6 Reasons Your Kalanchoe Leaves are Falling Off and How to Fix

Kalanchoes are popular houseplants with low maintenance needs. The Florist Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), also known as flaming Katy or Madagascar widow’s thrill, is the most grown. It blooms with brightly colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, and white.

There are also many types of Kalanchoe grown for their attractive leaves. These include the attractive and unusual paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) and the powdery-leaved flower dust plant, Kalanchoe pumila.

Although cherished in many households, kalanchoes are among succulents that are poisonous to pets and even humans when eaten. Therefore, it is important to keep them out of reach for cats and dogs.

Why is My Kalanchoe Leaves Falling off​?

Kalanchoe leaves falling off is a common problem that can be caused by several factors. Let’s look at some of them and how to solve them.

1. Extremely cold temperatures

In their native habitat kalanchoe plants grow in arid areas. They prefer warm temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Sudden drops in temperature can cause serious damage including leaf drop.

This means, that outside USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, Kalanchoe will not thrive outside. It may die when temperatures dip below 55°F. So, in colder climates, it’s best to bring the plant indoors.

2. Overwatering or poor drainage

Overwatering is the leading killer of most houseplants. Kalanchoe plants are drought tolerant as such they need infrequent watering. Poor drainage and overwatering can cause leaf drop, root rot, and other fungal issues.

To prevent the problem of overwatering, plant kalanchoe in well-draining soil. You may use premade cactus mix or soil used for succulents. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and water every other week typically when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.

If you suspect root rot, stop watering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. You may need to repot the plant in fresh potting soil if roots are severely damaged. Make sure to cut off the decomposed roots with a clean sharp knife before repotting. 

3. Insufficient light exposure

Kalanchoe leaves falling off can be a distress from poor light exposure. This succulent thrives in full sun to partial shade about 6-8 hours a day. As an indoor plant, place it in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. However, protect it from the late afternoon sun to prevent sunburn.

If your location does not receive enough sunlight, it is important to consider using artificial grow lights designed for succulents. This will help supplement the natural light and promote healthy growth.

4. Incorrect fertilizer use

Like most houseplants, kalanchoe can benefit from regular fertilization. However, too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth, leaf drop, and even yellow spots on the leaves. These problems can also arise when the fertilizer is applied in the wrong season.

Kalanchoe plants should be fed with a well-balanced soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season in the spring and summer months, but not in winter. Make sure to apply the fertilizer as directed by the manufacturer on the label.

5. Overcrowding or poor air circulation

Overcrowding can prevent light and air from reaching the stems, leaves, and other parts of the plant. This can cause leaf drop and other problems. Poor air circulation can encourage mold and mildew that appears as a white fuzz on your succulents.

If your succulents are overcrowded, it’s important to space them. You may also prune back the stems to keep the plant looking neat. Pruning and trimming off dead flowers can also encourage new growth. This is best done in late winter or early spring.

6. Pest infestation

Pests infestation can be the reason for leaf dropping in your succulent. Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects can severely damage leaves as they feed on sap. In most cases the affected leaves may start falling off especially when the damage allows moisture or pathogens to enter.

The ideal way of dealing with pests is to inspect your plants regularly with more focus on leaf-underside. If discovered, treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You may also rub the affected parts with a cotton swab dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. 

Final thought

There are more than 100 species of kalanchoe plant. Native to Madagascar, can reach 20 ft tall, but most species are less than 3 ft. These plants are popular ornamental plants because of their ease of propagation, low maintenance needs, and wide variety of colorful flowers.

Kalanchoe leaves falling off is a common problem caused by several factors including colder temperatures, overwatering, poor soil drainage, insufficient light exposure, incorrect fertilization, and pest infestation.

Under the right care and growth conditions, Kalanchoe is a beautiful plant that blooms when the days become longer in late winter and early spring.