Panda Plant

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

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) – A Soft, Furry Succulent Perfect for Arizona Gardens and Indoor Spaces

Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly known as the Panda Plant, is a unique and visually appealing succulent known for its soft, velvety leaves. Growing to 1 to 2 feet in height with a similar spread, this plant is perfect for indoor containers and small garden spaces, adding texture and interest to any setting.

Key Features of Kalanchoe tomentosa:

• Soft, Velvety Leaves: The fleshy, oval-shaped leaves of the Panda Plant are covered in fine, velvety hairs, giving them a plush texture. Their gray-green color is accented by brownish-red edges, resembling a panda’s coloring, which gives the plant its common name.
• Drought Tolerant: Native to Madagascar, the Panda Plant thrives in well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens in Arizona.
• Compact Size: Growing to 1-2 feet tall, the Panda Plant is perfect for indoor containers, rock gardens, or succulent displays, where its fuzzy leaves and distinct appearance can be appreciated up close.

Perfect for Indoor and Container Gardening

The Panda Plant is an ideal choice for indoor gardening and container planting due to its compact size and easy care. Its textured, plush leaves add a soft, decorative element to indoor spaces and succulent collections.

• Minimal Maintenance: Kalanchoe tomentosa is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardening. It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade, thriving in well-drained soil.
• Textured & Visually Interesting: The furry, gray-green leaves with brownish-red edges create a soft, plush texture that adds a unique touch to rock gardens, indoor arrangements, or container plantings.
• Compact & Decorative: Its manageable size and distinctive appearance make the Panda Plant ideal for creating textured indoor displays or adding interest to small garden spaces.

Why Choose Kalanchoe tomentosa for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Panda Plant thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Soft, Velvety Leaves: The furry, panda-colored leaves add a soft, decorative element to succulent collections and rock gardens, creating visual and textural contrast.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance, minimal watering needs, and easy care, this succulent is a great option for novice gardeners and busy plant enthusiasts.

Blooming and Care

While the Panda Plant can bloom, it rarely does so indoors. The plant is primarily grown for its ornamental leaves rather than its flowers. Its compact size and ease of care make it perfect for indoor spaces or succulent displays. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure the plant is in well-drained soil.

Planting & Care Tips

Kalanchoe tomentosa prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade, making it perfect for indoor gardening. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal watering, making it highly drought-tolerant. Keep it in filtered light to prevent leaf scorch, and avoid overwatering to maintain a healthy plant.

The Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) is a soft, drought-tolerant succulent that brings both beauty and texture to Arizona landscapes and indoor plant collections. Its velvety leaves, distinct coloring, 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): Panda Plant

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart for 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: Panda Plant is a small shrub with thick, velvety leaves and requires no staking

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 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

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

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• 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 frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks