Paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)
Care, watering, light and tips for Paddle plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Paddle plant
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, also known as 'paddle plant' or 'flapjack plant', is a perennial succulent native to South Africa, remarkable for its large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves, which are gray-green and develop bright red margins with sun exposure. Its leaves stack up to form a basal rosette. It's an ideal plant for rock gardens, desert landscapes, or as an indoor potted plant in wide containers, adding a sculptural touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires direct, intense sunlight to develop its best colors and compact form; lack of light can cause it to etiolate. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, especially in winter. Use a well-draining substrate specifically for cacti and succulents. A common mistake is overwatering, which is the primary cause of its demise; it's better to underwater than to overwater.
How to save a dying Paddle plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled leaves or dark spots. Soft, blackened stem.
- First aid
- Remove affected leaves and stems. Check roots for rot. Repot in dry, light substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and heavy soil. Lack of direct light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the main stem isn't completely rotted. It's very resilient.