Panda Plant

Introduction

Kalanchoe tomentosa, also known as the Panda Plant, is a charming succulent native to the island of Madagascar. The Panda Plant is instantly recognizable by its fuzzy, silvery leaves with rust-colored tips, which give the impression of panda fur, hence its common name.

The Panda Plant is a low-maintenance succulent perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardening. It prefers bright light and well-drained soil to prevent root rot. As a succulent, it has an excellent water-holding capacity, requiring infrequent watering only when the soil has dried out completely. Like most succulents, it also appreciates a bit of neglect, making it an excellent plant for beginners or those with a less-than-green thumb. Furthermore, having this unique looking plant in your home or garden will definitely make for an eye catching decoration!

Panda Plant Care

The care for this succulent includes a good amount of indirect sunlight, soil that has excellent drainage properties, a sensible watering routine that involves complete drying out of the soil between watering, and standard room temperatures. In the active growing phase, a little bit of diluted houseplant or succulent fertilizer can boost the Panda Plant's growth, but this feeding schedule should pause during the dormant winter season.

Light

For maintaining its captivating leaf colors and compact growth, Panda Plants need abundant bright light. Although they can handle some shade, they flourish in a sunny location. However, keep them away from direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves.

Soil

The soil for Panda Plants should emulate the conditions of their natural, arid habitats. This means it should have great drainage qualities to avoid water retention and root rot. Utilize a potting mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti. If creating your own, mix regular potting soil with coarse sand or other drainage-boosting materials like perlite or pumice.

Water

The best watering strategy for the Panda Plant is a "soak and dry" method. Drench the soil with water until it drains from the bottom of the pot and then hold off watering again until the soil is thoroughly dry. Overwatering is a common mistake with succulents leading to root decay. During the colder months, limit watering even more.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants thrive in the average room temperatures, ideally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure slightly cooler temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but long-term exposure can be detrimental. Humidity is not much of an issue for Panda Plants; they can withstand dry air due to their succulent nature and manage just fine in average home humidity conditions.

Fertilizer

During the active growth period (spring and summer), feed your Panda Plant once a month with a regular houseplant or succulent fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Remember to refrain from feeding during the winter months. This is because the plant is not actively growing and excess nutrients could accumulate in the soil, which can cause harm to the roots.