Kalanchoe luciae

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe luciae, also known as the paddle plant or flapjacks, is a beautiful succulent native to northeast South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This evergreen plant has paddle or clam-like shaped leaves that can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its larger, more vibrant leaves distinguish it from the similar Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, which has fragrant, yellow flowers. Paddle plant produces white flowers with no noticeable scent in the spring. Plants in the Kalanchoe genus are native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, and range from rubbery green leaves to leopard print, and some are even fuzzy. The word Kalanchoe comes from the Cantonese name for these plants, pronounced Ka-lun-koh-ee in English. These succulent plants are easy to care for and propagate, making them ideal for beginners. Their succulent leaves help store water during droughts, so they can tolerate skipped waterings. Adding a paddle plant to your collection is a great way to bring a beautiful representative of sunny Africa into your home.

How to care for Kalanchoe luciae

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Kalanchoe luciae, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Kalanchoe luciae does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Kalanchoe luciae is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Kalanchoe luciae requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Kalanchoe luciae will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Kalanchoe luciae plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Kalanchoe luciae is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Kalanchoe luciae prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

Once the Kalanchoe luciae has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Kalanchoe luciae’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.

Flower

If you provide your Kalanchoe luciae with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia