Paddle Plant
(Kalanchoe luciae subsp. luciae)
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae subsp. luciae)
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Forest & Kim Starr
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Forest & Kim Starr
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest & Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: BotMultichill | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Starr_011104-0034_Kalanchoe_thyrsiflora.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra'. Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid. |Source=self-made |Date=mayo 2005 |Author=A. Barra [[Category:Ericaceae]] }} |
























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kalanchoe luciae subsp. luciae, commonly known as Paddle Plant, is an evergreen succulent native to rocky outcrops and slopes in Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The plant is characterized by large, rounded, paddle-shaped leaves that are a striking gray-green with red margins, often intensifying in color under stress or cooler temperatures. The inflorescences are erect, bearing tubular orange and yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, adding a vibrant display to the garden.
Paddle Plant is valued for its sculptural foliage and ease of care, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as a container plant. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water and thriving in well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to part shade, with more intense leaf colors often developing in brighter light. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not frost-hardy and should be protected from freezing temperatures. Propagation is easily achieved through leaf cuttings or offsets.CC BY-SA 4.0
Paddle Plant is valued for its sculptural foliage and ease of care, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as a container plant. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water and thriving in well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to part shade, with more intense leaf colors often developing in brighter light. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not frost-hardy and should be protected from freezing temperatures. Propagation is easily achieved through leaf cuttings or offsets.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops and slopes in Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Flapjacks, Paddle Plant, Red Pancakes, Desert Cabbage
Scientific Names: , Kalanchoe luciae subsp. luciae, Kalanchoe albiflora, Kalanchoe aleurodes,
GBIF Accepted Name: Kalanchoe luciae subsp. luciae