About
Kalanchoe tomentosa, the panda plant, is an erect, evergreen succulent perennial to 1 m with thickly fleshy, silver-felted leaves to 9 cm long, their margins and tips marked with chocolate-brown spots. Yellow-green, tubular flowers are produced in spring. One of the most distinctive and popular of all succulent houseplants for a sunny windowsill or greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Kalanchoe are succulent annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs and small trees from tropical Africa and Madagascar with fleshy, simple or pinnately lobed leaves and clusters of tubular or bell-shaped, four-lobed flowers. Popular and easy-care houseplants, greenhouse plants and frost-free garden subjects.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMadagascar
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with additional sharp sand or grit in full light with good ventilation. Water moderately throughout the year but more sparingly in winter. In the growing season feed a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 - 21°C in early spring or by offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids
Disease resistancePowdery mildews and a rust may be a problem