Kalanchoe Leaves Turning Yellow: Causes plus Fixes
Kalanchoe leaves turning yellow usually trace back to too much water. Clemson Extension notes kalanchoe can be damaged by overwatering. NC State Extension notes overwatering can cause root rot or stem rot. Kalanchoe is a succulent, so its thick leaves hold water. Drainage, light plus temperature come next.
The short answer
Let the soil dry between waterings, then water deeply. Never let the pot sit in a sleeve or saucer full of water. Use a well drained mix suited to cacti or succulents. Give bright light but shade from harsh afternoon sun. Hold the plant away from frost plus temperatures below 45 degrees F.
Why does overwatering yellow kalanchoe?
University of Missouri Extension notes kalanchoe leaves carry a thick cuticle that reduces water loss. It advises letting the growing medium dry before watering. Pour any excess water from the saucer so it is not wicked back up. Soggy mix invites root rot or stem rot, per NC State Extension.
| Cause | Sign | Fix | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overwatering | Root rot or stem rot | Let soil dry between waterings | NC State plus Clemson |
| Standing water | Soggy mix | Drain the saucer plus sleeve | Iowa State plus Missouri |
| Harsh sun | Scorched leaves | Give afternoon shade | NC State |
| Low light | Spindly growth | Move to bright light | Clemson plus Missouri |
| Cold | Frost damage | Bring indoors before 45 degrees F | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension, Clemson Extension, Iowa State University Extension plus University of Missouri Extension.
How much light does a kalanchoe need?
Clemson Extension notes kalanchoe grows well in full sun plus tolerates bright indoor light. Plants tend to get spindly in low light. NC State Extension notes the florist kalanchoe prefers bright indirect sun or partial shade. It notes prolonged direct sun can scorch the leaves, so afternoon shade is recommended.
What temperatures suit a kalanchoe?
Clemson Extension lists ideal temperatures as 45 to 65 degrees F at night plus 50 to 70 degrees F during the day. NC State Extension notes the plant is intolerant of frost. It should come indoors in cooler climates before temperatures fall to 45 degrees F. Missouri notes temperatures over 75 degrees F can postpone flowering.
How to: step by step
- Feel the soil before watering.
- Water deeply only once the soil has dried.
- Empty the saucer or foil sleeve after watering.
- Repot into a cactus or succulent mix if the soil stays wet.
- Set the plant in bright light with afternoon shade.
- Move it indoors before nights drop to 45 degrees F.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves plus soft stems: rot from overwatering. Let the soil dry plus check the roots.
Scorched leaves in a sunny window: too much direct sun. Provide afternoon shade.
Leggy, spindly growth: low light. Move the plant to a brighter spot.
For related reading see overwatering and cannabis growth, self watering pots for cannabis plus grow lights for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Kalanchoe, Clemson Extension
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, NC State Extension
- How do I care for a kalanchoe, Iowa State University Extension
- Have yourself a merry little kalanchoe, University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
How often should a kalanchoe be watered?
Only when the soil has dried. NC State Extension notes kalanchoe is drought tolerant, so let the soil dry out between waterings, then water deeply. Iowa State University Extension advises letting the soil dry but not to the point of wilting. Clemson Extension advises letting it dry slightly between waterings.
What potting mix suits kalanchoe?
A fast draining one. NC State Extension advises a well drained potting mix suited to cacti or succulents. Clemson Extension notes kalanchoes grow well in well drained, well aerated soil, such as 60 percent peat moss plus 40 percent perlite. After flowering, shift the plant to a slightly larger pot.
Can kalanchoe sit in its foil sleeve?
Not with water in it. Iowa State University Extension notes good drainage matters, so never let containers sit in sleeves full of water. University of Missouri Extension advises draining excess water from the saucer so it is not wicked back into the growing medium.
Can kalanchoe go outdoors in summer?
Yes. Clemson Extension advises moving it outdoors after the danger of frost to a bright, lightly shaded spot for summer. University of Missouri Extension suggests light shade or indirect sun outdoors. NC State Extension notes it should come back indoors before temperatures drop to 45 degrees F.
Why is my kalanchoe tall plus leggy?
Light is the likely cause. Clemson Extension notes plants tend to get spindly in low light conditions. University of Missouri Extension notes the same. Kalanchoe enjoys bright light plus a well drained growing medium. NC State notes the plant should get 6 to 8 hours of bright light daily to bloom.
