Kalanchoe Tomentosa

Hey guys continuing with my series of the top 10 easy to grow succulents, today lets look at the Kalanchoe Tomentosa or the Panda Cactus. It is by far one of my favorite succulents.

This lovely succulent has many names, some of which are Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, Plush Plant, White Lady, Panda-Bear Plant.

The leaves of the Panda plant are covered with tiny hairs that give it a velvety look and feel. The covering of hair also ensures that there is no rapid loss of water due to transpiration hence this plant can survive without water for long periods of time. The leaves are equipped to store water.This plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 ft. This plant is a native of Madagascar.

Kalanchoe tomentosa is a fairly easy succulent to care for and maintain. It can be kept indoors easily both at home and in the office.

The Kalanchoe tomentosa can flower within its natural habitat, producing fuzzy bell shaped flowers in spring and summer, it is very rare to see these succulents bloom indoors. It is grown primarily for its foliage within homes and offices.

My own Kalanchoe tomentosa…..:)

Kalanchoe tomentosa care is pretty simple.

• They like bright light and sunshine. A mixture of direct, indirect and shade is a good balance of sunlight if it can be provided.
• Temperatures which ranges between 15-23 degrees is recommended if possible.
• Only water Kalanchoe tomentosa once the soil has become dry and then soak the soil but do not leave water in the bottom tray. In winter this succulent needs less water. The leaves of the Panda plant store water so these lovely plants can survive without water for prolonged periods of time.
• Kalanchoe tomentosa needs a porous soil containing about one third grit with adequate drainage.
• Normal room humidity is fine and it might even tolerate dry air.
• The leaves of the Kalanchoe tomentosa should not be wet for a prolonged period of time as this will cause rotting.
• The propagation of this plant can be done through leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings can be placed in new soil during spring. The leaf cuttings should be allowed to dry out for a week before re-potting.

The Panda plant grown in combination with other succulents look really pretty.

Its one of the most impressive looking amongst the drought tolerant succulents.

I have 2 of these lovely Panda plants and would like to propagate a few more from leaf cuttings. Fingers crossed.

The Panda plants are excellent for beds and borders, succulent gardens, Mediterranean themed gardens or of course as ground cover. These plants are also perfect for containers where spectacular floral arrangements can be created.

Please share pictures of your Panda plants if you own any and also share care tips if I missed out on any. Thanks for reading !!