Flapjacks are drought-tolerant, as you might expect from a succulent, and extreme caution should be exercised to avoid overwatering them. When it’s hot outside, make sure to let the soil completely dry out before deeply watering it again. They won’t need any watering at all or maybe very little over the winter.
Flapjack plants: do they require sunlight?
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
How much light is required for a flapjack succulent?
While it is possible to cultivate a flapjack plant from seed, offsets at the mother plant’s base are the more typical way to propagate this species. Sandy, well-draining soil is preferred by flapjack kalanchoes. Flapjack plants prefer full sun, which is defined as six or more hours of direct sunshine per day, but they also like some shade during the hottest times of the day.
Flapjack plants are delicate to frost and will lose their leaves if they are exposed to 30 degree Fahrenheit or below temperatures. They can therefore be cultivated outside as annuals or in containers that can spend the winter indoors outside of their winter hardiness range.
Flapjack plants and other kalanchoe variants may withstand arid circumstances since they are succulent. According to the Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension, indoor flapjacks still need to be watered when the soil is dry, but you should water them less in the winter to avoid root rot.
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.
Why are my flapjack plant’s leaves falling off?
Hello, I have this gorgeous succulent. It has flat, bluish paddle-shaped leaves that are covered in a white powdery material.
It has been producing new growth (pups), which I replanted, and they are flourishing.
The lowest leaves also droop. I initially believed I had overwatered, but the leaves are in fact not at all mushy. Does the droopiness seem typical or is there something wrong?
These photos show the mother plant (the main stem is being held erect by a chopstick), the top of the mother plant, and a baby plant that I repotted.
Hello, Leslie Ann The Flapjacks Plant is shown here; learn more about it here: Thyrsiflora kalanchoe If you’re concerned that you’re overwatering these plants, you definitely are because they are quite drought tolerant. Give it a nice sip, and after that, allow them to almost completely dry off. They prefer to be watered in this way, and if the soil is left too wet, they will complain and, in some circumstances, perish from waterlogged roots.
Lack of light is most likely to blame for the drooping leaves; this, together with the leaves’ pallid tone, indicate that the plant needs brighter, more intense light; yet, they can tolerate full sun, which gives the foliage a lovely reddish pink.
You should be cautious when exposing them to full sun since if you do so too soon, the leaves may become sunburned. Instead, gradually adapt them to a brighter environment by adding a half hour here and there each day until they have completely hardened off in a week or two.
Succulent flapjacks do they bloom?
How are flapjack succulents cared for? A: The best method to take care of your flapjack succulent is to follow the care instructions above.
How frequently should a flapjack plant be watered? A: Watering varies depending on the season. In contrast to the winter, when your plant may go weeks without needing water, in the summer you will likely need to water your plant more frequently. Other than watering flapjack succulents only when the soil is absolutely dry, there are no precise guidelines or timetables to follow.
Do flapjack succulents have poison? The moderate toxicity of flapjack succulents to animals is true. The most dangerous feature of the plant is its blossom, which can make your pet very ill.
A: Can I handle my succulent? A: You shouldn’t touch your succulent at all. Since the powdery top layer of the succulent’s leaves cannot be reproduced, scratches and fingerprints are irreversible. To maintain your succulent, use a small, soft brush to delicately dust it.
Will my flapjack succulents perish after they bloom? A: If given enough light during the winter, flapjack succulents produce lovely flowers. Between late winter and early spring, these flowers will bloom. After blooming, your flapjack succulent will perish.
I have a flapjack succulent. Can I only put it in rock? A: You can’t, sorry. Flapjack succulents require good drainage, but pebbles cannot substitute for soil. Sandy soil can be covered with rocks to enhance the appearance of the plant.
Can you grow flapjacks inside?
They are typically kept as indoor plants because they are not cold-hardy. It is advised to bring them indoors during the winter or keep them as an indoor plant if winter temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t do well in extremely humid environments.
What’s causing my flapjack to turn brown?
Even while kalanchoe flapjack plants often don’t need much attention, they occasionally get tiny brown spots that range in hue from yellowish-brown to rusty brown. Usually, edema, a mild physical ailment, is to blame, but if the spots are tiny and reddish-brown, they can be caused by soft brown scale insects. Damage from edema is usually small and confined, but if scale insects aren’t treated right away, the plant’s leaves could die.
Watering
“A succulent’s typical watering requirements apply to Paddle Plant. You should utilize the “Use the “soak and dry” method, letting the soil to dry out in between waterings.
Additionally, make sure to get our FREE watering cheat sheet to learn how to determine whether your succulents are receiving too much water (and how to save them if needed).
Where to Plant
It is preferable to grow Kalanchoe luciae in a container that can be moved indoors if you live in a region that has temperatures below 20 F (-6.7 C). It thrives in full to some sun. Plants should be placed in a garden area with six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Often Mistaken For
Thyrsiflora kalanchoe Despite their near resemblance, these two succulents differ in key ways. Kalanchoe luciae becomes more red under stress, whilst Kalanchoe thyrsiflora becomes more of a pale green color.
Leaves
Gently twist the leaf away from the stem while removing it for propagation. Make sure the leaf you receive is a “clean pull” and that no leaf tissue was left on the stalk. Your chances of a successful propagation will increase as a result.
Before planting the leaf on drained soil, give it a day or two to callus over.
Cuttings
Use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors to cultivate Kalanchoe luciae “Flapjack from cuttings. Take a leaf off the main plant, let it calluse for a few days, and then place it on some soil that drains properly. When the soil is fully dry, add water.
Offsets
Small offsets will be produced by Flapjack. Utilize a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife to separate the offsets from the primary stem. Before laying the offsets on well-draining soil, give them one to two days to dry.
Is the Flapjack succulent toxic?
What Flapjack Kalanchoe Components Are Poisonous or 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.