Kalanchoe - Lucky Bells

Kalanchoe ‘Lucky Bells’ is a cheerful flowering succulent that we love for its upright stems, fleshy blue-green leaves and clusters of colourful, bell-shaped flowers. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it relatively easy to care for, while its long-lasting blooms bring a lovely splash of colour to a bright windowsill.

Kalanchoe ‘Lucky Bells’ is a cultivated hybrid whose parent plants originate from Madagascar. It has been bred to combine sturdy succulent growth with attractive hanging flowers in shades of coral, orange, pink and red.

Care Guide

Light

• Place your Kalanchoe in bright light.
• A sunny east-, south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal.
• Gentle direct sunlight will help it remain compact and encourage flowering.
• Introduce strong sunlight gradually to prevent leaf scorch.
• Turn the pot regularly to encourage balanced growth.
• During darker British winters, move it closer to a bright window or consider using a grow light.

Watering

• Allow most or all of the compost to dry before watering.
• Water thoroughly and allow the excess to drain away.
• Never leave the pot standing in water.
• Avoid getting water trapped around the leaves or crown.
• Water less frequently during autumn and winter.
• Wrinkled or slightly soft leaves may indicate that the plant is thirsty.
• Soft, yellowing leaves are more commonly a sign of overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

• Keep your Kalanchoe in a warm room.
• Protect it from frost, cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.
• Do not allow the temperature to fall below approximately 10°C.
• Keep it away from cold window glass during winter.
• Normal household humidity is suitable.
• Do not mist the plant, as it prefers dry conditions and good airflow.

Feeding

• Feed every six to eight weeks during spring and summer.
• Use a specialist cactus or succulent fertiliser.
• Dilute the feed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply fertiliser only when the compost is slightly damp.
• Stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.
• Avoid overfeeding, as this can produce weak or untidy growth.

Flowering and Pruning

• Remove faded flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.
• Cut spent flower stems back to the base once blooming has finished.
• Pinch or trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs.
• Give the plant plenty of bright light to support future flowering.
• A winter rest with reduced watering and longer periods of darkness may help encourage new flower buds.

Potting and Repotting

• Use a free-draining cactus or succulent compost.
• Add horticultural grit or perlite if additional drainage is needed.
• Always choose a pot with drainage holes.
• Repot every two to three years or when the roots become crowded.
• Repot during spring, when the plant is beginning active growth.
• Choose a pot only slightly larger than the existing one, as too much wet compost can encourage root rot.

Propagation

• Kalanchoe ‘Lucky Bells’ can be propagated from healthy stem cuttings.
• Take cuttings during spring or summer.
• Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a day or two.
• Place the cutting into lightly damp, free-draining succulent compost.
• Keep it warm and in bright, indirect light while roots develop.
• Water sparingly until the cutting is established.

Common Problems

• Soft, yellow or translucent leaves usually indicate overwatering.
• Shrivelled leaves may mean that the plant has remained dry for too long.
• Long, weak or leaning stems suggest insufficient light.
• A lack of flowers may be caused by low light, overfeeding or the absence of a winter rest.
• Brown or bleached patches can result from sudden exposure to intense sunlight.
• Watch for mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
• Check around the leaf joints and flower stems regularly, as pests often hide there.

Pet Safety

• Kalanchoe ‘Lucky Bells’ is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
• All parts of the plant should be treated as unsafe for pets.
• Kalanchoe plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can affect the digestive system and, in more serious cases, the heart.
• Possible symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or changes in heart rate.
• Keep the plant securely out of reach of pets and young children.
• Remove fallen leaves and flowers promptly.
• If your pet chews or eats any part of the plant, contact your vet immediately for advice—do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Our Plant Tip

The key to keeping Kalanchoe ‘Lucky Bells’ happy is bright light and careful watering. Let the compost dry between drinks, remove its faded flowers and give it a quieter winter rest to encourage another beautiful display.

Sold without a decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.

D14 H40