The Paddle plant, known as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is a striking succulent that captivates plant enthusiasts with its bold, flat rounded paddle-shaped leaves and easy-care nature. Its striking form and eye-catching coloration make it a favorite among gardeners, houseplant collectors, and xeriscape designers. The Paddle Plant is especially loved for its ability to thrive in dry conditions and its stunning transformation when exposed to bright sunlight, which turns the leaf edges into a vivid red or burgundy hue.
In addition to the common name Paddle Plant, this species is sometimes referred to as the dog tongue, desert cabbage, Flapjack Plant due to its flattened, overlapping leaves that resemble a stack of pancakes.
Native to South Africa, the Paddle Plant is known for its thick, paddle-shaped leaves, which are covered in a powdery, whitish coating that helps protect against intense sunlight.
The foliage is typically light green but develops red, orange, or pink edges when exposed to full sun.
These Kalanchoe succulents forms a compact, rosette-like structure, giving it an attractive, sculptural appearance.
Its low-maintenance nature and tolerance for neglect make it an ideal choice for beginners and busy gardeners.
The Paddle Plant is a relatively small succulent that grows up to 18 inches tall and spreads up to 8 inches wide.
It maintains a compact and symmetrical growth habit, making it perfect for container gardening, succulent arrangements, and rock gardens. In optimal conditions, it can grow taller when producing a flower stalk.
The paddle plant blooms from late winter to early spring, sending up a tall flower stalk that can reach up to 3 feet high. The flowers are tubular, bell-shaped, and yellow, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Once flowering is complete, the main rosette may decline, but new offsets often emerge around its base, continuing the plant’s growth cycle.
When and How to Water Your Paddle Plant
The Paddle Plant is a highly drought-tolerant succulent that thrives with minimal watering. It stores moisture in its thick, paddle-shaped leaves, allowing it to withstand prolonged dry periods. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, so it's essential to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. In most climates, watering once every two to three weeks is sufficient, but frequency may vary depending on humidity and temperature.
In the spring and summer, during its active growing season, the Kalanchoe Paddle Plant requires more frequent watering. It is best to water deeply, allowing excess moisture to drain out completely. Since it thrives in bright light and warm temperatures, evaporation happens faster during this period, necessitating more attentive watering. However, the soak-and-dry method remains ideal—only water when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
In fall and winter, when the plant enters dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced. Cooler temperatures and lower light levels slow its growth, reducing water needs. During this period, watering once every four to six weeks is generally enough. Avoid watering if the weather is particularly cold, as excessive moisture combined with low temperatures can lead to fungal infections and root rot.
Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
When grown indoors as a houseplant, your Paddle Plant thrives in bright, indirect light.
It should be placed near a sunny window, preferably one facing south or west, where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily.
If natural sunlight is limited, supplement with a grow light to maintain healthy growth and prevent leggy, stretched stems.
Insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant red margins and slow down its overall growth.
When cultivated outdoors, the Paddle Plant prefers the full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Morning sunlight is preferable to intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves if temperatures are excessively high. If growing in hot climates, consider providing some afternoon shade to prevent sun damage, especially during heat waves.
For both indoor and outdoor growth, it is essential to gradually acclimate the plant to increased sunlight exposure to avoid sunburn. When moving from indoors to outdoors, introduce it to direct sunlight over a week or two, starting with a few hours per day.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Paddle Plant requires well-draining, sandy, or gritty soil to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent mix works well, but adding extra perlite or sand improves drainage. Avoid using heavy, moisture-retaining soil, as it can lead to fungal infections and decay. Planet Desert specializes in succulents and has specialized succulent potting soil that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your succulents thrive.
Fertilization is minimal but beneficial for healthy growth. During the active growing season in the spring, apply a diluted, balanced liquid NPK fertilizer once a year with a ratio of about 5-10-5. A succulent-specific fertilizer with low nitrogen content helps promote leaf health without excessive, weak growth.
In fall and winter, during dormancy period, fertilization should be stopped entirely. The plant's growth slows significantly, and feeding during this period can lead to nutrient buildup in the soil, potentially harming the roots.
Hardiness Zones & More
When grown indoors as a houseplant, the Kalanchoe Paddle Plant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F and moderate humidity levels. It thrives under bright light conditions, so placing it near a south-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing it in drafty areas near air conditioners, heaters, or cold windows during winter.
