Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier'
Common Name(s)
Chocolate Soldier, Teddy Bear Cactus, Panda Plant, Panda Bear Plant, Cocoon Plant, Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, Pussy Ears, Plush Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' is a beautiful succulent shrub with erect, branched at the base, densely hairy stems. It slowly grows up to 2.6 feet (80 cm) tall. The base of the stems becomes woody with age. This cultivar has narrower leaves than Kalanchoe tomentosa and thicker dark chocolate brown margins. The small flowers are bell-shaped and yellow-green with dark brown petal tips.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Locate the indoor Panda Plant in medium to bright light. As with most succulents, the soil should be allowed to dry between waterings. In fact, watering is a limited part of Panda Plant care. When you water, do so completely while giving the plant the infrequent drink.
You'll find humidity is not an issue when learning how to grow a Panda Plant successfully. The average room provides enough humidity for this easy-care, furry plant. The indoor Panda Plant can live for many years in these conditions.
If desired, move it outside during spring and summer, but protect it from the hot afternoon sun. During these months, fertilize with a balanced houseplant food mixed at half strength as a part of Panda Plant care.
When growing Panda Plants, you'll likely find more areas in the home that would benefit from one of these plants. Propagation of the Panda Plant is an easy and inexpensive way to get more of the plants. Root leaves of the plant in spring or summer in sandy potting soil or a perlite mixture.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa).
Origin
This succulent is a cultivar of Kalanchoe tomentosa.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
