These plants are native to Madagascar, Brazil and Southeast Asia. The blooms, which come in red, white, pink, orange and yellow, will last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Kalanchoe is a popular plant during Chinese New Year celebrations, as it is said to bring wealth and prosperity. Some species contain toxins that can cause cardiac poisoning in grazing animals, while it has also been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat infections, rheumatism and inflammation.
They are beautiful and happy, but not edible.
You can definitely keep your Kalanchoe outside but not too early in the year. Wait until about mid-May and cover it at night for the first few nights to harden it off. Bring it inside before the first night frosts.
Most potted flowering plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. If the soil gets too dry the blooms can wilt and they may not recover. Check the soil moisture with your finger - if the top 2-4" of soil is dry, or plants are wilted, it is time to water.