The Flaming Katy (or *Kalanchoe*) is a classic “short-day” plant that’s hard to miss thanks to its thick, rosette-shaped leaves and those stunning clusters of fiery red, bright orange, or vivid pink flowers. Most people treat this succulent like a one-and-done bouquet and toss it after a year, but here’s a pro tip: with the right care and a quick pruning session, this beauty can actually thrive for years!
Why should I prune my Flaming Katy?
Regularly trimming your succulent is a must-do chore once the blooming season ends and the flowers start to fade. While pruning isn’t strictly a matter of life or death for the plant, it acts like a “fountain of youth.” It keeps the leaf rosette looking lush and full rather than letting it get thin and scraggly.
Left to its own devices, a Kalanchoe tends to get “leggy” over time, shooting up tall, spindly stems that lack leaves and flowers. To keep it compact and pretty, you’ll want to be a bit bold with your garden shears.
Expert Tip: The secret to a successful prune is using a sharp, clean tool. This prevents you from crushing the stems or accidentally introducing bacteria or pests to your plant.
How to prune your Flaming Katy like a pro
Ready to give your “Madagascar Bell”—another cute nickname for the Kalanchoe—a haircut? Just follow these simple steps:
- Wait until every single bloom on your plant has completely faded.
- Start by repotting the plant into some fresh, well-draining soil.
- Cut the stems back as low as possible.
- Crucial step: Make sure there are still visible buds (or “eyes”) below where you make your cut. Without these growth points, the plant won’t be able to sprout new stems.
- Don’t let those clippings go to waste! You can easily use them for propagation via leaf or stem cuttings.
- Once you’ve finished the main pruning, tidy up the plant by gently plucking off any yellowing leaves or leftover dried-up flower bits.
Expert Tip: If you want your Kalanchoe to bloom again, you have to trick it into thinking it’s winter. Starting in November, make sure it gets no more than eight or nine hours of light (natural or artificial) per day and keep it in a cool spot—ideally between 50°F and 60°F (10°C–15°C).
