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Cathedral bells

Kalanchoe pinnata

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Cathedral bells · Kalanchoe pinnata

Fleshy scalloped leaves sprout plantlets along their edges and survive easily.

Care and placement

Prefers bright indirect light to gentle sun and tolerates drought: let the mix dry fully between waterings; well-drained soil; protect from frost.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 100 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

Kalanchoe contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides: ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats (vomiting, diarrhea, rarely abnormal heart rhythm); NParks Singapore notes it is toxic if ingested. Do not use it as medicine; keep from pets and children.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use a well-draining mix (cactus mix or soil with sand or perlite) in a pot with drainage holes; plantlets or leaves laid on moist mix will root.

  2. Light

    Bright indirect light to gentle sun (NParks: full sun to semi-shade). Low light makes it leggy; prolonged harsh sun can burn leaves.

  3. Watering

    Leaves and stems store water so it tolerates drought: let the mix dry fully between waterings (about weekly in summer, once or twice a month when cool). Waterlogging is the main enemy and rots roots.

  4. Feeding

    Diluted balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer; it does not need heavy feeding.

  5. Pruning

    Cut tips for bushiness and remove leggy or yellowed stems; pick up fallen leaves so plantlets do not spread everywhere.

  6. Propagation

    Very easy: small plantlets form in the notches of leaf margins; set a leaf (with a bit of stalk) on moist soil to root, or pot up the plantlets. Stem cuttings and air layering also work.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Few pests; root rot from waterlogging is the main issue. In warm climates it can turn weedy since plantlets form from fallen leaves — control leaf drop and plantlets.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For plump leaves and many plantlets: bright light, sparing water, sharp drainage and light feeding in warm months. Mature plants bear drooping bell-shaped flower clusters.