Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:33 pm
Kalanchoe luciae, also known as kalanchoe fantastic, kalanchoe luciae fantastic , kalanchoe luciae paddle plant, flapjack kalanchoe, or the flapjack succulent plant, is an easy-to-grow succulent plant and can thrive in many different climates as long as it has some sunlight each day.
This plant does best in sandy soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.0 and without excessive moisture or direct sunlight, although it can tolerate both in small amounts. Kalanchoe luciae thrives during the summer months when outdoor temperatures are warm and well-drained soil keeps it hydrated without causing excess moisture around its roots.
Kalanchoe luciae grows to a height of 3–4 inches with fuzzy leaves that resemble the cookie of the same name. Kalanchoe luciae originates from Madagascar and thrives in bright, sunny spots but will still grow well in partial shade or indoors under fluorescent lights. While this particular kalanchoe succulent plant requires little maintenance to thrive, you can increase its lifespan by giving it proper care and attention.
Origin and distribution
Kalanchoe luciae is native to Madagascar. There are records of it being grown in England since 1846. The name Kalanchoe derives from a Hindu word for paddle and refers to its leaves which tend to spread out flat on either side of a central stem like a paddle. The specific epithet luciae honours Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter.
The plant has been extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant, particularly popular as a houseplant because of its tolerance of low light levels, drought resistance, and ease of propagation. In some areas it has become naturalized and can be considered an invasive species. It is also used in traditional medicine in Madagascar to treat scorpion stings.
The flowers are followed by red berries which attract birds that disperse the seeds in their droppings. It is thought that Kalanchoe luciae may have originated from hybridization between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe pinnata.
Kalanchoe luciae propagation
Kalanchoe plants are known for their ease of propagation. Simply place one part of a healthy Kalanchoe plant in water and leave it alone. It should quickly sprout new roots that can be transplanted into the soil or left to grow in water. Note that if you’re planting your kalanchoe indoors, it will not require as much sunlight as outdoors and its leaves will remain small.
However, watering frequently is recommended both indoors and out to keep your kalanchoes healthy. If you want to give your kalanchoe fantastic some extra love, feel free to fertilize with a weak solution of diluted fertilizer once every two weeks.
The best time to do so is right after you’ve watered it. If your kalanchoe begins to look leggy, try repotting it in an 8-inch pot instead of leaving it in its current 12-inch pot. You may also want to consider trimming off any dead stems before transplanting it.
Be sure to use sharp scissors when doing so and avoid cutting into any live branches or leaves. After you’ve repotted your kalanchoe, allow it to sit in indirect sunlight for a few hours before placing it back in direct light. This helps prevent sunburn on its delicate leaves during acclimation.
Kalanchoe luciae care information
Kalanchoe plants are not hard to care for, as long as you understand their needs. It’s important to remember that they need bright, but indirect light and lots of water—more than you may expect if you’re used to growing other kinds of succulents. Kalanchoes also need porous soil; a simple mix of half potting soil and half perlite will work well.
Light requirement
Kalanchoe luciae grows outdoors in regions with mild winters, although you may grow it as a houseplant if you keep it near a sunny window. If you live in a climate that has cold winters, put your kalanchoe outside from spring to fall and bring it inside before temperatures fall below freezing. It’s important to note that even though kalanchoe is frost-tolerant, it doesn’t like extreme cold or heat.
Soil/potting mix
Kalanchoe plants are native to Madagascar and grow in dry, sandy or rocky soil. For best results, use a soil/potting mix that is a 50-50 blend of well-draining loam and sand. If you are unable to obtain such a mixture, try using an African violet potting mix, but be sure it contains perlite instead of vermiculite.
Vermiculite retains too much moisture for kalanchoe plants. You can also add 10 percent peat moss to your soil/potting mix for extra drainage.
Watering
Kalanchoe are succulents, meaning they can be susceptible to rot if over-watered. The best way to tell if a kalanchoe needs water is by observing its leaves and soil. If the soil feels dry to touch or some of your leaves are beginning to shrivel, it’s time for a drink. When in doubt, wait until you see new growth before watering again.
Fertilizer
Give your kalanchoe luciae flapjack succulent plant a balanced fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen and phosphorous, such as 10-10-10. Apply it every two weeks during spring and summer. In fall and winter, fertilize once a month with a slow-release fertilizer. If you notice any yellowing leaves or stunted growth, give your plant a boost of fertilizer.
