Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic', commonly known as the Variegated Paddle Plant or Variegated Flapjack, is a striking patented cultivar prized for its colorful, paddle-shaped leaves. Unlike the typical species' grey-green to yellowish-green leaves with red-tinged edges, this cultivar shows dramatic cream-to-yellow variegation with vibrant shades of pink, rose-red, and deep purple.
Taxonomy of Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe 'Fantastic'
Common Name(s)
Variegated Flapjack, Variegated Paddle Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Etymology
The generic name "Kalanchoe" (pronounced "kal-un-KOH-ee") appears to derive from a Chinese vernacular name for one of the species.
The specific epithet "luciae" (pronounced "LOO-see-ay") honors Mademoiselle Lucy Dufour, an acquaintance of the French botanist Raymond Hamet🡕, who specialized in Crassulaceae, particularly the genus Kalanchoe, and described this species.
The cultivar epithet 'Fantastic' likely refers to the plant's striking variegated foliage and overall spectacular ornamental appearance.
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 and purplish tints near the undulate margins. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The leaves are 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.
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'.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Light: Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' grows best in full sun but usually appreciates partial shade on hot summer days. When growing indoors, place it near a window with indirect sunlight. If it doesn't get enough light, it may stretch.
Soil: The plant needs well-drained soil and dislikes "wet feet." A commercial succulent potting mix works well.
Temperature: Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' thrives in warm, humid conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly from spring to fall, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause stem rot. Reduce watering in winter; water only enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Fertilize the plant occasionally during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half- or quarter-strength, and apply it every two weeks.
Repotting: The plant thrives best when repotted frequently. For optimum growth, repot it every two years in spring. Go up one pot size every time you repot.
Propagation: Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' can be easily propagated by seeds, offsets, or leaf and stem cuttings. Spring is the best time to take cuttings and separate offsets. Sow the seeds in spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Toxicity of Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'
Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic' is not toxic to people but should be kept away from pets because, if consumed, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Kalanchoe.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.