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Plant Profiles / Panda plant
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Panda plant
Kalanchoe tomentosa · Pussy ears, chocolate soldier
A fuzzy, silver-grey succulent with rust-brown leaf tips. Soft to touch and perfect for a sunny windowsill pot.
Bright lightLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright light
ShadeFull sun
Some direct sun keeps it compact.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water when the mix is dry; avoid wetting the leaves.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air suits it.
Temperature
10–32°C (50–90°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender; bring in below 10°C.
Growth
Slow, upright
SlowFast
Grows 30–60 cm over many years.
Soil
Cactus and succulent mix
LeanRich
Free-draining mix in a pot with holes.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted succulent fertiliser in spring and summer.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
About this plant
Panda plant comes from Madagascar. Fine hairs cover the leaves and help reduce water loss. It grows slowly into a small upright shrub and rarely flowers indoors.
Best spots
Bright windowsills, desks near a sunny window and covered balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Kalanchoe tomentosa |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Plant type | Succulent shrub |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Leaves | Fuzzy silver with brown tips |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Leaf or stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Repot
Propagate
Fertilise
Water less
RepotPropagateFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leggy growth | Move to brighter light. |
| Soft, dropping leaves | Overwatering. |
| Wrinkled leaves | Underwatering; give a deep drink. |
| Mealybugs | Dab with alcohol on a cotton bud. |
Common questions
Is it hard to grow?
No, it's one of the easiest succulents.
Will it flower?
Rarely indoors.
Is it pet safe?
No, keep away from pets.
Can it go outside?
Yes, in warm months out of hard frost.
