Kalanchoe tomentosa – Velvet-Leaved Succulent
Kalanchoe tomentosa Baker is a slow-growing, shrubby succulent native to Madagascar. It is well known for its dense layer of soft, silvery hairs that cover the entire leaf surface. This protective coating reduces water loss, shields against harsh sunlight, and gives the plant its fuzzy appearance. Over time, it develops into an upright, branching plant, typically reaching 35–45 cm in cultivation but capable of growing up to 1 meter in the wild. It is commonly sold as "Panda Plant" or "Pussy Ears" due to its velvety foliage.


Foliage and Growth Habit of Kalanchoe tomentosa


 
Leaf Shape: Elongated, slightly paddle-shaped, with rounded tips.
 
Color and Texture: Gray-green, covered in fine, felt-like hairs with brown markings along the edges.
 
Growth Habit: Forms a compact, upright shrub that becomes more branched with age.


What You Need to Know About Kalanchoe tomentosa


 
Size: Grows 35–45 cm tall in cultivation; can reach 1 meter in its natural habitat.
 
Natural Habitat: Native to rocky, arid regions of Madagascar.
 
Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.
 
Lifecycle: Long-lived, drought-resistant perennial.


Care Guide for Kalanchoe tomentosa


 
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
 
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
 
Humidity: Thrives in dry conditions; excessive humidity can cause fungal problems.
 
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 18–30°C and should be kept above 10°C.
 
Soil: Requires a well-draining succulent mix with sand or perlite for aeration.
 
Repotting: Infrequent repotting is best, as it prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
 
Fertilizing: Apply a diluted cactus fertilizer once per month during the growing season.
 
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings.


Common Issues and Solutions for Kalanchoe tomentosa


 
Pests: Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
 
Root Rot: Overwatering is the main cause of failure. Always use a fast-draining substrate.
 
Leggy Growth: Caused by insufficient light. Increase sun exposure to maintain a compact form.


Additional Notes on Kalanchoe tomentosa


The fine hairs covering the leaves reduce water loss by creating a still air layer around the plant, slowing down transpiration. This adaptation allows Kalanchoe tomentosa to survive in harsh, arid conditions while also protecting it from sun damage.


Etymology of Kalanchoe tomentosa


The genus name Kalanchoe originates from a Cantonese term recorded by botanist Georg Joseph Kamel. The species name "tomentosa" refers to the dense, woolly hairs (tomentum) covering the leaves.