Due to the paddle- or clam-like shape of its rosette-clustering leaves, the Flapjack Succulent (Kalanchoe luciae) is also known as a Paddle Plant.
It’s a beautiful house plant that doesn’t need much upkeep. This drought-resistant plant can also be cultivated outdoors under the correct circumstances. Only warm climates will benefit from it, although states like Florida may find success with it.
In drought-prone areas, flapjacks grow swiftly into broad clusters and are ideal for xeriscape landscaping or rock gardens. The wide, thick, meaty leaves of these mature plants can have a dramatic red tinge around the edges in the winter, and they can also produce yellow-hued blooms in the spring. This explains why it’s also known as the Red Pancake at times.
The less common species Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is also frequently referred to as Flapjack or Paddle Plant. Although luciae is much more commonly accessible, it is frequently misidentified as thyrsiflora. Both the appearance and growing requirements of the two plant species are remarkably similar. When established plants bloom in late winter with long stems, it is easier to tell the difference.
Around their second year, the luciae often produces white flowers with a yellow tint, whilst the strongly scented flowers of the thyrsiflora are a darker yellow tone. The wider and shorter leaves of Thyrsiflora also frequently contain a white layer that resembles chalk.
How large can a flapjack plant grow?
The family of stonecrops includes a very large genus of different plants called Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae). While many plants are grown for their flowers, “flapjacks”—which is sometimes referred to as a cultivar and other times as a common name—is treasured for its foliage. With its huge, meaty paddle-shaped leaves, it adds strong texture and architectural interest.
The two highly similar species, both native to South Africa, go by the same popular name—which alludes to the leaves that stack one on top of the other like pancakes—and are frequently mistaken in the horticulture industry. Before they bloom, it might be challenging to tell the two plants apart because their look varies according to the growing conditions. The majority of plants that go by the name K. thyrsiflora—a rather uncommon species with lighter, smaller leaves—actually belong to the K. luciae family. Dog tongue, desert cabbage, and paddle plant are some other common names for this plant.
Flapjacks is a succulent that can withstand drought. The plant’s basal rosette typically reaches heights of 12 to 18 inches and widths of 6 to 8 inches. The opposing leaves are held erect like clam shells and lack petioles, exposing only their narrow edges to the midday sun. The 4-6 long, smooth, grayish-green, obovate leaves have blunt, rounded tips and are covered in a powdery bloom that ranges in color from white to grey, which helps shield the leaves from sunlight.
The leaves of K. thyrsiflora are smaller, somewhat cupped, and consistently chalky green or white. They are also covered in a thick layer of wax that resembles flour, and they hardly ever display red or pink colouring. With more pronounced color in more sunshine, the leaves of K. luciae have less bloom and develop blushing pink to deep red edges. A form of variegated with pink, green, and white patterning is called “Tricolor.” The variegated variety “Fantastic” loses color when grown in direct sunlight.
Flapjacks bloom in late winter or early spring if given ample light and protection over the winter. The center of the rosette produces a tall, spindly flower spike that is between three and six feet tall. The narrow, urn-shaped, greenish waxy flowers with recurved lobes are held close to the stalk in dense clusters on the erect terminal inflorescence. The four petals of K. thrysiflora are bright yellow with widely obovate lobes, whereas the four petals of K. luciae are bright yellow with lanceolate corolla lobes. Compared to K. luciae, K. thrysiflora has flowers that are strongly aromatic. Although the plant typically develops some offsets, either at the base or on the lower section of the flower stalk, monocarpic plants are monocarpic and die after flowering.
Use flapjacks in large quantities or as an accent plant. It can be used in larger mixed pots, dish gardens, hanging baskets, or even the front of a bed or border as a seasonal plant in the Midwest. It can also be planted in the ground as a seasonal plant in the region. It pairs nicely with other succulent plants, such as miniature agaves, aloes, prickly terrestrial bromeliads, and echiverias, as well as with other low-water-demanding plants.
