Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Paddle plant Plant Care
Kalanchoe robusta Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, paddle-shaped, glossy green leaves, this plant originates from Madagascar and is a favorite among plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance. The distinctive foliage of the Kalanchoe robusta adds a tropical touch to any indoor garden, making it a sought-after addition for those looking to enhance their plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Paddle plant?
Water Paddle plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Paddle plant Native To?
What Is the Paddle plant?
Paddle plant (Kalanchoe robusta) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Paddle plant is native to the Yemeni island of Socotra. Paddle plant is also known as Flapjacks, Desert Cabbage.
Paddle plant displays a compact, bushy succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Paddle plant produces small, colorful clusters of tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Paddle plant?
Kalanchoe robusta requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Paddle plant Need?
Paddle plant thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Paddle plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Paddle plant Prefer?
Kalanchoe robusta grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Paddle plant prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Paddle plant?
Well-draining succulent mix with perlite and sand. Good drainage is essential for Paddle plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Paddle plant?
Feed Paddle plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Paddle plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Paddle plant?
Paddle plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kalanchoe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Paddle plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Paddle plant?
Paddle plant is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Paddle plant Need?
Paddle plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Paddle plant is native to the Yemeni island of Socotra. In cooler regions, grow Paddle plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Paddle plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus — compare its care with other Kalanchoe species on PlantoScan.
Kalanchoe is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Paddle plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Kalanchoe Species
Other Kalanchoe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kalanchoe robusta Balf.f., family Crassulaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 11: 512 (1882)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Paddle plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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