This vibrant plant, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Rosalina Don Justino Red', is a popular and cheerful succulent, commonly known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe due to its tendency to bloom during winter months, especially around the holidays.
The most appealing characteristic of this Kalanchoe cultivar is its stunning and long-lasting flowering. The 'Rosalina Don Justino Red' specifically boasts masses of small, clustered flowers in a rich, deep red hue, adding a brilliant pop of color. The dense flower heads can often completely cover the foliage when the plant is in full bloom.
Flowering Period: This plant is often sold in bloom during the late autumn and winter, but with proper care and manipulation of light/dark cycles (similar to a Poinsettia), it can be coaxed to flower throughout the year. The blooms themselves last for many weeks.
The foliage consists of thick, fleshy, dark green leaves that are slightly scalloped around the edges. As a succulent, these leaves are designed to store water. The plant is evergreen, maintaining its leaves year-round, though the main visual interest is the stunning flower display.
The 'Rosalina Don Justino Red' has a compact, bushy growth habit.
Height: When fully grown, this variety typically reaches an indoor height of about 10 to 18 inches (25 to 45 cm), making it an excellent choice for tabletops and windowsills.
The Kalanchoe is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring less fuss than many other flowering houseplants.
Light: It thrives in bright light, including several hours of direct morning sun if possible. Plenty of light is essential for robust growth and, crucially, for stimulating future flowering. Insufficient light will result in leggy growth and poor blooming.
Watering: As a succulent, it is essential to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.5 Overwatering is the biggest killer of Kalanchoes and can quickly lead to root rot. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then discard any excess. Water much less frequently during its winter rest period.
Temperature: Average room temperatures between 18°C and 27°C are ideal. Avoid placing it near cold drafts.
Note: All parts of the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana plant are considered toxic if ingested by pets (especially cats and dogs) and humans, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, cardiac issues. It should be kept well out of their reach.
