The most common species, valued for their unusual foliage, include the panda plant (K. tomentosa); penwiper plant (K. marmorata); air plant, or maternity plant (K. pinnata); velvet leaf, or felt bush (K. beharensis); devil's backbone (K. daigremontiana); and South American air plant (K. fedtschenkoi). A range of attractive pot plants, distinguished by their colourful flowers, have been derived from K. blossfeldiana; they are marketed widely in the winter for their flowers, which may remain fresh for as long as eight weeks.

As succulents, kalanchoes are relatively care-free houseplants, requiring considerable direct sunlight—though they will survive bright indirect light—and watering only when thoroughly dry. All species can be propagated readily from leaf or stem cuttings.