Panda Plant

kalanchoe laxiflora

Also known as: ["Panda Plant","Kalanchoe tomentosa"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant with fuzzy, silver-green leaves and small, tubular flowers, native to Madagascar.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe laxiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered, sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in bright indirect light indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer with partial shade.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust light based on season.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; refresh soil every 2–3 years.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Let cuttings callus before planting; keep soil lightly moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or leggy stems; shape the plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; mix in compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Kalanchoe laxiflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Kalanchoe laxiflora can result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both compromising plant stability.

Leaf spots on Kalanchoe laxiflora may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to tissue necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and aesthetic damage.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Kalanchoe laxiflora due to excessive moisture, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe laxiflora, which can lead to severe cardiac toxicity, neurological effects, and gastrointestinal distress. Prompt treatment is critical.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling lethargy tremors difficulty breathing seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access this plant. Seek emergency veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe laxiflora can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal upset, and other systemic effects in dogs. Toxicity can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Kalanchoe laxiflora contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance in humans. Ingestion can lead to serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain irregular heartbeat dizziness confusion
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek medical attention immediately if poisoning is suspected.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Kalanchoe laxiflora toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset.

Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe laxiflora?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Q: Does Kalanchoe laxiflora require direct sunlight?

A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in cooler climates.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Panda Plant
View
Mother of Thousands
View
Prolific Echeveria
View
Lavender Scallops
View