The Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is a succulent with intriguing and ornamental foliage, drawing attention for its arrangement and shape, but particularly for its color and texture, reminiscent of the ears of cuddly animals. This has earned it affectionate nicknames like Panda Plant and Pussy Ears. Its leaves are thick, oblong-lanceolate in shape, concave on the upper surface with a central keel on the underside. They are covered with short, white hairs, giving them a characteristic plush appearance.
On the thick, serrated margins are spots formed by dark brown hairs, outlining the leaf shape and complementing this plant’s unique visual appeal. The stem is short, branched, and slow-growing, with leaves arranged sessile and in a rosette. It blooms in spring, producing terminal inflorescences with tubular flowers in pink or salmon, which are of secondary ornamental importance.
Achieve excellent contrast with the Panda Plant in well-drained beds, as well as pots and planters. Its silvery-gray color is eye-catching on its own and enhances the colors of other species. Use it in desert or xeriscape gardens, which require little water, combined with other species that enjoy this habitat, like other succulents, cacti, agaves, etc. Its soft and delicate texture also makes it a suitable choice for sensory gardens, experienced not only with the eyes but also with the hands.
It’s an easy plant to grow, suitable for collectors or beginner gardeners. However, it’s more resistant to neglect than to overcare, especially regarding moisture. You can forget to water it for a long time and it will still be fine, but overwatering will quickly kill the plant. For a denser appearance, grow the Panda Plant in more light, and for looser growth, in less light.
It should be grown in partial shade or bright indirect light, in sandy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, suitable for succulents and cacti. Waterings should be plentiful but spaced out, allowing the soil to dry well between each watering.
It’s important to avoid wetting the stem or leaves, as water trapped among the delicate hairs can lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. It does not tolerate waterlogging, intense cold (below 41°F or 5°C), or frost. In subtropical to temperate climates, it’s advisable to move the plants indoors or to a greenhouse in winter to protect them from the cold. Never use saucers under the pot of this succulent, as they can lead to rapid root rot.
Fertilize with products suitable for cacti and succulents, and change the soil every two years. Propagation is easily done by leaf cuttings from mature leaves, detached and allowed to heal for at least one day before being placed to root in appropriate substrate.
