I ntroducing the flapjack plant, known as Kalanchoe luciae, which belongs to the Kalanchoe genus. Native to the rocky, arid regions of South Africa, it is also known as a paddle plant, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, or desert cabbage.
This flapjack succulent has gained popularity among succulent enthusiasts for its distinct paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant colors. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and spoon-shaped, with a powdery coating that gives them a silvery-gray or bluish-gray appearance.
The powdery coating helps protect the plant from intense sunlight and conserves moisture.
In the bright sunlight, the leaves turn to blush red, otherwise, leaves remain uniformly green.
As the flapjack plant matures, it forms a rosette shape with tightly clustered leaves that can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, making it a great addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens.
The flowers of the flapjack plant bloom in late winter, bearing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. These pale-yellow tubular flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Propagation of the flapjack succulent can be done through various methods. One common way is through leaf cuttings. Simply take a healthy leaf from the plant, let it callous over for a few days, and then place it in well-draining soil. Another method is through stem cuttings, where you can cut a healthy stem and follow the same process of allowing it to be callous before planting.
The Kalanchoe Flapjacks are a highly toxic member of the Kalanchoe family, with all parts, including the flowers, being toxic to humans and animals. Drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of light poisoning. Severe cases may involve difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, and light headedness. To ensure safety, wear gloves and keep these Kalanchoe plants out of reach of pets and children.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering your flapjack succulent, it's best to follow the "soak and dry" method. This means you should thoroughly water this flapjack succulent until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
As a general guideline, during the growing season (early spring and summer), you can water your Kalanchoe flapjack plant once every 1-2 weeks. However, it's important to adjust the frequency based on the environmental conditions. If the plant is in a hot and dry location, it may require more frequent watering. On the other hand, during the winter months, when the plant is in its dormant phase, you can reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Remember, overwatering can be detrimental to succulents, so it's better to underwater than to overwater. Always check the soil moisture level before watering and make sure the top inch of the soil is dry before giving it a drink. With proper watering and care, your flapjack plant will thrive and bring a unique touch to your Kalanchoe luciae flapjack collection.
Light Requirements
When growing your flapjack plant indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your Kalanchoe plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. A south-facing or west-facing window is usually ideal, as it provides the right amount of light without exposing the plant to direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn on the leaves. If you notice your flapjack succulent stretching or leaning toward the light, it might be an indication that it needs more sunlight.
If you're growing the Kalanchoe flapjack plant outdoors, it can tolerate more direct sunlight compared to when it's indoors. It can handle full sun to partial shade, but it's best to provide some protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions. A spot that receives morning sun and filtered afternoon shade would be perfect. In the bright light, its leaf margin takes a reddish hue.
If you live in a climate with extremely high temperatures, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent leaf scorch.
Remember, when it comes to light requirements, it's always important to observe your plant and make adjustments as needed.
- If you notice the leaves starting to turn pale or yellow, it might be an indication that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
- On the other hand, if the leaves become stretched or elongated, it might be a sign that it needs more light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The flapjack plant favors very airy, sandy, well-drained soil. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your flapjack succulent to thrive.
In terms of fertilizing, your plants don't require a lot of nutrients. You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer specifically made for succulents. During the growing season typically in the spring, you can fertilize your succulent plant once a year. Be sure to follow the instructions for the correct dilution ratio.
Remember, it's always better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize succulents. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as brown or crispy leaves, reduce the frequency or strength of your fertilizer applications.
Hardiness Zone & More
When it comes to growing the flapjack plant indoors, it can adapt well to a wide range of temperatures. It generally prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cold temperatures, but it's important to avoid exposing it to frost or freezing conditions, as this can damage the plant.
As for humidity, the succulent plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, it's always a good idea to provide some humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate or if the air in your home tends to be dry.
For outdoor cultivation, it is well-suited in USDA zones 9-11. These zones generally have milder winters and warmer temperatures throughout the year. In these zones, the plant can be grown as a perennial outdoor plant. However, if you live in a colder climate, don't worry! You can still enjoy the beauty of the Kalanchoe plant by growing it as a houseplant or in containers that can be brought indoors during the cooler winter months or when temperatures drop.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the flapjack succulent plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a stunning succulent with paddle-shaped leaves that have a silvery-gray or bluish-gray appearance. It can reach a mature size of 1-2 feet tall, making it a great addition to indoor and outdoor gardens. The plant produces vibrant pale yellow or gray bloom, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. To care for the flapjack plant, provide it with bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. It's a low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and interest to any space.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late winter, early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Kalanchoe luciae |
| Common Name | Flapjacks succulent, Paddle plant, northern white lady |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pale yellow, gray |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Evergreen succulent |
| Propagation | By cuttings, leaves, offsets |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Smooth, flat leaves arranged in rosettes |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
I ntroducing the flapjack plant, known as Kalanchoe luciae, which belongs to the Kalanchoe genus. Native to the rocky, arid regions of South Africa, it is also known as a paddle plant, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, or desert cabbage.
