cactus succulent

Paddle Plant

$49.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalanchoe luciae is an evergreen succulent that forms a dense basal rosette of thick, rounded, gray-green leaves covered in a powdery white farina. In late winter, mature rosettes produce an erect, cylindrical flowering stalk up to three feet tall bearing clusters of pale yellow flowers, after which the blooming rosette dies back.

Bright sun and cool winter temperatures trigger the leaf margins and tips to develop an intense, deep wine-red coloration. This species is frequently confused with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, but is distinguished by its flatter, smoother leaves that turn vivid red and its nearly scentless flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural form with its stacked, paddle-like leaves and intense red winter coloration.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water landscapes and container cultivation.

Flowers provide an opportunistic nectar source for generalist insect pollinators in late winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial (monocarpic rosettes)

Native To

Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$49.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site or container with exceptional drainage, using a sandy, gravelly, or gritty succulent potting mix.
Position the plant in full sun to trigger and maintain the vibrant red coloration on the leaf margins.
Water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely, and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.
Protect the plant from freezing temperatures, moving containers indoors if winter temperatures drop below freezing.

Pro Tip

Withhold water almost entirely during the cool winter dormancy period, as excess moisture in cold soil is the primary cause of root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize the deep red leaf coloration.
Use highly porous, gritty soil mixes to ensure rapid drainage.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Wear gloves when handling damaged stems to avoid skin irritation from the sap.

Don't

Do not overwater during the cool winter dormancy period.
Do not prune into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow water to pool in the center of the leaf rosette.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensContainers and PlantersCoastal GardensMediterranean GardensFocal Points

Companion Plants

Echeveria elegans Sedum adolphii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Paddle Plant questions

What zones can Paddle Plant grow in?

Paddle Plant is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Paddle Plant bloom?

Paddle Plant typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Paddle Plant need full sun?

Paddle Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Paddle Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Paddle Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.