Flapjack Kalanchoe

Flapjack Kalanchoe turns heads with its stacked, paddle‑shaped leaves that shift from frosty green to fiery red when grown in bright light. Also sold as paddle plant, dog tongue, desert cabbage, and botanically as Kalanchoe luciae (often mislabeled K. thyrsiflora), this South African succulent forms a bold 12‑18 inch rosette and eventually sends up a tall spike of pale‑yellow flowers. Its sculptural foliage, drought tolerance, and slow growth make it a favorite for sunny windows, patio pots, and xeric beds. Because each rosette lives several years before flowering, you get long‑lasting color plus a supply of offsets for easy propagation.

Best Locations For Growing Flapjack Kalanchoe

Place this succulent where you want a living focal point: south‑facing living‑room windows, bright kitchen shelves, or a sunny office desk. It thrives on warm, dry air, so bathrooms and humid terrariums are poor choices. The sap can irritate skin and all parts are mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and curious toddlers; display it out of reach or behind other plants if that is a concern.

Flapjack Kalanchoe Sunlight Requirements

Give at least six hours of direct sun for best red leaf edges—set pots 6‑12 inches behind a south or west window or outdoors with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. In winter, a grow light kept 12‑14 inches above the foliage guards against leggy growth.

Flapjack Kalanchoe Care

Use an unglazed clay or ceramic pot with a drainage hole and fill it with cactus mix amended with perlite or pumice. Repot every two to three years in late summer, stepping up only one pot size because crowded roots encourage richer leaf color. No pruning is needed except to remove the tall bloom stalk after flowering and to clip away any shriveled lower leaves.

Watering Flapjack Kalanchoe

Soak thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely—usually every 10‑14 days in warm weather and monthly in winter. Wrinkled leaves signal thirst; soft, translucent leaves indicate excess moisture. Normal indoor humidity is adequate; avoid misting.

Feeding Flapjack Kalanchoe

Feed once in spring and once in midsummer with a half‑strength, low‑nitrogen liquid succulent fertilizer. Skip feeding during fall and winter dormancy to keep growth compact and colorful.

Flapjack Kalanchoe Information