Flapjack

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Kalanchoe luciae (Flapjack Plant) – A Vibrant, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Kalanchoe luciae, commonly known as the Flapjack Plant, is a striking succulent loved for its paddle-shaped leaves and vivid coloration. Growing to 1 to 2 feet in height with a similar spread, this plant forms large rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that create a sculptural presence in gardens or container plantings.

Key Features of Kalanchoe luciae:

• Paddle-Shaped Leaves: The bright green leaves of the Flapjack Plant are thick and fleshy, with edges that turn red or pink when exposed to sunlight. This vibrant coloration intensifies in cooler temperatures, adding a bold visual element to desert landscapes and succulent collections.
• Drought Tolerant: Native to South Africa, Kalanchoe luciae is well-suited to xeriscaping and rock gardens, thriving in well-drained soil and minimal water, making it perfect for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Compact & Sculptural Form: Growing to 1-2 feet tall, the Flapjack Plant adds color and texture to any landscape or indoor space, making it an excellent choice for container gardens and rockeries.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Container Gardens

The Flapjack Plant is an ideal choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and indoor or outdoor container plantings. Its vibrant leaf colors and sculptural form make it a standout in desert-themed landscapes.

• Minimal Maintenance: Kalanchoe luciae is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance option for water-efficient gardens.
• Vibrant Coloration: In full sun, the leaf margins turn bright red or pink, especially in cooler temperatures, adding an extra pop of color to succulent collections and rock gardens.
• Sculptural & Versatile: With its paddle-shaped leaves and colorful edges, the Flapjack Plant is perfect for adding a sculptural element to container gardens, patios, or indoor plant displays.

Why Choose Kalanchoe luciae for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Flapjack Plant thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Vivid Leaf Coloration: The red or pink edges of the leaves intensify with sunlight, creating a stunning visual effect that adds color and texture to rock gardens and succulent arrangements.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance and easy care, this succulent is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking water-efficient and eye-catching plants.

Blooming and Pollinators

In late winter to early spring, Kalanchoe luciae produces tall spikes of small, yellow flowers, adding an additional layer of interest and attracting pollinators like bees. These flowers rise above the vibrant foliage, creating a beautiful contrast.

Planting & Care Tips

Kalanchoe luciae thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Full sun encourages the bright red or pink leaf margins, while the plant remains drought-tolerant with minimal watering. In colder climates, protect the plant from frost or bring it indoors during the winter months.

The Kalanchoe luciae (Flapjack Plant) is a vibrant, drought-tolerant succulent that adds both color and sculptural appeal to Arizona landscapes. Its paddle-shaped leaves, bright red or pink edges, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Flapjack

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart to allow for their compact growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Flapjack is a low-growing succulent that requires no staking and can spread in a rosette form

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Flapjack is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks