How to Cut Back Kalanchoe

With its late winter blooming habit, kalanchoe brings bright blooms into homes when the weather outside is still cold and gloomy. Most kalanchoe plants start blooming in January. To do this, however, they must set buds in the fall, making the timing of pruning or trimming critical if the plant is expected to bloom the next year. Trimming will not only help encourage the next season's blooms, but will keep the plant itself healthy and attractive.

Pruning shears or scissors
Bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until late spring, or after the kalanchoe is done blooming. When the blooms are wilted or have all fallen off, the kalanchoe is ready to be cut back or pruned.
- 2
  Mix together 1 tablespoon bleach and 2 cups of water.
- 3
  Dip the pruning shears into the bleach mixture. This will kill any viruses or diseases that may be spread between plants through the shears.
- 4
  Cut off the empty or wilted flower stems as close to the base of the plant as possible. Make straight, sharp cuts. Ragged cuts invite disease.
- 5
  Cut back any "leggy" or undesirable growth. A kalanchoe plant should be rounded and compact. Any especially long or tall stems should be removed. As with the flower stems, cut as close to the base of the plant as possible and make a straight, clean cut.
- 6
  Remove any brown, yellow or damaged leaves by cutting them at the stem.
- 7
  Discard of the cuttings, including flower petals and leaves. If left in the pot, cuttings can attract unwanted pests and harbor bacteria.

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