Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) vs Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae)
Side-by-side comparison: mature size, growth habit, colour, light, watering and hardiness.
Panda plant and flapjack are both Kalanchoe but they look nothing alike. Panda plant (K. tomentosa) has small silvery, velvety leaves dotted with brown edges — a soft, matte texture you should never wet from above. Flapjack (K. luciae) has big smooth flat paddles that turn red as a sun-and-cold response. Flapjack wants more sun to show its colour; panda plant prefers gentler light and drier air.
| Feature | Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) | Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae) |
|---|---|---|
| Mature size | 30–45 cm tall | 30–60 cm tall rosettes |
| Growth habit | Upright, sparsely branching shrub with felted leaves | Large flat stacked paddle rosettes |
| Leaf colour | Silvery-grey felted leaves edged with chocolate-brown spots | Green paddles flushing intense red across the whole leaf in sun and cold |
| Light needs | Bright light with some direct sun | Full sun to very bright light for the red flush |
| Watering | Every 2–3 weeks; felted leaves hate wet crowns | Every 2 weeks; less in winter rest |
| Hardiness | USDA 10–11; protect below ~5 °C | USDA 9b–11; light frost only |
Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.
Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.