Kalanchoe luciae 'Flapjack' (Paddle Plant)

🌿 The Paddle Plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe luciae 'Flapjack', is a striking succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Native to the rocky slopes and dry regions of South Africa, this plant has adapted to thrive in harsh, arid conditions with minimal water and plenty of sunshine. In its natural habitat, it grows among stones and sparse vegetation, soaking up intense sunlight that brings out its signature colour transformation. This is a beginner-friendly succulent, perfect for those new to plant care or anyone who tends to forget watering schedules. Fun fact: the edges of the paddle-shaped leaves turn a brilliant red or orange when the plant receives strong, direct sunlight, creating a stunning gradient effect that looks almost painted on.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This succulent grows in a compact, upright rosette formation, with thick, fleshy leaves that resemble paddles or clamshells stacked around a central stem. The leaves are broad and flat, ranging from pale grey-green to dusty blue-green in colour, with smooth, powdery surfaces that feel cool to the touch. When exposed to bright light, the leaf margins develop intense red, pink, or orange tones, creating a dramatic contrast against the cooler base colour. The texture is firm and slightly waxy, helping the plant retain moisture in dry conditions.
FLOWER DETAILS
Mature Paddle Plants produce tall, upright flower stalks in late winter to early spring, topped with clusters of small, tubular blooms in shades of creamy white or pale yellow. The flowers have a subtle, slightly sweet fragrance and create an elegant vertical accent above the rosette. While the blooms are charming, the real showstopper is the foliage with its vibrant colour display. Flowering typically occurs once the plant reaches maturity, usually after a few years of growth. To encourage blooming, expose the plant to cooler temperatures in winter and ensure it receives plenty of bright light throughout the year. After flowering, the main rosette often dies back, but offsets (pups) will continue growing around the base.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Requires full sun to partial sun for best colour development. Needs 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably morning or late afternoon sun. South or west-facing windows work well indoors.
💧 Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. In spring and summer, water every 2-3 weeks. In fall and winter, reduce to once a month or less. Use the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then wait until soil is bone dry before watering again.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in low to average humidity, ideally between 30-50%. No special humidity needs, making it perfect for dry indoor environments and heated homes.
🪴 Soil: Requires fast-draining, gritty soil. Use cactus or succulent mix, or amend regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite in a 1:1:1 ratio.
🏺 Potting: Plant in terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes, 4-6 inches in diameter for young plants. Shallow pots work well as roots are not extensive. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, only when rootbound.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate grower. Expect 2-4 inches of growth in the first six months, 4-8 inches in a year. Mature plants can reach 12-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed lightly during spring and summer only, once every 4-6 weeks. Use diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer at half strength. No fertilizer needed in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythms. Keep out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Paddle Plant thrives in bright, sunny spots where it can show off its colour-changing leaves. Place it on a south or west-facing windowsill, sunny desk, kitchen counter with good light, or on a plant shelf near a bright window. It's also excellent for outdoor patios, balconies, or rock gardens during warmer months. Avoid placing it in low-light areas like bathrooms without windows, dark corners, or north-facing rooms where it won't receive enough sun. Keep it away from areas with high foot traffic where pets or children might knock it over or be tempted to touch or taste the leaves.