Panda Plant

Botanical Name: Kalanchoe tomentosa

Thick, soft, furry leaves give Panda Plant its common name. Other names for this succulent plant are Pussy Ears and Chocolate Soldier.

 

Branching from the central stem, the plump, rounded leaves taper to a point. They're silvery green marked with reddish-brown edges. The "fur" is actually soft, fine hair that covers these succulent plants.

In its native habitat, Panda Plant produces fuzzy, bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer. However, it rarely flowers indoors.

Decorative year-round, it makes a beautiful addition to a succulent dish garden. Like other succulent types, it stores water so it rarely needs watering.

And like other types of succulents, Panda Plant is tolerant of dry air. It makes a good house plant for heated homes. Just give it plenty of light and it'll thrive for many years.

Panda Plant Care Tips

Origin: Madagascar

Height: Up to 1 ft (30 cm) indoors

Light: Bright light to full sun. Put this succulent in a bright location year-round. If you move it outdoors for the warm months, move it gradually into full sun to avoid scorching its leaves.

Water: Water thoroughly, allowing the top 1 in (2.5 cm) to dry out between waterings.

Humidity: Average room humidity

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F/16-24°C

Soil: Cactus potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take leaf cuttings in spring or early summer. Succulent cuttings root easily in moist sandy mix or perlite.