test: Hold your hand about a foot above where the plant will sit. On a sunny day, if you see a soft, fuzzy-edged shadow, that’s indirect light. A sharp, defined shadow means direct sun.
- Window Direction: East-facing windows are often perfect, offering gentle morning sun. North-facing windows might be too dim. South or west-facing windows need a sheer curtain to diffuse the strong afternoon light.
- Room Brightness: You can comfortably read a book in the spot without turning on a lamp during the day.
Why Direct Sunlight Can Be a Problem
While kalanchoes can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the cooler morning hours, intense afternoon sun is their enemy. The leaves are fleshy and full of water, making them susceptible to sunburn.
Signs of too much direct light include:
- Leaves turning pale, yellowish, or developing brown, crispy patches.
- Bleached or washed-out colors on the foliage.
- The soil drying out excessively fast, leading to stress.
The Consequences of Not Enough Light
On the other end of the spectrum, low light conditions cause a different set of issues. Your plant will literally stretch out searching for the sun, a process called etiolation.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Leggy Growth: Long, weak stems with large spaces between leaves.
- Small or Pale Leaves: New leaves are smaller and may lose their vibrant color.
- No Flowers: This is the biggest giveaway. Kalanchoes need ample light to initiate and develop their flower buds.
- Leaning: The entire plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Kalanchoe Placement
Finding the right spot is a simple process. Follow these steps to get it right the first time.
1. Assess Your Available Light
Spend a day observing the light in your home. Note which windows get morning sun versus harsh afternoon sun. Don’t forget that light changes with the seasons; a spot that’s perfect in winter might be too intense in summer.
2. Start with a Bright Indirect Spot
Place your kalanchoe about 1-3 feet back from an east, south, or west-facing window. If it’s a south or west window, use a sheer curtain as a buffer. This is your safest starting point.
3. Observe and Adjust
Leave the plant in its new spot for about two weeks. Watch how it responds. Is it maintaining a compact, bushy shape? Are the leaves a healthy, rich green (or other color, depending on variety)? If you see signs of stress, move it slightly.
4. Seasonal Adjustments Are Key
In the darker winter months, you might need to move your plant closer to the window to maximize light exposure. Conversely, during the intense summer sun, you may need to pull it further back or add more filtering. Its a dance you’ll get used to.
Boosting Light for Blooming
To get your kalanchoe to rebloom, light management is the secret. They are short-day plants, meaning they need long nights (over 14 hours of darkness) and bright days to set flower buds.
Here’s how to encourage flowers:
- During the day (for 10 hours), ensure it gets its optimal bright indirect light.
- For the next 14 hours, the plant must be in complete, uninterrupted darkness. Even a small amount of light from a streetlamp or room light can disrupt the cycle.
- You can achive this by placing it in a closet or covering it with a box every evening for about 6 weeks until you see bud formation.
- Once buds are formed, you can return it to its normal lighting routine and enjoy the show.
What About Grow Lights?
If your home lacks natural bright light, don’t worry. Grow lights are an excellent solution. They provide a consistent light source that you can control.
For kalanchoes, use a full-spectrum LED grow light. Place the light 6 to 12 inches above the plant and set a timer for 10-12 hours per day. This mimics the bright day period they crave and can even be used to supplement natural light during gloomy winters.
Common Kalanchoe Varieties and Their Light Notes
Most kalanchoes have similar needs, but here’s a quick look at popular types:
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy): The most common. Follows the standard bright indirect light rule for best flowering.
- Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant): Its fuzzy leaves can tolerate a bit more direct sun but still prefers bright indirect light to prevent scorching.
- Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands): This unique plant is more tolerant of varying light but will be healthiest and produce more plantlets in bright, indirect conditions.
- Kalanchoe luciae (Flapjack/Paddle Plant): Can develop beautiful red edges with a bit of direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon light will damage its paddles.
FAQs on Kalanchoe Light Needs
Can kalanchoe live in low light?
It can survive for a while, but it won’t thrive. Growth will be slow, leggy, and it will almost certainly not flower. Low light is not recommended for a healthy plant.
How many hours of light does a kalanchoe need?
Aim for at least 6-8 hours of bright indirect light per day. For robust growth and flowering, 10 hours is even better.
Why are my kalanchoe’s leaves turning red?
A little redness, especially on the edges, is often a “sun tan” from increased light and is usually harmless. However, if the leaves are also becoming crispy, it’s a sign of sunburn and you should move the plant to a less intense spot.
Can I put my kalanchoe outside?
Yes, but be careful. Acclimate it slowly to outdoor conditions. Place it in a spot with dappled shade or morning sun only, protected from hot afternoon rays. Always bring it back inside before temperatures drop in the fall.
Is light connected to watering?
Absolutely. A kalanchoe in bright light will use water faster than one in lower light. Always check the soil moisture before watering. In lower light, the soil stays wet longer, increasing the risk of root rot.
Troubleshooting Quick Tips
- Leggy plant? It needs more light. Move it to a brighter location or introduce a grow light.
- Brown scorch marks? Too much direct sun. Filter the light with a curtain or move it back from the window.
- Not flowering? Ensure it gets enough bright light during the day and consider enforcing a long-night cycle in the fall.
- Leaves drooping? Check both light and water. It could be thirsty, or it could be stressed from too much hot sun.
Getting the light right for your kalanchoe is simple once you know what to look for. Remember the principle of bright indirect sunlight as your goal. Observe your plant’s response over time, and don’t be afraid to move it until you see that perfect balance of compact growth and vibrant color. With the right light, your kalanchoe will reward you with years of easy care and stunning seasonal blooms.