Kalanchoe Flapjacks

Attractive, layered, upright foliage with a bold, red border (the more sun they have the deeper the colour). They are currently around 5-7cm tall and wide and can grow as large as 50-60cm. As the plant grows, they layer upon each other like their namesake, flapjacks.

Other common names include Paddle Plant, Desert Cabbage and Dog Tongue.

Kalanchoe are a type of succulent so are easy to care for and don’t require much watering. In pots they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In the garden they need sharply drained soil and look terrific in a rockery or small bed.

SIZE (HxW): 20-80cm x 20-50cm

I SEE THE LIGHT: Bright, indirect light is ideal. In high light the foliage will change. Keep out of the hot afternoon sun lest their leaves be sunburned or roots damaged. You will get the best foliage colour in bright light. Outdoors protect from the hot afternoon sun. They grow through winter and are summer dormant.

I NEED A DRINK: Low, water well, then allow the soil to almost dry out before watering again. Keeping them on the drier side will result in better colour. If they are bone dry the leaves will wither and shrink – this is a cry of help.

I WILL SURVIVE: These plants are so easy, they pretty much look after themselves. In pots ensure you choose a cactus/succulent potting mix for best results as it offers the sharp drainage they need. Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure they don’t end up sitting in water. Offsets will form at the base of the plant, they can be left to continue the generations, or removed and repotted or shared or whatever you like. After a few years, they may produce a tall flower stem with yellow flowers, after this the plant will die as they are monocarpic. But, don’t despair that single plant will have produced the next generation. You can pinch out the flower and the offsets will still form lower down.

Use a diluted, liquid fertiliser in spring to keep them happy and healthy. They aren’t heavy feeders so will forgive you if you forget. If the plants elongate and become lanky don’t be afraid to cut them off and reroot.