Panda plant (pussy ears) Kalanchoe tomentosa
Panda plant (pussy ears) (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Crassulaceae family, native to Central Madagascar. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Panda plant (pussy ears) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central Madagascar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Panda plant (pussy ears) 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 Panda plant (pussy ears)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Panda plant (pussy ears)
- How far apart should I plant Panda plant (pussy ears)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Panda plant (pussy ears) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Panda plant (pussy ears) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Panda plant (pussy ears)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Panda plant (pussy ears) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Panda plant (pussy ears) 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 Panda plant (pussy ears)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Panda plant (pussy ears). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Thick, oval leaves covered in velvety silver-white felt, with chocolate-brown spots along the tips like a panda’s ear. Rarely flowers indoors; an easy, slow houseplant.
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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