Scientific Name
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Common Name(s)
Variegated Flapjack, Variegated Paddle Plant
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 can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, clamshell-like, measuring up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and 4.4 inches (11 cm) wide.
The pale yellow flowers are urn-shaped and appear in clusters on a single stalk that can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long 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) 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
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