In the United States, this is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
It does not tolerate frost, so if grown in colder regions, it should be potted for easy relocation indoors during winter.
Outdoor humidity should be low to moderate, as excessive moisture increases the risk of rot.
Always provide full to partial sun exposure for the best growth and coloration.
Wildlife – Paddle Plant Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators
The Paddle Plant produces tall, yellow, tubular flowers that attract friendly pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These flowers typically appear in late winter or early spring and provide an essential nectar source for beneficial insects.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
According to the ASPCA, Kalanchoe species are considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and birds. If ingested in a large amount, it can cause mild to moderate symptoms, including vomiting, drooling, and digestive upset. However, it is safe to touch and handle, making it a popular choice for indoor plants in homes.
How to Propagate Your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Paddle plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings or offsets. To propagate through leaf cuttings, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to callous before placing it in well-draining soil. The easiest method is separating offsets that naturally grow at the base of mature plants. Gently remove them, allow the cut ends to callous for 24-48 hours, then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Key Takeaways
- The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora forms a low-growing, rosette-like structure with thick, paddle-shaped leaves.
- This succulent thrives best indoors when placed near a bright, sunny window, making it a great choice for home décor. It requires minimal maintenance and adapts well to container gardening.
- As a drought-tolerant succulent, it stores water in its thick leaves and requires infrequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so well-draining soil is essential.
- The leaf edges turn red, orange, or pink when exposed to bright sunlight, adding to its visual appeal. In lower light conditions, the leaves remain a soft green.
- When mature, the Paddle Plant produces a 3-foot-tall flower stalk with fragrant, tubular yellow blooms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is a visually stunning and low-maintenance succulent that adds a bold, modern aesthetic to any garden or home. Its stunning red-tinged leaves and attractive yellow flowers make it a popular choice for succulent lovers. With proper watering, light exposure, and temperature considerations, this plant can be grown successfully indoors and outdoors. Whether grown in a container, rock garden, or xeriscape landscape, the Paddle Plant is a resilient and rewarding addition that brings beauty and texture to any space.
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The Paddle plant, known as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is a striking succulent that captivates plant enthusiasts with its bold, flat rounded paddle-shaped leaves and easy-care nature. Its striking form and eye-catching coloration make it a favorite among gardeners, houseplant collectors, and xeriscape designers. The Paddle Plant is especially loved for its ability to thrive in dry conditions and its stunning transformation when exposed to bright sunlight, which turns the leaf edges into a vivid red or burgundy hue.
In addition to the common name Paddle Plant, this species is sometimes referred to as the dog tongue, desert cabbage, Flapjack Plant due to its flattened, overlapping leaves that resemble a stack of pancakes.
Native to South Africa, the Paddle Plant is known for its thick, paddle-shaped leaves, which are covered in a powdery, whitish coating that helps protect against intense sunlight.
The foliage is typically light green but develops red, orange, or pink edges when exposed to full sun.
These Kalanchoe succulents forms a compact, rosette-like structure, giving it an attractive, sculptural appearance.
Its low-maintenance nature and tolerance for neglect make it an ideal choice for beginners and busy gardeners.
The Paddle Plant is a relatively small succulent that grows up to 18 inches tall and spreads up to 8 inches wide.
It maintains a compact and symmetrical growth habit, making it perfect for container gardening, succulent arrangements, and rock gardens. In optimal conditions, it can grow taller when producing a flower stalk.
The paddle plant blooms from late winter to early spring, sending up a tall flower stalk that can reach up to 3 feet high. The flowers are tubular, bell-shaped, and yellow, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Once flowering is complete, the main rosette may decline, but new offsets often emerge around its base, continuing the plant’s growth cycle.
When and How to Water Your Paddle Plant
The Paddle Plant is a highly drought-tolerant succulent that thrives with minimal watering. It stores moisture in its thick, paddle-shaped leaves, allowing it to withstand prolonged dry periods. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, so it's essential to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. In most climates, watering once every two to three weeks is sufficient, but frequency may vary depending on humidity and temperature.
