Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Also known as: Paddles, desert cabbage
Frequently confused with K. It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, comes from South Africa, stays around Rosettes 25–45 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Kalanchoe
- Origin: South Africa
- Mature size: Rosettes 25–45 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Origin
- South Africa
- Mature size
- Rosettes 25–45 cm
- Growth habit
- Stacked round paddle rosettes on thick stems
- Leaf colour
- Blue-green round paddles with red margins (often sold as 'flapjack')
- Flower colour
- Yellow fragrant tubes
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
- Other names
- Paddles, desert cabbage
About the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Frequently confused with K. luciae (sold under the same 'flapjack' name). K. thyrsiflora has strong-smelling yellow flowers and white-felted young leaves; its red margin shows mainly on leaf edges rather than the full face.
Care and cultivation
Kalanchoes grow fast in bright light and a gritty mix. Water the soil, never the felted leaves, and deadhead spent blooms. Many kalanchoes are short-day plants: to re-bloom, give 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly for about six weeks in autumn. Light: Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. Water: Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Use a Standard succulent mix.
Description
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a Kalanchoe succulent from South Africa. Frequently confused with K. luciae (sold under the same 'flapjack' name). K. thyrsiflora has strong-smelling yellow flowers and white-felted young leaves; its red margin shows mainly on leaf edges rather than the full face.
Identification
Look for: Blue-green round paddles with red margins (often sold as 'flapjack') leaves in a Rosettes 25–45 cm form. Also answers to Paddles, desert cabbage. The genus is Kalanchoe, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Paddle kalanchoe'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Kalanchoe thyrsiflora?
Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Kalanchoe thyrsiflora need?
Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.