📷 Frank Vincentz, wikipedia.org
Kalanchoe luciae aka 🥞Flapjack
Kalanchoe | Updated: January 25, 2025
Kalanchoe luciae has smooth flat leaves that blush a beautiful red with the right amount of sunlight. It is monocarpic, but easily propagates from offsets.
Quick Guide
- Full sun to partial shade 🌤️
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) tall and 36″ (91 cm) wide
- Leaves are up to 6″ (15 cm) long and 5″ (12.5 cm) wide
- Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by leaves, cuttings, and offsets
- Can be toxic to animals
- Summer Dormant
How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents
General Care for Kalanchoe luciae aka Flapjack
Kalanchoe luciae, commonly known as Flapjack or Paddle Plant, is an evergreen succulent appreciated for its distinctive paddle-shaped leaves that turn vibrant red when stressed, and yellow flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring.
Watering
Use the soak and dry method to water Kalanchoe luciae. Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. During the winter months or dormancy periods, reduce watering to prevent root rot.
Where to Plant
Kalanchoe luciae is not frost tolerant, so it’s best suited for planting in containers if you live in a region where temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C). This allows for easy indoor relocation during colder seasons. Plant it in an area that receives full to partial sun, ensuring it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Indoors, place it near a southern-facing window to provide adequate sunlight.
Often Mistaken For
Kalanchoe luciae is often mistaken for Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. While closely related, Kalanchoe luciae tends to turn more red under stress, whereas Kalanchoe thyrsiflora leans towards a light green hue.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe luciae aka Flapjack
Propagation of Kalanchoe luciae can be achieved through leaves, cuttings, or offsets.
Leaves
- Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring it is a clean pull without leaving any part of the leaf on the stem.
- Allow the leaf to dry and callous over for a day or two to prevent rot.
- Place the calloused end on well-draining soil and water lightly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Cuttings
- Use a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to cut a leaf from the main plant.
- Let the cutting dry and callous over for several days.
- Plant the calloused end in well-draining soil and water lightly after planting, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Offsets
- Kalanchoe luciae produces small offsets around the main stem.
- Use a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to cut the offsets from the main plant.
- Allow the offsets to dry for one to two days to promote callousing.
- Lay the calloused ends on top of well-draining soil and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Succulent Synonyms
- Paddle Plant
Tags & Attributes
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Species: K. luciae