How to Prune Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a flowering perennial plant with fleshy leaves and tissues reminiscent of a succulent. They do not tolerate frost or cool temperatures and are grown widely as houseplants most of the year but can grow outdoors in temperate, frost free climates roughly USDA zone 8b and above. Kalanchoe has modest pruning requirements which consist mostly of removing dead flower heads. On small plants, do this with small scissors which are easy to maneuver and see what you are cutting. On larger, mature plants, pruning shears will do the job nicely.

Transplant Kalanchoe

Prepare a flower bed or pockets in a rock garden that receives full sun with afternoon shade and has sandy soil. Pop transplants out of their nursery packs in late fall or early winter when temperatures are not expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Kalanchoe bloom for about six weeks, then rest until prompted to bloom by winter's cycle of short days and long nights. Slide your hand over the top of the potted kalanchoe with your fingers parted around the central stem of the plant and your hand against the rim of the pot. Turn the pot on its side gently and pull back the pot. Flowering kalanchoes grow relatively slowly and do not often need repotting. Fill a terracotta pot 2 inches larger in diameter than its current pot with pebbles and a soil mix intended for potting cacti. Pinch off any dark brown or black mushy roots. Firm soil around the pot and water well. Place the pot in a sunny window where it can receive at least four hours of direct sun each day.