Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda plant'

Morphological Characteristics

Kalanchoe tomentosa ‘Panda Plant’, also known as Chocolate Soldier, is a fuzzy-leaved succulent native to Madagascar, belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It’s cherished for its soft, velvety appearance and contrasting leaf tips, making it both a tactile and visual delight in collections.

The plant features thick, oblong leaves densely covered in fine white hairs, giving them a gray-green, silvery hue. The leaf margins are lined with dark brown to reddish-brown markings, especially concentrated at the tips, which resemble a panda’s ears—hence the common name.

Mature plants form upright, branching shrubs and can grow up to 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) tall. The stems become woody with age. Though rarely flowering indoors, it may produce small, bell-shaped yellow-green flowers on tall stalks in optimal outdoor conditions.

Growth Habits

‘Panda Plant’ is a slow-growing, upright succulent, well-suited to pots and container gardens. It maintains a compact, shrubby form and may slowly branch at the base over time.

In dry and warm environments, it can live for many years with minimal care. Its fuzzy leaves help reduce water loss, allowing it to thrive in arid conditions.

Maintenance Points

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light to partial sun. Avoid harsh midday sun, especially in hot climates, which can burn the fuzzy leaves.

• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Do not allow water to sit on leaves, as this can cause rot or fungal issues.

• Soil: Use well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Consider adding sand or perlite to increase drainage.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 18–29°C (65–85°F). Protect from frost—minimum safe temperature is around 5°C (41°F).

• Fertilization: Apply diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). No need to fertilize in winter.

• Potting: Choose shallow pots with drainage holes. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.

• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity well. Avoid high humidity environments to prevent fungal issues.

Reproduction Method

Stem Cuttings:

• Use clean shears to cut a 5–10 cm (2–4 inch) section.

• Let the cutting callus for 2–3 days.

• Plant in dry, well-draining soil and water sparingly until roots establish.

Leaf Cuttings (Less Common):

• Full success requires removing the entire leaf base. Let it dry several days, then lay on moist soil.

• Rooting may take 3–5 weeks but has a lower success rate than stem cuttings.

Additional Tips

• Pest Control: Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestations appear.

• Disease Prevention: Avoid water splashing onto leaves. Ensure excellent ventilation to prevent mold or mildew.

• Pruning: Trim leggy growth to promote a bushier shape. Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly.

• Display: Ideal for windowsills, tabletops, or office decor due to its soft look and tidy form. Pairs well with smooth-leaved succulents for textural contrast.

• Safety Note: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

• Light: Place your succulent in a bright spot with 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, a south- or west-facing window is ideal.
• Watering: Follow the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering may cause root rot.
• Soil: Use well-draining succulent or cactus soil to prevent water accumulation.
• Temperature: Best growing temperatures are between 60°F–80°F (15°C–27°C). Avoid prolonged exposure to frost or extreme heat.
• Fertilizer: Feed once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted succulent fertilizer.

🌟 Note: It’s normal for succulents to appear slightly shriveled after shipping. They usually recover within a few days in a suitable environment.

• Shipping Schedule: We ship orders Monday through Thursday to prevent weekend delays in transit.
• Service Area: We ship to all U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska.
• Shipping Fees:
  • Free shipping may be available for qualifying orders within the contiguous 48 U.S. states.
  • Orders to Hawaii, Alaska, and remote areas are eligible for shipping, but do not qualify for free shipping. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on location.
• Packaging: Each plant is carefully wrapped with protective materials to ensure it arrives in healthy condition.
• Weather Conditions: In extreme heat or cold, we may delay shipping to protect your plants. You’ll be notified via email if this happens.
• Carriers: We ship via USPS or UPS, depending on your location and order size.

💚 We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive safe and healthy. Thank you for your trust and support!