Temperature
Flapjack plant prefers warm temperature, that is why Kalanchoe luciae paddle plant grows well in a warm climate. They can not tolerate below 32 °F or above 100 °F for a long time but can handle a very wide range of temperatures.
The best thing to do is follow their need for heat and light. You will know what you have to do if you follow Kalanchoe care instructions from a few months ago.
Humidity
Kalanchoe is a succulent, and like all succulents, it requires soil that’s well-draining. Kalanchoe does not like soil that stays wet for long periods of time. You can amend your planting mix to make it more draining or add some gravel to help with drainage.
Be careful watering Kalanchoe: if you water too often or too little, it will suffer for sure! The best thing to do is use a moisture meter every week so you know when it’s dry enough.
The ideal humidity range is 40-60% for Kalanchoe. If you’re growing your Kalanchoe in a terrarium, use a humidifier to keep it at 40-60%. You can also place your plant on a tray of pebbles and water so that as it evaporates, it raises the humidity around your plant.
Pruning
Kalanchoe luciae is an extremely versatile plant that can be pruned in a variety of ways to create unique shapes and dramatic effects. The process of pruning a kalanchoe is simple, but it’s important to do it at specific times during its growth cycle, or you risk damaging or even killing your plant. Follow these guidelines to keep your plants healthy and happy.
Wait until spring has arrived in your area before beginning any type of pruning on your kalanchoe paddle plant. These plants are most vulnerable to damage when they are either being moved from one location to another or when they are adjusting to new light conditions after having been moved indoors for winter storage.
When pruning, use sharp, clean shears to cut off dead flowers and leaves as soon as you notice them wilting or turning brown. This will help keep pests away from your plant and prevent it from becoming diseased or infested with mold spores that could cause rot later on down the road.
When to repot
Kalanchoe luciae should be repotted during the spring and autumn months. It is best to take your plant outside and allow it to adjust to outdoor temperatures before transplanting it into new potting soil, as kalanchoe does not like drastic temperature changes.
As you repot, make sure that you remove any yellow or dead roots on your flapjack kalanchoe. If there are some brown leaves on your plant, do not worry; these will fall off with time. If you notice that your kalanchoe has produced new growths from its base, simply cut them off at their base with scissors so they don’t steal nutrients from other parts of the plant.
Dormancy
When growing Kalanchoe luciae, you may notice that it is reluctant to grow after being planted for several months. This isn’t a result of bad care, it’s actually quite normal for kalanchoes to go into dormancy during colder months. As long as your plant hasn’t been over or under-watered or exposed to poor lighting conditions, be patient and keep watering it sparingly until spring rolls around again.
In warmer climates, you can bring it inside during cold weather to help maintain its health. If you live in an area with mild winters, though, let your plant stay outside year-round; just make sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight each day so that it can maintain its vibrant coloration throughout winter.
Kalanchoe luciae flower & fragrance
Kalanchoe is a fantastic flower that looks good and smells even better. With its plump pink and yellow petals, each blossom can be like a bubblegum blast of summer-sweet scent. And with several varieties, you’ll find Kalanchoes ranging from reds to blues to even purple.
Kalanchoes are sometimes mistaken for cacti but they are actually succulents; they grow quickly in winter months or indoors under lights and can put on several inches of growth in one day!
Growth rate
It can reach a height of 1.3m and grow as wide as 2m, though it often stays smaller than that. The Kalanchoe luciae has a fantastic growth rate, which makes it perfect for small gardens where space is limited.
Toxicity
Although Kalanchoe luciae is a popular houseplant, it is poisonous to humans and animals. It contains calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of its body and can cause an allergic reaction.
According to Michigan State University Extension, dogs have been poisoned by ingesting or chewing on kalanchoe plants. The symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog has ingested kalanchoe, contact your veterinarian immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
Kalanchoe luciae thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. In other areas, it can be grown as an annual plant.
Pests and diseases
Kalanchoe succulents are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including scale, mites, thrips, and white fly. Aphids feed on new growth as well as flowers, causing buds to fall off. Keep your kalanchoe plants clean and avoid over-watering so they don’t attract pests and diseases. If you notice a pest problem, try washing aphids or other bugs off with water from a hose.
Conclusion
Kalanchoe luciae is a fantastic succulent plant for beginners. With little effort, it will reward you with spectacular flowers and a vast array of leaf colors. These plants are inexpensive and easy to propagate from cuttings, so you can fill your home with them without emptying your wallet. Given their adaptability, there is little reason not to add one to your collection!
