Care of the succulent plant Kalanchoe tomentosa or Panda plant |
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The genus Kalanchoe, family Crassulaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to Asia, Africa and Europe. Some species are: Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi. Common names: Panda plant, Pussy ears, Chocolate soldier. This species is native to Madagascar. They are succulent plants branched from the base that reach 50 cm (1.64 feet) in height. They have sessile leaves (without peduncles) of oval shape, covered with fine hairs that give them a velvety touch. The leaves have a dark serrated edge. It does not usually bloom, but the flowers are very small and not very decorative. They are used in pots for terraces and balconies. It's convenient to change the substrate every 2 years. The Kalanchoe tomentosa needs full sun exposure. It does not resist temperatures below 8 ºC (46.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of peat, coarse sand, and leaf mulch. They are drought resistant plants. Water once a week throughout the year, except in winter (water every 2 weeks). They do not need fertilizers. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. They propagate by stem or leaf cutting; the seeds are very small and difficult to handle. |
Images of the succulent plant Kalanchoe tomentosa or Panda plant |
 Kalanchoe tomentosa  Kalanchoe tomentosa  Kalanchoe tomentosa |