Kalanchoe is one of those plants that feels almost magical—it blooms with vibrant color, asks for very little, and somehow thrives in a forgotten corner of your windowsill. But after those first show-stopping blooms fade, many plant lovers are left wondering: Will it ever flower again?
Good news—it absolutely will! You just need to give it the right nudge.
Here’s your foolproof guide to making your Kalanchoe rebloom, along with a few secrets that’ll keep it looking gorgeous year-round.
First Things First: Why Kalanchoes Stop Blooming
After the initial blooms drop, your kalanchoe slips into a rest period called dormancy. It’s totally normal. But if you keep treating it like it’s still in flower mode—watering too often, giving it too much light, or skipping pruning—it won’t get the cue to bloom again.
Let’s fix that.
The Magic Formula: Light, Darkness, and Timing
Here’s the trick that most folks don’t realize—Kalanchoes are short-day plants, just like poinsettias. That means they need long stretches of uninterrupted darkness each day to trigger blooming.
Give It 14 Hours of Darkness
To restart the bloom cycle, your kalanchoe needs:
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14 hours of complete darkness
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10 hours of bright, indirect light
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For about 4 to 6 weeks
You can cover the plant with a box or place it in a dark closet from evening to morning. Just make sure no stray light sneaks in—yes, even from a lamp or hallway light!
Light During the Day Still Matters
While the dark treatment works its magic overnight, your kalanchoe still craves bright but indirect light during the day. A sunny east- or west-facing window is perfect.
Avoid harsh midday rays though—they can scorch the leaves.
Watering and Feeding: Less Is More
Kalanchoes are succulents, which means overwatering is the fastest way to ruin the show.
Watering Tips:
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Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
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Never let the pot sit in water—drainage is key.
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During bloom-forcing weeks, reduce watering slightly to encourage the plant to focus on flowering.
Fertilizer?
Yes, but go easy. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) once a month during the growing season is plenty. Stop feeding during the darkness-forcing phase.
Don’t Skip Pruning
After the blooms fade, your kalanchoe can look a little scraggly. This is your chance to give it a haircut.
Pruning Tips:
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Snip off spent flower stems just above a leaf node.
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Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems.
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Don’t be afraid to shape the plant—it’ll bounce back bushier.
This tells the plant it’s time to grow again and makes room for new flower buds.
Pot Size, Soil, and Temperature Matter Too
Sometimes reblooming issues come down to the basics. Let’s double-check:
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Soil: Use a well-draining mix (cactus or succulent soil is best).
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Pot: Make sure it’s snug but not cramped. Repot every couple of years if roots are bound.
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Temperature: Keep it between 60°F and 85°F. Avoid drafts or sudden cold snaps.
What to Expect and When
If you follow the darkness trick consistently for 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll start to see small buds forming. Once buds appear, return your plant to its normal spot and resume regular care.
Within a few weeks—voilà—blooms will burst open, bringing that brilliant color back into your home.
Common Mistakes That Delay Blooms
Let’s avoid the pitfalls. If your kalanchoe still refuses to bloom, check for these:
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Too much nighttime light
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Overwatering or soggy soil
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Lack of pruning
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Poor sunlight during the day
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Skipping the dormant “rest” period
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off
Kalanchoe may be a low-maintenance plant, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it bloomer. With a little effort—and a few weeks of darkness—you’ll be rewarded with a fresh flush of blooms that’ll last for months.
So don’t toss that “dead” kalanchoe after the flowers fade. Instead, give it the cycle it craves, and watch it come back to life—brighter, fuller, and even more beautiful than before.
Quick Recap: How to Make Kalanchoe Bloom Again
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Provide 14 hours of complete darkness daily for 4–6 weeks
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Give 10 hours of bright light during the day
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Water sparingly—let soil dry between drinks
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Use a balanced fertilizer once a month (not during bloom-forcing)
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Prune spent blooms and leggy growth
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Expect new buds within a few weeks