Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' (Variegated Paddle Plant)

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'

Common Names

Variegated Paddle Plant

Synonyms

Kalanchoe 'Fantastic'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' is an exciting succulent, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and wide, with collage of foliage colors. The leaves are thick, rounded, clam-shell-like, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide and emerge from the basal rosette. They are like the species with a gray-green color and red highlights but add to this splashes of cream to white variegation and you have 'Fantastic'. It should produces flowers rising on a single stem up to 3 feet (90 cm) long , bearing clusters of pale yellow, tubular flowers from late winter into early spring.

Photo via sunshinetropical.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 20 °F (-6.7 °C), it is best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun. Plant in well-drained potting soil in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day.

Water regularly, when soil dries about an inch (2.5 cm) down into the pot or ground. Paddle Plant is very drought tolerant. It is susceptible to overwatering, however, so err on the side of not watering when unsure.

Fertilize 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for a Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae)