How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
A complete guide to growing Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. Understand its needs and unique life cycle to cultivate this striking succulent for years to come.
The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, commonly known as the “Paddle Plant” or “Flapjack,” is a succulent native to South Africa. It features large, fleshy, paddle-like leaves that form a basal rosette. These gray-green leaves are covered in a fine white powder and develop red to pink margins when exposed to sufficient sunlight, making it a popular choice for its unique form.
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Care Guide
Light
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora needs several hours of bright, direct sunlight daily to maintain the vibrant red edges on its leaves. When grown indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal for providing the necessary light intensity. If the plant does not receive enough light, its leaves may lose their reddish hues and the plant can begin to stretch.
Soil
This succulent requires a medium that offers excellent drainage to prevent moisture retention around its roots. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is a reliable option for container growing. You can also create your own mix by combining standard potting soil with materials like coarse sand or perlite to increase aeration and drainage.
Water
This plant is highly drought-tolerant due to its ability to store water in its thick leaves. The most effective watering strategy is the “soak and dry” method, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue that leads to root rot, which can manifest as soft or yellowing leaves. During the winter, the plant’s water needs decrease, so watering should become more infrequent.
Temperature and Humidity
The Paddle Plant thrives in warm, dry conditions and is not frost-tolerant, making it best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12. When kept indoors, average household temperatures between 60 and 85°F (15-29°C) are adequate. The plant must be protected from freezing temperatures, as frost can cause significant damage to its foliage.
Fertilizer
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you can apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer for succulents once a month. Withhold fertilizer entirely during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagating Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
New Paddle Plants can be propagated through offsets or cuttings. One method is to use offsets, which are small plants a mature plant produces at its base. These can be gently separated from the parent, ensuring each offset has some of its own roots intact.
Another reliable method is propagation from leaf or stem cuttings, ideally performed in spring or summer. Carefully remove a healthy leaf or cut a section of the stem and allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for several days. This step prevents rot when the cutting is planted. Once callused, place the cutting in a pot with well-draining succulent mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until new growth indicates roots have formed.
Understanding Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Flowering
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is monocarpic, meaning the main plant flowers only once and then dies. This is a natural part of its life cycle, not an indication of poor health. The flowering process occurs after the plant reaches maturity in three to four years, when it sends up a tall stalk from its center.
This stalk produces dense clusters of fragrant, yellowish, tubular flowers. Although the parent plant dies after flowering, it produces numerous offsets or “pups” at its base. These new plants can be removed and replanted, allowing you to continue cultivating the succulent.
Common Care Issues
One common problem with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is etiolation, or stretching, caused by insufficient light. This results in a leggy appearance as the plant grows in search of more sun. Providing brighter light will help maintain its compact, rosette form.
A more serious issue is root rot from overwatering, indicated by a mushy base and yellow or translucent leaves. Succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids can also be a problem. These can be managed by wiping them away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.