Paddle Plant – Kalanchoe Flapjacks
The Paddle Plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora or Kalanchoe luciae, commonly referred to as Flapjacks or Desert Cabbage, is a remarkable succulent renowned for its distinctive paddle-shaped leaves and striking appearance.
Growing Conditions:
Learn about the optimal growing conditions for the Paddle Plant, including sunlight requirements, temperature preferences, and soil considerations. Gain insights into the best potting mixtures and container options for indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Watering and Drought Tolerance:
Master the art of watering the Paddle Plant, striking a balance to avoid overwatering or underwatering. Explore its remarkable drought tolerance and the adaptation mechanisms that allow it to thrive in arid environments.
Propagation Techniques:
Unlock the secrets of propagating the Paddle Plant through various methods such as stem or leaf cuttings. Learn step-by-step procedures to expand your collection and share the beauty of this unique succulent with others.
Pruning and Maintenance:
Discover how to maintain the optimal shape and health of your Paddle Plant through pruning techniques. Learn about removing dead leaves, controlling growth, and promoting bushier habits to ensure a thriving and visually appealing plant.
Pests and Diseases:
Identify common pests and diseases that may affect the Paddle Plant, such as mealybugs, aphids, or root rot. Learn preventive measures and effective treatments to protect your succulent and maintain its vitality.
Indoor and Outdoor Uses:
Explore the versatility of the Paddle Plant, considering its suitability for indoor and outdoor settings. Discover creative ways to incorporate it into succulent gardens, rockeries, or as a striking focal point in container arrangements.
Seasonal Care:
Navigate through seasonal care considerations for the Paddle Plant, including adjustments in watering, light exposure, and temperature during different times of the year. Discover how to protect your plant from frost or extreme weather conditions.
Aesthetic Combinations:
Inspire your creativity by exploring complementary plants that pair well with the Paddle Plant. Discover succulents, cacti, or other drought-tolerant species that enhance their visual appeal and create stunning compositions.
Things to know about Paddle Plant
Common (vernacular) Name
एन्थूरियम (Hindi), Anthurium, Flamingo Lily, Flamingo Flower, Painter's Palette, Lace Leaf, Pigtail Plants, Tail Flower and many more.
Botanical Name
Anthurium Andraeanum
Origin
Mexico to Tropical America (Colombia, Ecuador).
Family
Araceae
Plant Type
Tropical plant
Plant Features
Ornamental / Evergreen / Exotic
Life Cycle
Perennial
Landscape Uses
Container Planting and Houseplants.
Species
Belolonchium, Calomystrium, Cardiolonchium, Chamaerepium, Cordatopunctatum, Dactylophyllium, Decurrentia, Digitinervium, Gymnopodium, Leptanthurium, Pachyneurium, Polyphyllium, Polyneurium, Porphyrochitonium, Schizoplacium, Semaeophyllium, Tetraspermium, Urospadix, Xialophyllium.
Varieties
It comes with thousand of different varieties in a diversity of leaf and flower colorations.
Size
Height : 1 to 1.5 feet tall and Width : 1 feet wide when mature.
Indoors or Outdoors
Outdoors : Anthurium can be used outdoors in shady plantings, avoid direct sun light.
Indoors : Excellent plant grow in bright light or indirect light. Best indoor plants for beginners.
Blooming / Flowering
Blooming period is throughout the year.
Flower Colour
It’s come with a contrasting spadix Gold, Yellow, Orange, Pink, White, Green, Purple, Red, Burgundy, Multicolored and Variegated colours.
Lucky Plant
According to Feng Shui, It bring Good Luck in your relationships.
Lighting / Sun Exposure
Bright Indirect Sunlight.
Temperature
Grow best preferably warm temperature above 21°C and can be tolerate max temp. as high as 32°C.
Growth Rate
Anthurium is a slow to moderate growers plant.
Watering
Moderate watering, Mist or over head sprinkler to provide water and to improve relative humidity. Not tolerate overwatering it may cause root damage and yellowing of the leaves.
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer, or a water-soluble liquid fertilizer once or twice in the growing season (Spring through Summer).
i.e. - Cow dung, DAP, Compost, NPK 30-10-10 fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer etc.
Pruning
Pruning of Anthurium not much is needed. However, trimming away only discolored or dead leaves.
Propagation
Seeds : The best time to sow your Anthurium seeds is in the end of Winter / early Spring but it can't can give good result.
Stem Cuttings : The easier methods of propagation of Anthurium in water or in soil via stem cuttings, and can be done during the warm growing season.
Division : Division of Anthurium can be done in Rainy season, or better in February to March.
Dormancy Period
Month : November to February (winter season)
Shed their leaves and show poor growth, Watering minimally.
Avoid : Propagate, Fertilize and Repotting.
Container
Ceramic Pot, Plastic Pot, Terracotta or Clay Pot is preferred, which ensures good drainage as well as water holding capacity.
Soil Type
A well-drained Loam / Coarse potting soil is recommended as well as water holding capacity. Prevent soggy potting medium.
Our recommendation for potting mix : Equal part mixture of Garden Soil (25%) + Compost (25%) + River Sand (25%) + Cocopeat (25%). You can substitute pieces of Charcoal, Vermicompost, Perlite etc.
Soil pH
Lightly Acidic soil - Ideally 5.5 to 6.5 pH (potential of hydrogen) is recommended for Anthurium.
Repotting
It is advisable to repot the Anthurium every year or two preferably spring to midsummer season.
Maintenance
Low maintenance and easy to grow.
Properties
Toxic or Poisonous to both humans and pets upon ingestion.
Benefits
Excellent indoor air purifier, Anthurium plants turns CO2 into oxygen. It purifies indoor air by removing harmful chemicals like ammonia, toluene, xylene and formaldehyde.
Special Features
Doesn't attract hummingbirds and pollinators like butterflies and bees or wasps.
Infestation / Pests
Aphids, Scale insects, Thrips, Mealy bugs, Spider mites and caterpillars etc.
Diseases / Problem
Physiological Problem : Anthracnose, Leaf Spot and Powdery Mildew.
Bacterial Problem : Bacterial Blight, Bacterial Wilt and Black Nose Disease.
Fungal Problems : Root Rot and Water Mold.
Some Glimpse of Paddle Plant – Kalanchoe Flapjacks
No comment