In the spring and summer, during its active growing season, the Kalanchoe Paddle Plant requires more frequent watering. It is best to water deeply, allowing excess moisture to drain out completely. Since it thrives in bright light and warm temperatures, evaporation happens faster during this period, necessitating more attentive watering. However, the soak-and-dry method remains ideal—only water when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
In fall and winter, when the plant enters dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced. Cooler temperatures and lower light levels slow its growth, reducing water needs. During this period, watering once every four to six weeks is generally enough. Avoid watering if the weather is particularly cold, as excessive moisture combined with low temperatures can lead to fungal infections and root rot.
Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
When grown indoors as a houseplant, your Paddle Plant thrives in bright, indirect light.
It should be placed near a sunny window, preferably one facing south or west, where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily.
If natural sunlight is limited, supplement with a grow light to maintain healthy growth and prevent leggy, stretched stems.
Insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant red margins and slow down its overall growth.
When cultivated outdoors, the Paddle Plant prefers the full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Morning sunlight is preferable to intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves if temperatures are excessively high. If growing in hot climates, consider providing some afternoon shade to prevent sun damage, especially during heat waves.
For both indoor and outdoor growth, it is essential to gradually acclimate the plant to increased sunlight exposure to avoid sunburn. When moving from indoors to outdoors, introduce it to direct sunlight over a week or two, starting with a few hours per day.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Paddle Plant requires well-draining, sandy, or gritty soil to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent mix works well, but adding extra perlite or sand improves drainage. Avoid using heavy, moisture-retaining soil, as it can lead to fungal infections and decay. Planet Desert specializes in succulents and has specialized succulent potting soil that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your succulents thrive.
Fertilization is minimal but beneficial for healthy growth. During the active growing season in the spring, apply a diluted, balanced liquid NPK fertilizer once a year with a ratio of about 5-10-5. A succulent-specific fertilizer with low nitrogen content helps promote leaf health without excessive, weak growth.
In fall and winter, during dormancy period, fertilization should be stopped entirely. The plant's growth slows significantly, and feeding during this period can lead to nutrient buildup in the soil, potentially harming the roots.
Hardiness Zones & More
When grown indoors as a houseplant, the Kalanchoe Paddle Plant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F and moderate humidity levels. It thrives under bright light conditions, so placing it near a south-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing it in drafty areas near air conditioners, heaters, or cold windows during winter.
In the United States, this is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
It does not tolerate frost, so if grown in colder regions, it should be potted for easy relocation indoors during winter.
Outdoor humidity should be low to moderate, as excessive moisture increases the risk of rot.
Always provide full to partial sun exposure for the best growth and coloration.
Wildlife – Paddle Plant Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators
The Paddle Plant produces tall, yellow, tubular flowers that attract friendly pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These flowers typically appear in late winter or early spring and provide an essential nectar source for beneficial insects.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
According to the ASPCA, Kalanchoe species are considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and birds. If ingested in a large amount, it can cause mild to moderate symptoms, including vomiting, drooling, and digestive upset. However, it is safe to touch and handle, making it a popular choice for indoor plants in homes.
How to Propagate Your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Paddle plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings or offsets. To propagate through leaf cuttings, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to callous before placing it in well-draining soil. The easiest method is separating offsets that naturally grow at the base of mature plants. Gently remove them, allow the cut ends to callous for 24-48 hours, then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Key Takeaways
- The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora forms a low-growing, rosette-like structure with thick, paddle-shaped leaves.
- This succulent thrives best indoors when placed near a bright, sunny window, making it a great choice for home décor. It requires minimal maintenance and adapts well to container gardening.
- As a drought-tolerant succulent, it stores water in its thick leaves and requires infrequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so well-draining soil is essential.
- The leaf edges turn red, orange, or pink when exposed to bright sunlight, adding to its visual appeal. In lower light conditions, the leaves remain a soft green.
- When mature, the Paddle Plant produces a 3-foot-tall flower stalk with fragrant, tubular yellow blooms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is a visually stunning and low-maintenance succulent that adds a bold, modern aesthetic to any garden or home. Its stunning red-tinged leaves and attractive yellow flowers make it a popular choice for succulent lovers. With proper watering, light exposure, and temperature considerations, this plant can be grown successfully indoors and outdoors. Whether grown in a container, rock garden, or xeriscape landscape, the Paddle Plant is a resilient and rewarding addition that brings beauty and texture to any space.
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
