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 arranged in rosettes. The leaves are grey-green to yellowish-green with red margins, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide. In some cases, they 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae).
Origin
Kalanchoe luciae is native to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal) and Swaziland.
Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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