Both require the same level of care regardless of the species. Flapjacks should be grown in a sunny, well-drained area. Too much shadow will make plants spindly and prevent K. luciae from producing red margins on its leaves. Use a gravel mulch in place of an organic mulch that will retain moisture or leave the soil surrounding the plant exposed. If the soil is dry, water it; do not overwater. It is highly adapted to container growing, making it simpler to take indoors to maintain during the winter in the Midwest.
Outside of zones 9–10, it is preferable to bring the plants indoors when frost is imminent even though they can withstand temperatures as low as the mid-20soF. (unless grown as a seasonal annual that is not intended to survive the winter). If storing during the winter, water sparingly inside to avoid rotting and wait to fertilize until growth picks back up in the spring.
Flapjacks can be grown from seed, although it is usually propagated through offsets after the plant blooms or by re-rooting a single leaf.
University of Wisconsin-Madison student Susan Mahr
Is the flapjack plant toxic?
Humans, cats, and dogs can all be poisoned by flapjacks in all sections. That includes the blooms, but also the leaves and roots are important. When Kalanchoe thyrsiflora blooms, use special caution to keep young children and pets away from it. The plant’s most poisonous component is its bloom.
How much sun are required by flapjack plants?
Succulents known as flapjacks are native to South Africa and are simple to cultivate in well-drained soil. They can resist dry, salty settings with intense heat and appreciate full sun and moderate shade, but they cannot tolerate temperatures below 20 F. (-6.7 C).
These lovely plants are a wonderful option for succulent gardens both indoors and outdoors, as well as Mediterranean, coastal, and container gardening. Flapjack succulents go nicely with echeverias, aloes, and other rosette-shaped succulents, so you may use them in arrangements.
Plant your Flapjack succulent where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to keep it happy and healthy.
The plant will make its leaves bright red in direct sunshine, but it would be best if it had some shade during the warmest portion of the day. Complete shadow is not advised since the plant may develop in an odd shape as it bends toward the sun.
You should fertilize your Flapjack succulents in the spring and summer. Succulents should not be overfed due to their sluggish rate of growth, thus if you intend to use a general fertilizer, make sure to diluted it to half strength. However, it is strongly advised to use a fertilizer designed especially for cacti and succulents.
A flapjack is what kind of a plant?
The Flapjack Paddle Plant, commonly known as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is an evergreen succulent with thick, rounded leaves. The edges of the leaves can turn dark red in the winter or under strong sunlight, giving the appearance of a stack of pancakes. In April and May, it can also have some yellow flowers.
Are flapjack plants contagious?
These plants are monocarpic (only flower once), however they are simple to grow from seed. Healthy, mature specimens develop quickly and easily create new offsets.
How is a flapjack plant cared for?
Care instructions for flapjack plants
- Remove flower stalks before they go to seed to encourage the young offsets to receive more energy.
- Flower stems should be cut off while they are quite young if you want the plant to live longer.
How frequently should a flapjack succulent be watered?
Every time the top 2 or 3 (57.5 cm) of the soil are entirely dry, water a paddle plant succulent. A flapjack succulent may only require watering every two weeks during the summer. Water it sparingly or not at all during the winter.
Succulents known as paddle plants can withstand droughts. Therefore, it is usually preferable to submerge them rather than water them excessively.
Allowing soil dryness to determine whether to water the succulent is the best advice for watering paddle plants. This is simply a basic guidance, even though it is advised to do it every two weeks. For instance, how frequently to water a paddle plant can vary depending on temperature, container type, potting soil, and sunlight.
Put your finger 2 (5 cm) into the soil before watering. Watering the plant is necessary if the potting soil is completely dry.
Here are some helpful hints for feeding succulent paddle plants:
- Every time the soil is dry, wet it thoroughly and allow the extra water to drain.
- Succulents should always be watered with filtered, room-temperature water.
- To avoid fungal concerns, refrain from sprinkling water on the leaves.
- Never drown a paddle plant.
What’s the growth rate of flapjack succulents?
To stop weed seeds from sprouting, surround the flapjack with inorganic mulch, such as tiny desert rocks. Away from the base of the flapjack, keep the mulch.
Tip
Flapjacks take many years to grow a few inches because of their slow growth. The succulent can grow to be 18 inches tall and wide when fully mature. Keep neighboring plants far enough away from the flapjack so it can grow over time.
