Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
KALANCHOE tomentosa
Plant Common Name
Panda Plant
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Affectionately known as bunny ears after the shape of the soft fuzzy gray leaves, this popular succulent is easy to grow and quite resilient both in ground and in containers. This is a very unique species native to the island of Madagascar where the succulent plants evolved pubescence or fine hairs to protect against sunburn. There plants must tolerate high heat and long periods of drought to survive, making this an ideal low desert garden plant for unique foliage interest. It is low growing, branching generously to produce numerous tips that bear dense clusters of gray leaves.
These plants do not bloom as often as other succulents and are grown primarily for their foliage. When it does flower, spikes bear gray bell shaped blooms with interesting brown accents, all just as pubescent as the foliage. These plants prefer very sandy porous soil with regular feeding to keep growth consistent. They have a tendency to slow and sometimes halt growth when conditions are not ideal. Position this plant where it receives filtered sunlight or morning exposures and feed often but at half strength. Utilize the soft gray coloring against rigid, shiny succulents or fine textured plants to create provocative high contrast compositions.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Brown, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Brown, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Brown, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Brown, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
SpottedMottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