This flapjack succulent has gained popularity among succulent enthusiasts for its distinct paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant colors. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and spoon-shaped, with a powdery coating that gives them a silvery-gray or bluish-gray appearance.
The powdery coating helps protect the plant from intense sunlight and conserves moisture.
In the bright sunlight, the leaves turn to blush red, otherwise, leaves remain uniformly green.
As the flapjack plant matures, it forms a rosette shape with tightly clustered leaves that can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, making it a great addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens.
The flowers of the flapjack plant bloom in late winter, bearing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. These pale-yellow tubular flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Propagation of the flapjack succulent can be done through various methods. One common way is through leaf cuttings. Simply take a healthy leaf from the plant, let it callous over for a few days, and then place it in well-draining soil. Another method is through stem cuttings, where you can cut a healthy stem and follow the same process of allowing it to be callous before planting.
The Kalanchoe Flapjacks are a highly toxic member of the Kalanchoe family, with all parts, including the flowers, being toxic to humans and animals. Drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of light poisoning. Severe cases may involve difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, and light headedness. To ensure safety, wear gloves and keep these Kalanchoe plants out of reach of pets and children.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering your flapjack succulent, it's best to follow the "soak and dry" method. This means you should thoroughly water this flapjack succulent until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
As a general guideline, during the growing season (early spring and summer), you can water your Kalanchoe flapjack plant once every 1-2 weeks. However, it's important to adjust the frequency based on the environmental conditions. If the plant is in a hot and dry location, it may require more frequent watering. On the other hand, during the winter months, when the plant is in its dormant phase, you can reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Remember, overwatering can be detrimental to succulents, so it's better to underwater than to overwater. Always check the soil moisture level before watering and make sure the top inch of the soil is dry before giving it a drink. With proper watering and care, your flapjack plant will thrive and bring a unique touch to your Kalanchoe luciae flapjack collection.
Light Requirements
When growing your flapjack plant indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your Kalanchoe plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. A south-facing or west-facing window is usually ideal, as it provides the right amount of light without exposing the plant to direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn on the leaves. If you notice your flapjack succulent stretching or leaning toward the light, it might be an indication that it needs more sunlight.
If you're growing the Kalanchoe flapjack plant outdoors, it can tolerate more direct sunlight compared to when it's indoors. It can handle full sun to partial shade, but it's best to provide some protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions. A spot that receives morning sun and filtered afternoon shade would be perfect. In the bright light, its leaf margin takes a reddish hue.
If you live in a climate with extremely high temperatures, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent leaf scorch.
Remember, when it comes to light requirements, it's always important to observe your plant and make adjustments as needed.
- If you notice the leaves starting to turn pale or yellow, it might be an indication that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
- On the other hand, if the leaves become stretched or elongated, it might be a sign that it needs more light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The flapjack plant favors very airy, sandy, well-drained soil. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your flapjack succulent to thrive.
In terms of fertilizing, your plants don't require a lot of nutrients. You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer specifically made for succulents. During the growing season typically in the spring, you can fertilize your succulent plant once a year. Be sure to follow the instructions for the correct dilution ratio.
Remember, it's always better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize succulents. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as brown or crispy leaves, reduce the frequency or strength of your fertilizer applications.
Hardiness Zone & More
When it comes to growing the flapjack plant indoors, it can adapt well to a wide range of temperatures. It generally prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cold temperatures, but it's important to avoid exposing it to frost or freezing conditions, as this can damage the plant.
As for humidity, the succulent plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, it's always a good idea to provide some humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate or if the air in your home tends to be dry.
For outdoor cultivation, it is well-suited in USDA zones 9-11. These zones generally have milder winters and warmer temperatures throughout the year. In these zones, the plant can be grown as a perennial outdoor plant. However, if you live in a colder climate, don't worry! You can still enjoy the beauty of the Kalanchoe plant by growing it as a houseplant or in containers that can be brought indoors during the cooler winter months or when temperatures drop.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the flapjack succulent plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a stunning succulent with paddle-shaped leaves that have a silvery-gray or bluish-gray appearance. It can reach a mature size of 1-2 feet tall, making it a great addition to indoor and outdoor gardens. The plant produces vibrant pale yellow or gray bloom, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. To care for the flapjack plant, provide it with bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. It's a low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and interest to any space.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late winter, early spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Kalanchoe luciae |
| Common Name | Flapjacks succulent, Paddle plant, northern white lady |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pale yellow, gray |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Evergreen succulent |
| Propagation | By cuttings, leaves, offsets |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Smooth, flat leaves arranged in rosettes |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Toxic for humans, toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |