Paddle Plant Plant Care

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Harv.

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a species of flowering plant in the Stonecrop Family (Crassulaceae) and native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini. This plant is rare in cultivation, and those plants labelled as "Kalanchoe thyrsiflora" in horticulture are mostly another similar species, Kalanchoe luciae.

ðŸŠīHouseplantsðŸŒĩSucculents
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect to full sun

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Is the Paddle Plant?

Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Paddle Plant is native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini. Paddle Plant is also known as Flapjack, Desert Cabbage, Panda Plant.

Paddle Plant displays a compact, bushy succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1 inches. Paddle Plant produces small, colorful clusters of tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Paddle Plant?

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 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 light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–3000 lux. Avoid placing Paddle Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to full sun

200–3000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Paddle Plant Prefer?

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 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 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

Is the Paddle Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to Pets & Children

Toxic to pets, mildly toxic to humans

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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Paddle Plant Need?

Paddle Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. Native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini, Paddle Plant is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Paddle Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

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.

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:

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