Between February and June, you’ll see the vibrant, colorful blooms of the Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) popping up in homes everywhere. This succulent is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s incredibly low-maintenance and easy to care for as a houseplant. However, since it isn’t frost-hardy, it needs a little extra TLC to make it through the winter months safely.
A Tropical Beauty: The Flaming Katy’s Madagascar Roots
The Flaming Katy belongs to the *Kalanchoe* genus, which is part of the stonecrop (Crassulaceae) family. You might sometimes hear it called the “Madagascar Bell,” a nickname that points directly to its home: this prolific bloomer originally hails from the island of Madagascar.
On its native African island, the Katy is perfectly adapted to hot, dry climates. That’s why, even in our homes, it loves a sunny and warm spot that’s protected from wind and—most importantly—rain. Since it’s a tropical native, it definitely can’t handle a chilly northern winter outdoors, so you’ll need to provide some solid cold protection.
Ideally, you don’t want temperatures to drop below 50°F (10°C) in the winter; the sweet spot is actually between 60°F and 72°F (15–22°C).
Frost-Sensitive Succulents: How to Overwinter the Right Way
The Flaming Katy is a bit of a homebody in the winter—it can’t stand temperatures below 50°F and is happiest when things stay between 60°F and 72°F. This makes it a perfect candidate for overwintering right in your living room, provided you follow a few simple steps:
- Starting in November, give your plant a “winter rest” for about 6 to 8 weeks (this means minimal care and limited light).
- Outside of that specific rest period, the Flaming Katy actually loves a bright, sunny spot.
- Cut back on watering significantly during the winter, or once the last flowers have faded.
- Stop fertilizing entirely during the cold months.
- The absolute best winter quarters are rooms that stay between 50°F and 60°F.
- A guest bedroom or a cool hallway usually fits the bill perfectly. Alternatively, a sunroom or a kitchen window can work well too.
Pro tip: If you want your Kalanchoe to bloom again next year, you have to play a little trick on it. It’s a “short-day plant,” meaning it needs about 8 to 9 hours of light (and long periods of darkness) for several weeks to trigger new buds. If you can simulate these light conditions at home, you’ll be rewarded with another round of those gorgeous flowers!
