How to Grow Calandiva
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Calandiva
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva'
flowerCalandiva is a succulent houseplant prized for its stunning double flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. A cultivar of Kalanchoe, it produces dense clusters of long-lasting blooms that can persist for weeks or months. This compact, low-maintenance plant is perfect for indoor gardening and adds vibrant color to any space.
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Example Calandiva timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calandiva
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Calandiva blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Calandiva dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows outdoors in zones 10-11; primarily a houseplant in cooler climates
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Propagation & Establishment
3-4 weeksLeaf or stem cuttings develop roots and establish in moist, well-draining soil. Tiny rosettes begin to form.
Keep soil barely moist; provide bright indirect light. Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Avoid overwatering, which causes rot.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksPlant develops its characteristic compact, fleshy rosette form with succulent leaves. Foliage appears blue-green or gray-green.
Water only when soil is completely dry. Provide ample bright light. Reduce watering in winter. Fertilize sparingly with diluted succulent fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Bud Formation & Pre-Bloom
2-4 weeksDense clusters of flower buds develop at the stem tips. Buds are tightly packed and begin showing color.
Maintain consistent bright light to support flowering. Ensure adequate but not excessive watering. Cool temperatures (55-65°F) in winter may trigger more abundant blooming.
Flowering
4-12 weeksDouble flowers open in vibrant colors, creating showy pompon-like flower clusters. Blooms are long-lasting and densely packed.
Provide bright light to maintain color intensity and prolong bloom duration. Continue allowing soil to dry between waterings. Avoid moving the plant frequently, as this can stress it and shorten bloom time.
Post-Bloom & Rest
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop. Plant enters a rest period with reduced growth activity.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage reblooming. Reduce watering further during rest. Cut back on fertilizer. Increase light exposure to prepare for next bloom cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs
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Repot into fresh, dry soil; reduce watering frequency; ensure excellent drainage; discard severely affected plants
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Increase humidity slightly (mist around plant, not leaves); spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Remove by hand or with tweezers; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray; check regularly for reinfestation
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Allow soil surface to dry completely between waterings; use sticky traps; reduce humidity; repot if severe
Uses
Indoor Décor & Gift Plant
HouseholdCalandiva's vibrant double flowers and compact form make it an excellent indoor houseplant for tables, shelves, windowsills, and offices. Its long-lasting blooms and low-maintenance nature have made it a popular commercial potted plant and gift item worldwide. [source]
Not For Consumption
CulinaryCalandiva should NOT be eaten. Like other Kalanchoe species, it contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic if ingested by humans and pets. [source]
Traditional Use (Not Recommended)
MedicinalSome cultures have used Kalanchoe species in traditional medicine, but Calandiva is not recommended for internal or external medicinal use due to its toxic compounds. Modern herbalism avoids this plant. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeCalandiva's double flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when grown outdoors or on patios in warm climates, providing a food source for pollinators. [source]
Propagation & Collection
CraftCalandiva is easily propagated from individual leaves or stem cuttings, making it a rewarding plant for hobbyists who enjoy plant propagation, sharing cuttings, and building succulent collections. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Calandiva is an ornamental flowering plant, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower clusters by pinching or cutting below the dried blooms to encourage reblooming. For propagation, take healthy leaf cuttings or stem cuttings, allow them to callus for 3-5 days, then plant in dry succulent soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Calandiva was developed in the Netherlands as a double-flowered cultivar of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, combining the plant's natural durability with enhanced ornamental appeal.
- 🌱 The flowers of Calandiva can bloom continuously for 2-6 months under ideal conditions, making it one of the longest-blooming succulent houseplants available.
- 🌱 Kalanchoe species are sometimes called 'Widow's Thrill' or 'Widow-maker' due to their toxicity to pets; keep Calandiva away from curious cats and dogs.
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