Paddle plant (flapjacks) Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Paddle plant (flapjacks) (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Crassulaceae family, native to Eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Paddle plant (flapjacks) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Paddle plant (flapjacks) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially flowers
Kalanchoes contain bufadienolides (heart poisons): eating them causes vomiting and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems in cats, dogs and grazing animals.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Paddle plant (flapjacks)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Paddle plant (flapjacks)
- How far apart should I plant Paddle plant (flapjacks)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Paddle plant (flapjacks) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Paddle plant (flapjacks) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Paddle plant (flapjacks)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Paddle plant (flapjacks) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Paddle plant (flapjacks) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. Kalanchoes contain bufadienolides (heart poisons): eating them causes vomiting and, in larger amounts, heart rhythm problems in cats, dogs and grazing animals.
- What grows well with Paddle plant (flapjacks)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Paddle plant (flapjacks). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Stacks of round, flat, chalky leaves edged red in sun, then a tall spike of fragrant yellow flowers, after which the rosette dies. Many plants sold under this name are its close relative Kalanchoe luciae, which has white flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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