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Big Leaf Kalanchoe

5.0 out of 5 (2 experiences)

Blooms easily

Easy to propagate

About Big Leaf Kalanchoe

Plants in the Kalanchoe genus are native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. They range from rubbery green leaves, to leopard print, and some are even fuzzy! The word Kalanchoe comes from the Cantonese name for these plants, pronounced Ka-lun-koh-ee in English. Their succulent leaves help store water during droughts, so they'll be just fine if you skip a watering or two (it happens!).

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Kalanchoe laciniata 'Modoc'

Genus

Kalanchoe

Family

Crassulaceae

Order

Saxifragales

How to care for Big Leaf Kalanchoe

💦 Water

How often to water your Big Leaf Kalanchoe

Big Leaf Kalanchoe needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Big Leaf Kalanchoe in your home

Big Leaf Kalanchoe love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Big Leaf Kalanchoe does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Big Leaf Kalanchoe in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Big Leaf Kalanchoe

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Big Leaf Kalanchoe: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Big Leaf Kalanchoe after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Kalanchoe

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Big Leaf Kalanchoe thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Big Leaf Kalanchoe Water Frequency →

Big Leaf Kalanchoe Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Big Leaf Kalanchoe requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Big Leaf Kalanchoe Light Requirements →

Big Leaf Kalanchoe Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

💨 Humidity

Big Leaf Kalanchoe prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Big Leaf Kalanchoe Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Big Leaf Kalanchoe is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Big Leaf Kalanchoe →

When and How to Successfully Repot Big Leaf Kalanchoe →

💩 Fertilizer

Big Leaf Kalanchoe should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Big Leaf Kalanchoe →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Big Leaf Kalanchoe to go dormant in the summertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Big Leaf Kalanchoe is native to Madagascar and Tropical Africa.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Care Summary for Big Leaf Kalanchoe

Big Leaf Kalanchoe

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Blooms easily 2

Easy to propagate 2

Fast grower 1

Survivor 1

@@Lilibutwithbands

6 Plants

411 XP

Louisville, KY

04/26/2021

This plant is good for first time plant owners. I have nearly killed it many times and has survived. It works well in any sunlight and minimal watering. Greg has helped it be more beautiful by actually remembering to love it.

Easy to propagate

Blooms easily

Survivor