Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln.

Popular Flowering Houseplant

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

flowers, leaves, stems

Preparation

not applicable: no amount or preparation makes any part of this plant safe to eat

Hazard type

cardiac glycoside poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abnormal heart rhythm if eaten

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle (both sources): bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides). ASPCA's genus-wide clinical signs: vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely an abnormal heart rhythm. NC State Extension rates the poison severity Medium and says ingestion by pets can be fatal, with abnormal heart rate and seizures. The two sources word the seriousness differently: ASPCA calls the abnormal heart rhythm rare. Either way, keep it away from dogs and cats.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 10-12; grown as a houseplant elsewhere (NC State Extension).
Mature size: 6-18 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide (NC State).
Family: Crassulaceae (stonecrop family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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