Size & Growth
The height and spread of paddle plants can reach 12 to 30 inches and 18 inches, respectively.
A basal rosette is formed by the round, big, meaty, stalkless leaves that are grayish green in hue with red borders.
NOTE:Kalanchoe tetraphylla and Kalanchoe luciae are two Kalanchoe species that look extremely similar. K. luciae and Thyrsiflora are frequently mistaken.
The foliage develops in a rosette of large, oval, flat, stemless leaves stacked on top of one another, resembling red pancakes.
The surface of the leaves has a white powdered coating when growing in protected regions, which is readily wiped off.
When there is enough sunlight, the leaf edges rise upward to capture the sun and turn bright crimson.
This explains why the plant goes by the common name Flapjacks, which also happens to be the name of one of its cultivars.
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Plant Flowers & Fragrance
It will be worthwhile to wait for the lush, attractive, lemon-yellow flowers that are encircled by red-edged leaves.
The 18-inch spike on which the flowers are grown is particularly alluring to bees and other pollinators.
After flowering, the monocarpic paddle plant parent plant will wither and die; however, you should keep it in its current location or pot and only remove the dead foliage and flower stem. Soon, offsets will emerge to take its place.
Light & Temperature
Flapjack plants thrive in either full or partial sunlight. If a plant is exposed to direct sunlight, its green leaves will turn crimson.
Provide plenty of strong indirect light when kept as a houseplant, but stay away from direct sunlight coming through a glass window. The plant may burn as a result.
These plants do best in wintertime temperatures of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can withstand temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
In USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12, the succulent Paddle Plant can withstand the winter.
Flapjack Succulent Watering & Feeding
Paddle Plant tolerates droughts well and has a moderate water need. Similar to the majority of succulents, overwatering can have disastrous effects.
When the soil is entirely dry throughout the growing season, water deeply. Use little water during the winter.
You could choose to provide a mild solution of a cactus or succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring through summer). In the fall and winter, avoid fertilizing.
Soil & Transplanting
The Flapjacks plant thrives on a standard gritty, well-drained succulent potting soil.
Although it can thrive in a neutral pH range of 6.6 to 7.3, it favors potting mix that is slightly acidic with a pH value of 6.1 to 6.5.
Repotting on a regular basis is not advised. Like the majority of succulents, kalanchoe thrives when somewhat rootbound.
Does Flapjack Plant Care Require Grooming & Maintenance?
The flapjack plant doesn’t need much upkeep or grooming. Simply remove any dead or withered leaves, and after the plant has finished flowering, tidy up the plant by removing withered flower stems.
How can you tell if you’re giving your succulents too much water?
Okay, so we’ve talked a lot about succulents that are dry, but what about those that have received too much water? Well, if you recall, overwatering essentially causes those particular balloon-like cells to overfill and burst, leading to damaged cell structures and rotting leaves and roots.
Discoloration and a change in the shape of the leaves are the first indications of overwatering to look out for. The leaves will turn transparent, floppy, and squishy, and unlike those that have been under-watered, they won’t be retrieved by the plant. It won’t be simple for succulents to recover from this state, but they can. Taking leaves and cuttings to root and grow new plants is an alternative to rescuing the overwatered succulent.
How are flapjacks multiplied?
Planting leaves or leaf cuttings in the spring or summer is the most straightforward method of propagating kalanchoe. Leaves or cuttings should be put away for a few days, or until a callus forms on the cut end. Offsets that appear on the side of a mature paddle plant can also be removed.
Plant the leaves or offsets in a tiny pot filled with cactus and succulent potting soil that has been lightly hydrated. Never let the potting mix become wet; instead, keep it evenly moist. The optimum sunlight for growing paddle plants is bright, indirect light.
You can treat the plant as a mature plant once it has become established and is producing healthy new growth.
Can you grow kalanchoe plants outside?
The succulent perennials of the Kalanchoe family are typically kept as houseplants, but they can also be grown outdoors in areas with warm or mild winters. To grow outside, you must ensure that the kalanchoe plant you select can survive as climate requirements differ by species.