Kalanchoes bloom through long winter months

Kalanchoes are small, bright, flowering plants that are commercially propagated so their bloom coincides with the colder months. They have a wide range of flower colors including yellow, orange, pink, red and white.

They are succulents, like cactuses, and as such, should never be overwatered. Kalanchoes bloom for a long time, especially if the plant has lots of buds and fewer open flowers.

Kalanchoes prefer bright light, sparse watering and no fertilizer while in bloom. Because they are succulents, there is no need to provide extra humidity.

If you want to take on the challenge of getting a kalanchoe plant to flower again, cut off the flower stalks when all the flowers have dried, move the plant to a shadier window and reduce watering to force it into a dormant period.

When new buds appear, in one to two months, move it back into bright light, resume watering and fertilize twice a month with a dilute balanced fertilizer. You can move the plant outside to a part-sun location in early summer and bring it back inside as night temperatures begin to drop below 40 degrees.

Use a cactus blend mix if the plant needs to be repotted.

• Though the outdoor gardening season is mostly quiet now except for pruning and monitoring for animal damage, you can still garden inside by growing herbs.

Sow seeds of parsley, oregano, sage and dwarf basil in clay pots. Once they germinate, place them under grow lights and water when very dry. Fertilize the plants with a half-strength solution of a liquid fertilizer.

• Ivy grown in a topiary form is a popular houseplant that can last for years if given proper care. Ivy prefers cool conditions in bright light away from heating vents or fireplaces.

Mist the plant regularly or swish upside down in a bucket of tepid water to keep the foliage clean and free of mites.

As the new growth emerges, train the tendrils to your desired form. You can move the plant outside after the danger of frost has passed.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.