Kalanchoe luciae, commonly known as Paddle Plant or Flapjack, is a striking plant with rounded, pancake-like leaves arranged in rosettes. Native to South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, it is popular for its vibrant color changes. Typically, the leaves appear gray-green to yellowish-green; however, when exposed to bright sunlight and cooler temperatures, the leaf margins develop a vivid red or wine color that spreads across the leaf surface. This species has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit🡕 from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Taxonomy of Kalanchoe luciae
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe luciae Raym.-Hamet
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe albiflora
Common Name(s)
Desert Cabbage, Flapjack, Paddle Kalanchoe, Paddle Plant, Red Pancakes
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Etymology
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.
Origin of Kalanchoe luciae
The native range of Kalanchoe luciae extends from north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal to the north-central escarpment of the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in South Africa, Eswatini, and northward to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows on hills and ridges, as well as granite slopes in woodlands or savannahs.
Description of Kalanchoe luciae
Kalanchoe luciae is a biennial succulent shrublet that forms attractive rosettes on one to several branches. The stems and leaves are covered with a white, mealy layer that falls off with age. The fleshy leaves are grey-green to yellowish-green with red-tinged edges. They vary in shape from subcircular or obovate to oblong–spathulate, measuring up to 9.2 inches (23 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. When exposed to direct sunlight and low temperatures, the leaf margins will deepen, and the color will spread.
An erect, slightly rigged flowering stem emerges from the centers of rosettes formed the previous year, reaching up to 6.6 feet (2 m) in height. The flowers appear in dense clusters, either in thyrses or panicles, during late winter and early spring. They are urn-shaped, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in length, and have a pale yellowish-green, distinctly 4-angled corolla, sometimes covered with a slight bloom. This plant is monocarpic, meaning the rosette dies after flowering, but it produces new offsets at its base.
Kalanchoe luciae is often mislabeled as its much rarer relative, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. To distinguish between the two, observe the leaves' size and the stress response. Kalanchoe luciae has larger leaves that turn redder when stressed, while those of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora remain gray-green. Additionally, the flowers of Kalanchoe luciae are pale yellowish-green with no noticeable scent, whereas those of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora are darker yellow and have a sweet fragrance.
Cultivars of Kalanchoe luciae
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe luciae
Light: Kalanchoe luciae 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 does not receive enough light, it may stretch.
Soil: The plant needs well-drained soil and dislikes "wet feet." A commercial potting mix for succulents will work well.
Temperature: Kalanchoe luciae 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 during winter; only water it enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Fertilize the plants 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 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
Kalanchoe luciae 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
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Kalanchoe.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.