The Flapjacks Plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a popular succulent known for its distinctive foliage and unique appearance, making it a favorite for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Understanding Your Flapjacks Plant
The Flapjacks Plant is characterized by its large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that grow in a basal rosette, resembling a stack of pancakes, which gives it its common name. These obovate leaves are typically grey-green to yellowish-green and can measure up to 9.2 inches in length and 6 inches in width. Its leaves develop vibrant red or pink edges with sufficient sunlight and cooler temperatures, intensifying with more direct sun exposure and creating a beautiful contrast. The leaves are often covered with a white, powdery bloom, or farina, which helps protect them from sunburn and water loss.
Essential Care Guide
Light
Flapjacks Plants thrive in bright light conditions, requiring at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and coloration. Outdoors, full sun is generally suitable, but some afternoon shade can prevent scorching, especially in hotter climates. Indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal for ample light. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch or become leggy, and its leaves may lose their vibrant red hues, remaining a duller green.
Watering
As a drought-tolerant succulent, the Flapjacks Plant has minimal water requirements, making overwatering a common issue. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until water drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. During winter or dormant periods, watering should be significantly reduced. Avoid wetting the leaves during watering, as this can cause issues; bottom-watering is preferred.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for the health of your Flapjacks Plant, as soggy conditions can quickly lead to root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent potting mix is suitable. To enhance drainage, amendments like sand or perlite can be added. Porous pots (e.g., terracotta) also promote better drainage and aeration.
Temperature
Flapjacks Plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 27°C). They are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the plant may go dormant, and outdoor plants in colder climates should be brought indoors to protect them from freezing conditions.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the Flapjacks Plant should be done sparingly, as it is not a heavy feeder. A balanced, diluted fertilizer, such as a 5-10-5 formula, can be applied every two months during the spring and summer. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, leggy growth or even cause fertilizer burn on the leaves. Light exposure is more influential for its growth and flowering than frequent fertilization.
Important Considerations
Kalanchoe luciae contains cardiac glycosides and is considered toxic if ingested by pets or humans, especially the flowers. Symptoms of ingestion can include drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with more severe cases potentially leading to difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with its sap and to keep it out of reach of children and animals.
While generally problem-free, Flapjacks Plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases common to succulents. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering is a primary cause of root rot, characterized by mushy, discolored leaves. Proper drainage and allowing the soil to dry between waterings prevent this.
The Flapjacks Plant is monocarpic, meaning the main rosette flowers once and then dies. This typically occurs after 3-4 years, once the plant reaches maturity. A tall, spindly flower stalk, reaching up to 6.6 feet, emerges from the center of the rosette, bearing clusters of pale yellowish-green or white flowers in late winter to early spring. Though the parent plant dies after blooming, it usually produces offsets (“pups”) at its base, ensuring continuation.