Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) Indoor Care and Propagation Guide
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Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) prefers bright light to full sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora also called Desert Cabbage, FlapJack or White Lady is among the popular Kalanchoe varieties on account of its beautiful foliage.
FlapJack Kalanchoe forms a basal rosette of large, rounded, succulent, stalkless leaves which are grayish-green with red margins under bright light, covered with a white powdery bloom. It is one of the best succulent plants for full sun.
Botanical name: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Family: Crassulaceae
Common nmaes: Paddle Plant, Desert Cabbage, FlapJack, White Lady
Origin
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland.
Size
Desert Cabbage is a compact plant which grows to a height of 1-2 feet only. On account of their small size, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora and its cousins Kalanchoe marmorata (Penwiper Plant) and Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) are some of the best plants for the limited spaces. It is among the best plants for a sunny balcony.
Flower
The inflorescence in Paddle Plant is terminal and erect, borne on a 3 feet tall stalk which dies back after flowering. It is densley clustered with greenish waxy flowers with yellow recurved lobes, narrowly urn-shaped.
Toxicity
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora like other Kalanchoe Plants contains Calcium glycosides which are toxic to animals as indicated by ASPCA. Keep the plant away from the reach of pets to avoid any mishaps.
Where to Buy
Kalanchoe Plants are a great addition to any plant collection, you may get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Care Indoors
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) prospers in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth of 16-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Flapjack Plant does not require frequent repotting as it is a slow grower; only when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep it tidy. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to obtain them.
Light Requirements
Paddle Plant grows best in bright light to full sunlight. Do not expose it to hot midday sunshine as it can scorch the leaves.
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora can be grown under grow light where the natural light is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant gets adequate light on all sides for uniform growth.
If you choose to grow Flapjack Succulent outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching the leaves.
Watering
Water Paddle Plant deeply during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Significantly lessen watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil barely moist but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Always use a pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in root-rot.
Take care not to wet the leaves as it can lead to rotting or water from the bottom instead Use water that is at room temperature water Flapjack Plant to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 16-260C is ideal for Paddle Plant. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant.
Keep it away from cold drafts like windy doors and windows, air conditioning units and others to avoid flactuations in temperatures as they can result in reduced growth and eventual death of the plant.
Paddle Plant has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Ocassionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Make sure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Paddle Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents soil is ideal for the plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Paddle Plant monthly during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time.
Repotting
Repot Paddle Plant only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has shallow roots. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting. A clay pot is preferable because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster. Take a look at these terracotta pots with saucer on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Paddle Plant is easy as it requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy.
Propagation
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings as they root easily.
How to propagate Paddle Plant from leaf cuttings
Take leaf cuttings together with about an inch of the leaf petiole from a healthy Paddle Plant.
Allow the leaf cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
Insert the leaf petiole into moist, free-draining soil while ensuring that the midrib of the leaf also comes into contact with the soil.
Cover the set up with transparent polythene to raise humidity inorder to hasten rooting and establishment.
Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry.
Ensure the rooting container has adequate drainage to avoid getting the soil soggy as it can lead to rotting of the leaf cuttings.
Once the plantlets have grown at least one set of leaves, carefully seperate them and pot in individual pots.
Place the new Flapjack Plants in a warm, well-lit spot and begin routine care.
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Propagate Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Propagation)
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Problems with Solutions
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) problems include dropping leaves, drooping leaves, leggy growth, rotting, shriveled leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Paddle Plant is prone to mealy bugs and scale insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Rotting plant base followed by yellowing and shrivelled leaves in Paddle Plant is an indication of stem-rot disease which is prevalent in overwet conditions. Avoid getting the soil soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is well-drained.
Dropping leaves
Paddle Plant dropping leaves is due to incorrect water; either overwatering or underwatering Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Significantly decrease watering during the cold season but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Avoid soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil drains easily and does not hold excess water. In addition, always discard the excess water from the saucer. Learn more on how to water indoor plants correctly.
Leggy growth
Paddle Plant leggy growth is caused by too little light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach for the light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or use a grow light if the natural light is not enough. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Drooping leaves
Paddle Plant drooping leaves is due to underwatering. Immediately water the plant deeply and it should perk up Thereafter, water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. During the cold season, water the plant very infrequently but never allow the soil to dry our completely to avoid wilting and drooping.
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