Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa Baker
Common Name(s)
Panda Plant, Panda Bear Plant, Pussy Ears, Plush Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe tomentosa is a beautiful succulent shrub with erect, basally woody stems and fleshy furry leaves. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Leaves are green with brown spots on margins and at tips. They are up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Flowers are small, green, yellow-brown to purple, and appear in summer atop long stalks.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 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 do water, do so completely while giving the plant the infrequent drink.
You will find humidity is not an issue when learning how to grow a Panda Plant successfully. The average room provides enough moisture 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 will likely find more home areas 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa).
Origin
This species is native to Madagascar.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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