Kalanchoe - A Versatile and Reliable Cut Flower

Su Whale
2 hours ago
2 min read

Flowering, potted Kalanchoe is one of our most recognisable houseplants, inexpensive and cheerful, it can flower for months. The Kalanchoe as a cut flower however does not have such universal recognition, even though it shares the same long-lasting qualities and is able to retain its beauty for up to four weeks.

Did you know?

Kalanchoe (pronounced Kal-an-co-e) is a succulent which can survive for several days without water, so can be transported dry, which cuts down its environmental footprint as boxes of flowers are lighter and less bulky than flowers delivered on water. So if you are looking for materials for a sustainable arrangement, cut Kalanchoe is ideal.

Buying cut Kalanchoe

Typically sold in batches of 20 stems, with stem length between 40-55cm.

Availability: All year round, although supply is more limited in winter.

Colour range:

White, cream, lemon, coral, pink, red and orange. It is possible to buy mixed colours in larger quantities.

How to care for cut Kalanchoe

Temperature: Display at room temperature around 13°C. Over exposure to a cold room will result in drooping and wilting.
Re-cut stems at an angle on arrival and place in a clean vase with lukewarm water. Flower food is not necessary.
Remove any leaves that will be in contact with water to prevent bacterial growth.
Re-cut stems every three – four days, changing the water each time.

Limp Kalanchoe can be revived by submerging briefly in lukewarm water.

Keep away from sources of ethylene gas and out of reach of small children and pets as Kalanchoe contains toxic substances. Always wash hands and clean tools and workbenches after handling.

Using Kalanchoe in designs

As it is available for purchase all year round, cut Kalanchoe is suitable for spring vases, summer weddings, autumn arrangements and Christmas bouquets. They have exceptional lasting qualities when arranged in water, which makes them perfect flowers for restaurants and hotel reception desks.

If using in floral foam, make sure no leaves are touching the wet surface as this will encourage botrytis.

Can Kalanchoe be wired and glued?

Kalanchoe has a sturdy stem, but it can also snap easily, so although it can be wired for corsages, floral crowns etc, care should be taken when handling it. It can be glued directly onto surfaces with cold glue.

Images curtesy of Danziger.nl

Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.