Scientific Name
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Common Name(s)
Desert Cabbage, Flapjack, Paddle Kalanchoe, Paddle Plant, Red Pancakes
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe 'Fantastic'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' is a variegated cultivar of Kalanchoe luciae discovered by David N. Fell, Jr. on a single plant within a population of plants of the parent selection on July 27, 2007, in a controlled greenhouse environment in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. It is patented (PP21945P2) and often sold under the wrong name Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Fantastic'.
Description
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' is a stunning succulent that forms compact basal rosettes of broad gray-green leaves with irregular pale yellow stripes and reddish tints near the undulate margins. The rosettes grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Leaves are thick, fleshy, clamshell-like, up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long, and up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) wide.
The flowers are pale yellow, urn-shaped, and appear in clusters on a single, up to 3 feet (90 cm) long stem from late winter into early spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Paddle Plant is not cold-hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30 °F (-1.1 °C), it is best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun. Grow in well-drained potting soil in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Water regularly when the soil dries about an inch (2.5 cm) down into the pot or ground. Paddle Plant is very drought tolerant. However, it is susceptible to overwatering, so err on the side of not watering when unsure.
Fertilize the Paddle Plant lightly during the growing season. Withhold fertilizer during fall and watering for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Protect from slugs and snails, which permanently disfigure the leaves.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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