How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, sometimes called paddle plant, flapjacks, dog tongue, or desert cabbage, is a succulent plant known for its flat, rounded leaves. It’s sometimes confused with the more common Kalanchoe lucieae. This drought-tolerant plant grows a thin coating of white powder called farina, or epicuticular wax, to protect its leaves. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora grows best in sandy, well-drained soil with full sun and warm, arid conditions. Note that kalanchoe thyrsiflora is toxic to people when ingested1 and pets.

Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Care

• Pot in sandy, well-drained soil like cactus or succulent mix.
• Plant in full sun outdoors and direct to bright, indirect light indoors.
• Water when the soil has completely dried out.
• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer.
• Handle the plant carefully to avoid removing the powdery wax on its leaves.

Light

Give kalanchoe thyrsiflora plenty of bright light. Indoor plants grow well in direct or bright, indirect sunlight, such as from a south-facing or west-facing window. Outdoors, plant kalanchoe thyrsiflora in full to part sun. In very hot, dry climates, plants benefit from afternoon shade to shield them from the sun during the hottest part of the day. With enough sun, the plant’s leaves will develop attractive red edges.

Soil

Plant kalanchoe thyrsiflora in a loose, sandy potting mix with good drainage. You can buy premade cactus soil or succulent mix, or make your own by combining one part perlite, one part coarse sand, and two parts regular potting mix.

Water

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora stores moisture in its thick, succulent leaves, so it’s quite drought-tolerant. Wait until the soil has dried out completely, then water the plant deeply and allow the pot to drain fully. Check drip trays and saucers to make sure the plant isn’t sitting in water, which can cause root rot. Water the plant less often in winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Because it’s native to a hot, arid climate, kalanchoe thyrsiflora prefers warm temperatures and low-humidity conditions. Foliage will be damaged at temperatures around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but plants can survive temperatures in the mid-20 degree Fahrenheit range. Because of this sensitivity, kalanchoe thyrsiflora is typically grown indoors or as an annual outdoors in regions colder than zone 10. Overly humid conditions can contribute to fungal infections.

Fertilizer

Feed kalanchoe thyrsiflora with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once per month starting in late winter or early spring. Continue through summer, then stop fertilizing during fall and winter.

Pruning

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora doesn’t require regular pruning. Before it blooms, the plant will grow taller and appear etiolated, but it’s just preparing to bloom. Leave this growth intact to enjoy the flowers.

Propagating Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is easy to propagate. You can do it by taking stem cuttings or by removing offsets, or baby plants. You’ll have the most luck with propagation in the spring or summer.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Using Stem Cuttings

You’ll need a small plant pot, succulent soil, and a clean, sharp blade.

1. Choose a healthy stem and cut it from the mother plant. Remove the leaves on the lower portion of the stem.
2. Leave the cutting out for a day or two so the cut end can callus over.
3. Fill a small plant pot with succulent soil. Water lightly to moisten.
4. Poke a hole in the soil surface with your finger or a pencil. Plant the cutting in the soil.
5. Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Water when the top few inches of soil have dried out. New leaf growth is a sign that the cutting has rooted and you can care for it as usual.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora By Offsets

A mature, healthy kalanchoe thyrsiflora will grow small, immature plants around its base. You can remove these to propagate into new plants. You’ll need small plant pots, succulent soil, and clean shears or pruners.

1. Carefully tip the mature plant out of its container.
2. Examine the root ball and look for offsets growing from the mature plant.
3. Loosen the root ball gently with your fingers and separate the offset from the parent plant, making sure that any offsets removed have their roots and foliage intact. If necessary, use your shears to cut the roots.
4. Fill small plant pots with succulent soil, then water lightly to moisten. Poke a hole in the soil and plant the offsets in the container. Repot the mother plant.
5. Put the new plants in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Water them more frequently than you would a mature plant. When you see new leaves, the cuttings are established and can be cared for as usual.

How to Grow Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora From Seed

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora can also be grown from seed.

1. Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and water the growing medium well.
2. Sow kalanchoe thyrsiflora seeds on the surface, and just barely cover them with soil, because they need light to germinate.
3. Put the tray in a place with plenty of bright light, either from the sun or from an indoor grow light.
4. Tent clear plastic over the tray to create a humid environment, and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Seeds should germinate in about ten days.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Common houseplants like mealybugs, scale, and aphids can target kalanchoe thyrsiflora. Examine plants regularly for signs of an infestation. Spray pests away with a blast of water or remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Avoid treating kalanchoe thyrsiflora with oils, as they can damage the plant’s protective powdery coating.

How to Get Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora to Bloom

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora can take several years to mature, and it’s rare that indoor plants get enough light to bloom. The central rosette will grow tall and send up a flower spike that can reach up to six feet in height.

Bloom Months

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora tends to bloom in late winter or early spring.

What Do Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora grows clusters of yellow, tube-shaped flowers on a tall, powdery-green spike. The flowers have a sweet, honeylike scent.

Caring for Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora After It Blooms

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora plants only bloom once, and mature plants die after blooming. Take a cutting or remove offsets from the mother plant to regrow.

Common Problems With Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Powdery Leaves

Like some other succulents, kalanchoe thyrsiflora naturally grows a coating of epicuticular wax, which helps its leaves repel water. This is completely normal. It’s important not to rub off the powder, which will never fully return after it’s been removed.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Soft, translucent, or yellow leaves on kalanchoe thyrsiflora are a sign that the plant is getting too much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In extreme cases, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.

Wrinkled or Shriveled Leaves

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a very drought tolerant plant, but wrinkly, shriveled leaves are a sign that it’s gone too long without a drink. Water the plant deeply and it should perk up again soon. Check soil moisture frequently and water when the soil has fully dried out.