Kalanchoe tomentosa
Caring for a panda plant (or kalanchoe pinnata) is easy but requires specific conditions. This guide will provide you with detailed information on what your panda plant needs, so you can ensure it thrives and grows into a beautiful, healthy specimen.
Panda plants need bright, indirect light for best growth. Place them in a spot where they will get plenty of light but not be exposed to direct sun, as this could burn their leaves. If the foliage of your panda plant starts to fade in color or become too sparse and leggy, it may be in need of more light. Additionally, if the foliage starts turning yellow or brown at the tips, this could indicate the plant is getting too much sun exposure.
The best soil type for a panda plant is one that is well-draining and high in organic matter. Look for a specialty succulent soil mix or make your own by combining equal parts potting soil and sand or perlite. You should also consider adding some bark chips or other organic material to help with water retention and aeration in the soil.
While many people think succulents need only occasional watering, this isn't true of panda plants; they prefer regular watering schedule during their growing season (spring-autumn). Water when the top inch of soil feels dry - about once every week - and reduce this to once every two weeks during winter months when growth slows down. Make sure you avoid letting any excess water stay standing in the pot after watering; if needed, use a nursery pot tray under your container to catch any runoff from overwatering and discard it afterwards.
Ideally, you should keep your panda plant between 60°F and 75°F (15- 23°C). They don't like extreme changes in temperature either way; sudden drops or rises could cause damage to their delicate foliage. As far as humidity levels go, they do not require extra misting or humidifiers - normal indoor levels are fine for these plants!
During active growth periods (spring/summer), feed your panda plant with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength once a month. During winter months when growth slows down considerably, cease fertilizing altogether until active growth resumes again next spring/summer. Be sure not to overfertilize as this can damage the roots of your plant due to salts build up in the soil!
