Short answer: yes, usually grown indoors
Calandiva is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It is sold in pots as a flowering houseplant and tends to do well in ordinary home temperatures and fairly dry indoor air, provided it gets bright light and is not overwatered. It is not frost tolerant, which is another reason it is kept indoors in cooler climates.
What is a Calandiva?
Calandiva is a trade name for a series of double-flowered Kalanchoe blossfeldiana varieties. The flowers look like small roses or carnations, in colors such as pink, red, orange, yellow and white, and they tend to stay in bloom for a long time. Care is much the same as for other flowering kalanchoe. See our kalanchoe care guide for the wider genus.
Indoor care basics
- Light: bright light is best. A sunny windowsill with filtered or morning sun usually works. Strong, hot direct sun through glass can scorch leaves, and low light causes stretched stems and fewer flowers.
- Water: water thoroughly, then let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. Frequency depends on light, pot and season, so check the soil rather than watering on a fixed day. Never leave the pot standing in water.
- Soil and pot: use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes.
- Temperature: normal room temperatures suit it. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents and chilly window glass in winter.
- Feeding: a light, diluted feed during active growth is usually enough.
- Deadheading: remove faded flowers and stalks to keep the plant tidy.
Can Calandiva go outside?
In warm, frost-free weather it can spend time outdoors in bright shade or gentle morning sun. Heavy rain can lead to rot, so a sheltered spot is better. Bring it back indoors before nights turn cold. In frost-free climates it may be grown outdoors year round. For more on lifespan and climate, see Is kalanchoe annual or perennial?
Is Calandiva poisonous to pets?
Treat it as toxic. Calandiva is a kalanchoe, and kalanchoe contain cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides). The ASPCA lists kalanchoe as toxic to dogs and cats, and it should also be considered unsafe for children if eaten.
- Place it where pets and small children cannot reach, including fallen flowers and leaves.
- If a pet or person may have chewed or swallowed any part, contact a veterinarian, poison control service or doctor immediately.
- If you have a pet that chews plants, consider choosing a different plant, such as the goldfish plant, which is generally listed as non-toxic.
Reblooming a Calandiva indoors
Like other flowering kalanchoe, Calandiva forms buds when nights are long. After flowering, trim the old stalks, keep the plant in bright light, and water sparingly. To prompt flowers again, growers commonly give plants about 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for several weeks, such as by moving the plant to a dark room or covering it, while keeping days bright. Results vary, so treat this as a guideline rather than a guarantee.
Disadvantages of growing one
- Toxic to pets and people if eaten
- Sensitive to overwatering and root rot
- Becomes leggy in low light
- Often needs deliberate light control to rebloom
- Can attract mealybugs, aphids or powdery mildew
FAQ
Is Calandiva a houseplant or garden plant?
Mostly a houseplant in cool and temperate climates. It can be grown outdoors only where frost does not occur.
How often should I water a Calandiva?
When the top of the soil has dried out. In practice this is often every week or two, but it depends on conditions.
Why is my Calandiva not flowering?
Common reasons include too little light, too much light at night, or no rest after the previous bloom.