Paddle Plant

Paddle Plant Care

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (luciae)

Other names: Flapjack Plant, Red Pancakes, Desert Cabbage

What is the plant

Why not add a beautiful representative of sunny Africa to your plant collection? This beautiful succulent is easy to care for and propagate, so it is suitable even for beginners.

Paddle Plant, also known as Flapjack Succulent, Red Pancakes, and Dessert Cabbage, is native to South Africa. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This evergreen succulent is famous for its paddle or clam-like shaped leaves.

It can grow up to 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.3-1 m) wide. Paddle Plant can produce yellow-shaded flowers in the spring.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
These plants do not like frequent watering, so make sure the soil is dried before watering your Kalanchoe luciae. The best time for watering is morning. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum, or do not water the plant at all.
Pruning
The Paddle plant is a miniature plant that only needs the removal of dead and dry leaves. Also, cut off the faded flowers.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced and liquid fertilizer during the growing season in spring and summer. It is enough to feed your plant once every few months. Excessive fertilization can cause root rot.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Since this succulent comes from South Africa, it likes a lot of sun, although it can feel fine in partial light. However, on scorching days, hide the succulent to avoid leaf burns.
Soil
Since we can identify this plant as a succulent, well-drained soil, such as sandy soil, is the best choice for a Paddle plant. You can prepare the soil or buy a ready-made mixture in the store.
Propagation
This succulent can be easily propagated using stem cuttings. To do this, cut off a healthy stem with several leaves, wait until the edge dries, and plant it in moist soil. After a few weeks, roots will appear.

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Temperature
Kalanchoe luciae likes dry and hot areas but does not tolerate frost at all. Therefore, keeping this plant in rooms with low humidity is best. The minimum temperature for this plant is 20ºF (-6ºC).
Container
The best option is a clay pot with drainage holes. However, you can also purchase a plastic container. Regarding the size, focus on the root system because the pot should not be too spacious.
Fun fact
Paddle plant is toxic to humans and pets, so keep an eye on your loved ones.