Panda Plant Plant Care

Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Panda Plant is native to Madagascar. Panda Plant is also known as Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier.

Panda Plant displays a compact, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Panda Plant produces yellow, tubular, branched inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Panda Plant every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Panda Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Panda Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Kalanchoe tomentosa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Panda Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Panda Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Panda Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Panda Plant is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Panda Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Panda Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Panda Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Panda Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kalanchoe plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Panda 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.

Panda Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Panda Plant is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Panda Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.