Scientific name
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
 
common names
Paddle Plant, Kalanchoe Paddle, Red Pancakes, Flapjack, Desert Cabbage
 
Synonyms
Kalanchoe albiflora, Kalanchoe aleuroides, Kalanchoe luciae
 
scientific classification
Family:  Crassulaceae
Gender:  kalanchoe
 
Origin
Native to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal) and Swaziland.
 
Description
The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a  succulent plant of  up to 60 cm high. The leaves are arranged in rosettes, large, thick, flat rounded, up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide, yellowish-gray-green with red margins. The leaves, in some cases, will turn completely vibrant red, especially in the cold winter temperatures. The flowers are tubular, pale yellow  and grow in clusters on top of stems inserted in rosettes.
 
how to care
Kalanchoe are not particularly difficult to care for, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful, long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout summer and reduce watering in winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Pay attention to fleshy leaves for signs of water shortage. These plants prefer the heat, so the temperature should not drop below 12º C, however they tolerate lower temperatures for short periods. Use a common potting mix. Fertilize weekly in summer with aliquid fertilizer, or use a fertilizercontrolled release.