
This February we are bringing you the beautiful succulent shrub Kalanchoe tomentosa, also known as the Panda plant. This is our luxury non-pet-friendly luxury plant of the month. Here are some tips for how to best care for this hardy succulent.
Native habitat
This particular Panda plant is a native to Madagascar.
Light and position in the home
Your Panda plant can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. If the plant starts to stretch and look leggy increase light levels.
Flowers and foliage
During the spring and summertime your Panda plant may produce small tubular flowers, however not to worry if it doesn't. The fleshy, velvety leaves will produce an interesting burnt orange colour all throughout the year.
Watering and humidity
Your Panda plant is a succulent and as a result, has adaptations to help store water. Allow the soil to dry out before watering and then best to submerge and drain, avoid watering the leaves.
Temperature
Average room temperature of 15-23 degrees Celsius is best.
Did you know?
The Panda plant is a succulent, it has several adaptations to deal with in the sometimes arid conditions it faces. The most obvious is the ability to store water in its leaves giving the plant its fleshy look. It also makes use of tiny hair like structures on the leaf called trichomes, the dense mat of hairs impedes the movement of air across the surface and reduces transpiration (water loss).
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