Expand your succulent collection by growing a paddle plant for its large, flat leaves.
Blaine Moats
Expand your succulent collection indoors or outdoors with the paddle plant(Kalanchoe thyrsiflora).
This striking succulent is known for how the light green, round, fleshy leaves stack beside each other.
Credit:Blaine Moats
They look like small paddles or flapjacks, hence the plants common names.
It only blooms once; the plant dies after it flowers.
Where to Plant Paddle Plant
Paddle plant is a succulent thatthrives in full sun outdoors.
The paddle plant is toxic to cats and dogswhen ingested.
Keep it away from your pets.
However, paddle plants grown outdoors are best planted in the spring or summer.
They make good accents and areideal for rock gardens.
In climates with warm weather year-round, they grow well in groups.
Paddle Plant Care Tips
Paddle plant is easy to care when its basic needs are met.
Light
Paddle plants thrive when they receive full sun outside or direct sunlight when grown indoors.
Place them near a south-, east- or west-facing window to ensure they receive ample bright, direct sunlight.
Soil and Water
Paddle plants needwell-draining soilto thrive.
Use a succulent or cactus potting mix.
These plants store water in their leaves, so they are drought-tolerant.
Water when the soil has dried completely before giving them another drink.
During cold months, these plants need less water.
verify to check the dryness of the soil before watering.
Paddle plants thrive in warm to hot temperatures with low humidity.
The leaves of paddle plants exposed to cold temperatures as low as 30F are harmed.
This plant can survive mid-20F temperatures but will suffer damage.
Indoor plants do best when temperatures range from 65F to 75F.
Keep your plant away from cold drafts.
Fertilizer
These hardy plants dont need much fertilizer when planted in loose potting soil for succulents.
Fertilize once a year in the spring to give them a nutrient boost using a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Paddle plants dont need to be pruned.
They grow taller when they are getting ready to bloom.
Choose a potwith drainage holes and pour in succulent or cactus potting soil.
You may not need to repot a paddle plant because it dies after blooming.
Pests and Problems
Paddle plants dont typically have issues with pests or diseases.
Sometimes,scales, aphids, and mealybugsbother this plant.
As a preventative measure, check the leaves often to reduce an infestation before it gets out of hand.
Wipe away any pests with a damp paper towel or cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
There are no other paddle plant cultivars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yellowing leaves on a paddle plant indicate that the plant is overwatered.
Let the soil dry out completely before giving the paddle plant more water.
Repot the plant into a larger pot after it doubles in size or annually to replenish the potting soil.
