Kalanchoe Tomentosa or Panda Plant

Kalanchoe tomentosa is more popularly known as the Panda plant. This fluffy succulent plant is a hardy perennial succulent. Kalanchoe tomentosa means 'covered with fine hair.' The native plant of Madagascar has characteristic greyish-green leaves with chocolate-brown edges. The presence of silverish hair on the leaves called trichomes gives the plant its botanical name. 

Kalanchoe tomentosa is also called fuzzy succulent. Its oval-shaped fuzzy succulent long leaves have dense growth. Additionally, the kalanchoe stem is woody and grows erect to an average height of 2 feet. Other names of the panda ear succulent are White lady, Panda plant, Pussy ears, Donkey ears, Cat ears, Chocolate soldiers, Kalanchoe tomentosa baker, and Plush plant.

Panda Plant Care

The succulent requires minimal care. It grows up to a height of 1.5 ft. Since the succulent is not demanding at all, succulent owners love this Panda ears plant. Here is the Kalanchoe tomentosa care guide:

1. This particular kalanchoe tomentosa variety is such a popular indoor plant because it prefers room temperature. Try and offer the plant its typical temperature range of 60 - 75°F.
2. The kalanchoe fuzzy succulent needs to be watered sparingly. This succulent requires less water as it is drought resistant. Also, too much water can rot the root system. Make sure that the soil is thoroughly dry before watering.
3. The panda paw plant needs monthly fertilization. Diluting with fertilizers every month helps them thrive and grow happily. Fertilization should be done especially during the spring or towards the end of summer.
4. Thankfully, the kalanchoe tomentosa teddy bear is a slow grower. You can repot the succulent once in two years. You can use kalanchoe cuttings for propagation.
5. One essential aspect of kalanchoe cinnamon care is to keep it out of reach of pests like mealybugs. If you see the bugs, use a cloth dipped in alcohol to remove the pest from the infected area.
6. Kalanchoe teddy bears can be toxic for pets, especially cats and dogs. You need to be careful with pets around.
7. The chocolate panda succulent requires six hours of direct sunlight daily. If your plant is indoors, ensure to keep it near a window that receives a good amount of the sun.
8. The kalanchoe panda ears are not frost hardy. They cannot survive in freezing temperatures. You can grow Kalanchoe tomentosa in US hardiness zones from 9a to 11b.
9. Hairy Kalanchoe can tolerate normal humidity at room temperature. However, be careful in exposing the plant to higher humidity levels as it is a sensitive plant.
10. An essential feature of panda ear succulent care is that it will give you signs to indicate that it is being overwatered or underwatered. Yellow mushy transparent kalanchoe fuzzy leaves or stems mean the succulent is overwatered. The roots would start to rot too. The signs of underwatering include shriveled and wrinkled leaves.
11. The fuzzy panda succulent requires a cactus potting mix for happy growth. Ensure that the soil drains off well. Mix perlite with standard soil, and it will do wonders.
12. The succulent does not require regular pruning. However, it can be done to let the plant maintain its shape. You need to use sterilized tools to prune. Go in for sharp pruning shears so that the pruning is effective in the first go. Choose to prune the decayed and dead parts first. Then, remove the overgrown parts and the long leaves.

Kalanchoe Tomentosa Propagation

Kalanchoe propagation is easy and does not cost much. It is the best way to have more chocolate panda plants in your garden, indoors or outdoors. No need to buy a new kalanchoe hairy succulent. If you wish to buy a new kalanchoe tomentosa blüte, you can order one online from Planet Desert.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe from Cuttings

STEP 1:

• One of the easiest and most practical panda plant propagation methods is Kalanchoe leaf propagation via leaves. While using this method to grow Kalanchoe from cuttings, you need to take a healthy leaf. Use proper tools to detach the leaf from the stem gently. Also, the leaf cutting should have a stalk too.

• Panda plant growing roots from the stem cuttings is another method of propagating the panda plant. You need to cut the stem at least two to three inches in height. Ensure that the stem is healthy and that there are no issues related to pests or other diseases.

STEP 2:

The leaf or stem cuttings need to be dried first. Within two to three days, you will start observing callous development.

Be it Kalanchoe tomentosa leaf propagation or stem; you need to use a well-drained potting mix and place the cuttings in the mix. Ensure that the soil contains sand, perlite, and peat moss. You need to water the cuttings daily and several times. The best way is to sprinkle water on the cuttings. You will observe new roots after a few weeks. Once the roots grow to about one to two inches tall, you can transfer the succulent to a new container.

STEP 3:

Potting the newly-grown plant is important. Start by gently using the right tools to dig the soil surrounding the new plant. Repotting needs to be done in a clean pot. It should be filled with the potting mix. Transfer the plant afterward. Wait for the plant to get completely established before you start to water it like a full-grown Kalanchoe tomentosa.

FAQs

• Uses of the fuzzy succulent plant

The succulent looks extremely beautiful in containers, hanging baskets, balconies, terrace gardens, etc. Since it does not take too much effort in growing Kalanchoe from cuttings, this plant can add tonnes of aesthetic value to your place.

• Chocolate soldier vs. panda plant

Chocolate soldier or panda plant are the two names of Kalanchoe tomentosa, one of the 100 known varieties of Kalanchoe.

• How to propagate Kalanchoe? Can you grow Kalanchoe from cuttings?

Yes, the fuzzy panda plant can be quickly grown from leaf and stem cuttings.

• Caring for Kalanchoe fuzzy plant

Do not expose the succulent to extreme temperatures and maintain watering levels to the minimum.