Kalanchoe tomentosa
Also known as: Panda plant, pussy ears
The panda plant: thick velvety silver leaves outlined in chocolate brown. It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, comes from Madagascar, stays around 30–45 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Kalanchoe
- Origin: Madagascar
- Mature size: 30–45 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Mature size
- 30–45 cm
- Growth habit
- Upright, sparsely branching
- Leaf colour
- Silvery-white felted leaves with chocolate-brown edge spots
- Flower colour
- Small greenish-purple tubes (rare indoors)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic to pets
- Other names
- Panda plant, pussy ears
About the Kalanchoe tomentosa
The panda plant: thick velvety silver leaves outlined in chocolate brown. The felt coating protects it from sun and reduces water loss — which also means water on the leaves lingers and rots them. Water the soil only.
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 tomentosa is a Kalanchoe succulent from Madagascar. The panda plant: thick velvety silver leaves outlined in chocolate brown. The felt coating protects it from sun and reduces water loss — which also means water on the leaves lingers and rots them. Water the soil only.
Identification
Look for: Silvery-white felted leaves with chocolate-brown edge spots leaves in a 30–45 cm form. Also answers to Panda plant, pussy ears. The genus is Kalanchoe, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Panda plant'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Kalanchoe tomentosa?
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 tomentosa 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 tomentosa, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.