Kalanchoe Tomentosa, also known as Panda Plant or Pussy Ears, is an evergreen succulent native to Madagascar. Furry ovate green leaves are spotted brown at the tips, and the whole plant has a bushy habit of 18-24" at maturity. It can offer stalks up to 3' with flowers in spring, although this variety is typically grown primarily for foliage, especially indoors where it rarely flowers. This summer-dormant species excels as a houseplant or in zone 9-11 as an ornamental addition to a xeriscape or outdoor container. In cold climates, bring containers indoors over the winter. Kalanchoe Tomentosa needs little maintenance or water to flourish in full sun or bright indirect light. This plant is a low-maintenance, unique addition to any collection.
Kalanchoe Tomentosa Selling Tips
Sell Kalanchoe Tomentosa to customers looking for a low-maintenance succulent as a gift, for a rock garden, or to add to a houseplant collection. Panda Plant offers furry green leaves with brown spots at the edges. While it rarely flowers as a houseplant, occasional blooms atop 3' tall stalks occur outdoors in zone 9-11. Showy succulent foliage has a shrubby habit of 18-24" tall, excelling in the landscape in warm climates or as a houseplant in full sun or bright indirect light with little water. Create unique texture and color contrasts by planting Tomentosa alongside Berhartii and Marnieriana.
Coach Your Customer
1. Plant in well-draining peat, sand, and perlite mixture in full or partial sun. Direct afternoon sunlight can burn the leaves of this plant.
2. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
3. Bring outdoor containers indoors for the winter in cold climates.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Kalanchoe Tomentosa, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container, three plugs per 1-gallon container, or 4-5 plugs per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained mix of peat, sand, and perlite with a pH of 5.6-6.2, EC (2:1) of .50-.75, low feed (100-150 ppm N), daytime temperatures of 68-85, and nighttime temperatures of 60-75. Pinching may promote branching but will delay finishing time. Supply 5,000-7,500 foot candles of light. Water thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. With no overwatering, any disease is rare among this plant. You may see aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Flowering
This plant rarely flowers indoors and is primarily grown for foliage. Outdoors, occasional flowers on 3' stalks.
Pinching
Pinching can promote branching but delays finish time.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow around the base of each plant and to allow sunlight to penetrate to the soil level.
Height Control
This plant doesn't require PGRs.
Pests
You may see aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Disease
This plant isn't prone to disease. Do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Planting Kalanchoe Tomentosa Liners
We recommend planting one rooted liner per 4-inch container, three per 6-inch or 8-inch container, or 4-5 liners per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained mix of peat, sand, and perlite and completely bury the ellepot in the center or equally spaced in the container.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Kalanchoe Tomentosa Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6-8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 10-12 Weeks |
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| Color | Rarely blooms |
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| Habit | Upright |
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| Height | Inch |
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| Light | Bright, Bright Indirect/Filtered, Full Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | 9-11 |
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| Water Needs | Light |
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| Patented Plant | No |
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