Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant) | World of Succulents

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe luciae Raym.-Hamet

Common Names

Paddle Plant, Paddle Kalanchoe, Red Pancakes, Flapjack, Desert Cabbage

Synonyms

Kalanchoe albiflora, Kalanchoe aleuroides

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Kalanchoe luciae is a succulent plant up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall with big, thick, flat and rounded leaves. They are arranged in rosettes, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide and grey-green to yellowish-green in color with red margins. The leaves in some cases will completely turn a vibrant red, especially with cool winter temperatures. Each stem bears clusters of urn-shaped, white, pale greenish-white, sometimes cream, pinkish or yellowish flowers.

Photo via plantswap.net

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 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)