Kalanchoe Tomentosa

Description

Kalanchoe Tomentosa is most often called the Panda Plant and for a good reason too, as a very small rounded furry succulent the velvety grey-green succulent oblong leaves have a lovely touch and are fringed with brown and red-brown and even chocolate-colored patches, rather similar to a Panda's ears. These fine hairs and this interesting colour give the plant a very interesting texture and colour, which make it stand out in a collection of succulents.

The Panda plant enjoys the brightest conditions you can provide, with a few hours of softer, morning sun – the perfect spot would be on an east-facing windowsill, balcony, or study desk. Bright light maintains a tidy plant with pronounced brown tips, whereas too much shade can encourage legginess. This panda plant, with a pleasingly soft, touchable texture, works beautifully on its own as a 'feature plant' on a desk or shelf, or planted up in amongst other succulents to complement a softer green grey leaf with slicker, smoother succulents.

Panda Plant is much like other Kalanchoes, an easy care, drought resistant succulent that thrives on neglect. They will forgive the occasional forgotten water and make a lovely addition to any collection, even for the novice or busy gardener. They grow at a slow to moderate rate and eventually may grow into small, vertical, shrub-like structures.

Key Features

• Soft, velvety grey-green leaves covered in fine white hairs
• Distinctive rust-brown to chocolate-coloured edges along the leaf tips
• Upright habits Compact and may develop into a small, shrub-like structure with maturity
• Drought-tolerant succulent that needs only occasional watering
• Tolerates a degree of neglect and not difficult to maintain
• Distinctive fuzzy texture that adds tactile interest to succulent displays
• Slow to moderate grower, suited to windowsills, study tables, and shelves
• Makes an eye-catching, unusual gift for succulent collectors

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Kalanchoe Tomentosa plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Each plant is a living thing, so natural variation in leaf size, fuzziness, and edge markings is normal
• This plant has a natural dormancy period in late summer, so slower growth during that time is expected
• Some minor leaf bruising during transit is normal for succulents and the plant usually recovers within a couple of weeks
• Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun right after unboxing; let the plant acclimatise gradually to its new spot
• This entire plant is toxic to pets if consumed. This will cause vomiting and / or diarrhea in the animal. Remove the plant from animals.
• Avoid very soggy conditions because overwatering Kalanchoe tends to lead to rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My Kalanchoe Tomentosa is growing tall and leggy, it seems it doesn’t want to grow into a compact plant, why? 

A: The reason for a tall leggy growth is simply lack of light. Usually all you need to encourage it to grow more compact is to give it a position of bright light and to some morning sun for a couple of hours. You could also cut off the leggy stems to the very tip, just above a leaf.

Q: How do I determine the correct watering amount?

A: Water lightly when the soil is completely dry to the touch – which may only need to be every 2 or 3 weeks, depending on the season, pot size, and climate. Don't stick to a watering schedule; instead check the soil each week and water even less in winter months.

Q: Can I grow Kalanchoe Tomentosa indoors?

A: Yes it is well suited for indoor cultivation and will enjoy bright conditions but a few hours of morning sun from an eastern exposure is beneficial. It will handle average room temperatures and dry indoor air nicely.

Q: How quickly will this plant grow? 

A: Kalanchoe Tomentosa grows slowly to moderately. It develops more of an upright and somewhat shrubby form as it gets older, and over time your plant will achieve some respectable size and height in ideal conditions with adequate light.

Q: How often do I repot? 

A: Typically, once every 1-2 years is enough as this has relatively shallow roots and does not require constant repotting. Repot in spring or summer, in a pot one size larger than current size, with good drainage.

Q: Are my pets safe from this plant?

A: No, any type of Kalanchoe Tomentosa is toxic if it is consumed and causes vomiting, diarrhoea and low energy in cats or dogs. Keep out of your cat’s way and do not hesitate in calling your vet for any suspected consumption of the plant.