Paddle Plant Info: How to Grow and Care for Flapjacks

Paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora), also called flapjacks, dog tongue, or desert cabbage is an amazing succulent with large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that stack one on top of the other like pancakes. It blooms in late winter to early spring with a tall flower forming at the center of the rosette.

Native to South Africa, the paddle plant is prized for its beautiful foliage that provides a strong architectural accent. It can be planted in dish gardens, mixed containers, or even in hanging baskets. It also does well when combined with other low-maintenance succulents.

The leaves of flapjacks are covered in a thin layer of wax called farina or epicuticular wax that protects them from drying out or burning under harsh sunlight. This makes the plant appear powdery. Note that this plant is toxic to pets and humans when ingested. 

Common names	Paddle plant, flapjack succulent, dog tongue, desert cabbage
Botanical name	Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Plant type	Perennial succulent
Mature size	12-30 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide
Bloom time	Late winter – early spring
Flower color	Yellow
Sun exposure	Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type	Sandy, well-draining (slightly acidic)
Hardiness zones	10-12 (USDA)
Toxicity	Toxic to pets and humans when ingested

How to grow and care for paddle plant

Kalanchoe flapjack is a low-maintenance plant. Here are the key requirements for successful growth.

How to water

Flapjacks are drought-tolerant plants that can survive months without watering. However, wrinkly, shriveled leaves indicate that your plant has gone too long without a drink. The best time to water is typically when the soil is completely dry to the touch.

Overwatering flapjacks can cause root rot and other fungal problems. Be sure to check the moisture level before watering. You can do so using a moisture meter or inserting your finger in the soil. When watering, wet the soil without spilling water on the leaves of the plants.

Tip: I recommend bottom watering your flapjacks but don’t let the plant sit in any standing water. 

Soil and fertilizer

Paddle plant prefers soils that don’t retain too much moisture. Use a well-draining soil such as cactus or succulent mix. Alternatively, regular potting soil combined with sand, pumice, or perlite can do the trick. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes if you are growing in containers.

Flapjacks are not heavy feeders but application of a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season in spring and summer is recommended. This can greatly promote strong healthy growth with great resistance to pests and diseases.

Light requirements

Flapjacks love plenty of sun, at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. I have also seen them do well in partial sun. Ideally, grow them in a spot that receives bright, direct sunlight in the morning hours. Avoid hot afternoon sun as it can cause sunburn on the leaves of this plant.

Flapjacks growing thin and tall is a sign of poor lighting conditions. If this is the case, move the plant to a place that receives plenty of sunlight or use artificial grow lights to supplement the natural sunlight. With enough sunlight, the plant’s leaves will develop attractive red tips.

Temperature and humidity

Paddle plants like in their native home prefer warm and dry conditions. This means growing them in cold or humid climates can affect their growth. So, bring your flapjacks indoors when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and keep humidity between 30% and 50%.

During winter months, paddle plants go dormant. The best thing to do during this period is to cut back on watering and only provide water when the soil is completely dry. If you want to encourage blooming, allow the plant to stay in darkness most of the time. 

Potting and repotting

When growing paddle plants in pots, choose those with drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water in the soil to escape and they can be suitable when bottom watering. I recommend pots made from porous materials such as concrete, terracotta, or unglazed ceramic.

When your flapjack plant has outgrown its pot, it’s best to repot it in a larger container to prevent root bound. When repotting, place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot before you add your potting mix. This will greatly improve drainage and air circulation around the roots.

Pruning requirements

Flapjacks hardly need pruning but you can deadhead the flowers once they’re spent, or remove damaged or diseased leaves. Be sure to use clean and sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading pathogens to the plant. Prune during the growing season in spring or summer.

How to propagate flapjacks

Paddle plants are easy to propagate. You can use either leaf cuttings or separation of the offshoots. In either case, it’s a process that can take a few weeks or even months. So, you will need to be patient and follow a few guidelines.

Leaf cuttings

1. Choose a plump, healthy leaf from your paddle plant.
2. Cut the leaf using a clean sterilized knife or pruning shears.
3. Place the leaf on a dry surface, such as a piece of paper towel, and let it dry for a few days. This allows a callus to form on the cut end which helps in preventing rot.
4. Gently insert the base of the leaf into a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes.
5. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
6. Within a few weeks, you should see small plantlets emerging from the base of the leaf.

Division

Paddle plants often produce small offsets or “pups” around the base of the main plant which you can also separate and grow in their own pots.

1. Carefully detach the offset from the parent plant, ensuring it has some roots attached.
2. Plant the offset in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the roots are not damaged.
3. Place the plants in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
4. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Common problems

Like most succulents, overwatering is one of the challenges you can face when growing paddle plants. Too much moisture in the soil can cause the roots to suffocate and die. The condition also encourages the growth of fungi that cause roots to rot.

Plant wilting or shriveling is a sign of overwatering. However, it can also mean that your plant is too thirsty. So, to tell if you are dealing with root rot, remove the plant from the soil and inspect the roots. If roots are dark and mushy, cut them off and repot the succulent in fresh potting soil.

Remember, it’s better to underwater flapjacks than overwater. The only way to prevent root rot is to water less, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Mold and mildew may also grow on the leaves especially when exposed to moisture or high humidity levels.

Another common problem is pests. mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can infest paddle plants resulting in poor growth. This is because they heavily feed on sap which is the plant’s lifeline. If discovered, treat pests with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Final thought

The paddle plant is a beautiful succulent to add to any garden. Its care and maintenance needs are low and this makes it a choice for many. It simply needs infrequent watering, full sun, and fast-draining soil. Overwatering is the main issue that can kill this plant.