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Bright, direct light. Place it within a foot of a south- or west-facing window. It will tolerate some direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) and actively appreciates several hours of it daily.Light
water thoroughly (water until it drains out the bottom. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water) in spring and summer, allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Cut back significantly in fall and winter. Never let water sit on the leaves, as it promotes rot.Water
Low humidity is fine -- 40-55% is perfectly adequate. Good air circulation is more important than misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective). This is not a tropical diva.Humidity
60-75 degrees F (16-26 degrees C). Keep away from cold drafts and frost. Natural day-to-night temperature variation is actually beneficial.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) with fuzzy silver-green leaves tipped in brown

Panda Plant

Kalanchoe tomentosa

Easy

Kalanchoe tomentosa is a slow-growing succulent that earns its keep through sheer texture: the oval leaves are coated in dense silver hairs called trichomes, with distinctive chocolate-brown spots along the margins. It's one of those plants that looks almost fake in the best possible way, like someone upholstered a cactus in flannel. You will find it easy to keep happy on a bright windowsill as long as you remember that soggy roots are its one true enemy.

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) with fuzzy silver-green leaves tipped in brown
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant) with fuzzy silver-green leaves tipped in brown
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Care Guide

How to grow Panda Plant

Light

Bright, direct light.

Water

water thoroughly (water until it

Humidity

40-55%

Temperature

60-75 degrees F (16-26 degrees C).

Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix.

Propagation

Leaf cuttings taken in spring

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering is the main risk.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The species name 'tomentosa' is Latin for 'covered with dense matted hairs' -- botanists were not subtle about naming this one.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains bufodienolides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases abnormal heart rhythms. Keep out of reach of pets. (Source: ASPCA)

Sources

  1. Indoor Panda Plant Care & Propagation Guide | Planet Desert (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Indoor Panda Plant Care & Propagation Guide | Planet Desert (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Kalanchoe tomentosa Care Indoors & Propagation: Panda Plant Care | Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Kalanchoe tomentosa Care Indoors & Propagation: Panda Plant Care | Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Kalanchoe | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Kalanchoe | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
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