Panda Plant
Kalanchoe tomentosa
Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly known as the Panda Plant or Pussy Ears, is a lovely Madagascar native succulent. It is easily distinguished by its fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves covered in a dense, felt-like coating of soft white hairs, giving it a fuzzy, velvety appearance. The leaf tips and margins are dotted with contrasting, deep chocolate-brown spots. It grows as a woody shrub and makes a popular, tactile windowsill plant.
Native Origin & Climate
Rocky outcrops and dry granite hillsides of central Madagascar.
Expert Pruning Tip
Trim leggy stems in spring using clean pruning shears. You can propagate these stem cuttings easily once they have calloused.
In-Situ Environment
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Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Beginner Friendly. Extremely easy to care for, thriving on neglect and requiring very little watering.
Bright indirect light to direct morning sun. Needs at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily to prevent leggy growth and maintain dense leaf structure.
Low. Water thoroughly only when the potting mix is dry throughout. Do not get water on the fuzzy leaves, as trapped moisture can cause rot.
Extremely well-draining cactus and succulent mix. Combine 50% premium potting soil, 30% perlite or pumice, and 20% coarse sand.
Prefers warm, dry climates. Highly sensitive to cold and frost; keep indoors in southern parts of Australia during winter.
Can be easily propagated from single leaf cuttings or stem cuttings placed in dry soil.
Tactile, fuzzy, and charming. Soft silvery-grey leaves with dark brown stitched-looking edges create a unique, cozy, modern texture.
Ideal for bright desks, shelves, windowsills, or mixed succulent dish gardens where its unique texture can be admired and touched.
Versatile Sheltered
Toxic:Contains cardiac glycosides. Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or swallowed, causing vomiting and lethargy.
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