Kalanchoe tomentosa may have a unique name, but you’ve likely seen it in all of your local garden stores.
It’s more commonly known as a Chocolate Soldier plant because its green leaves (like a soldier) have a dark red or brown rim (like chocolate).
The Chocolate Soldier plant is originally from Madagascar, which explains why it’s best grown outside zones 9a to 11b.
However, the colder climate requires the Chocolate Soldier to flourish in any other zone.
They are easy to take care of, especially as houseplants. They are slow-growing succulents with low water needs and few issues with pests.
Kalanchoe tomentosa plants are usually small, but some varieties grow nearly 3′ feet tall.
If you have pets or small children, be aware that the Chocolate Soldier is toxic to both.
Kalanchoe tomentosa is known by several common names, including:
- Chocolate soldier plant
- Panda plant
- Pussy ears
- Velvetleaf kalanchoe
- Plush plant
- Teddy bear cactus
- Cocoon plant
Quick Facts On Kalanchoe Tomentosa
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Temperature: 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit; not cold hardy
- Water: Standard to low water needs
- Fertilizer: Once at the beginning of the season
- Propagation: Leaves or offshoots
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, spider mites
Kalanchoe Tomentosa Care
What Does The Panda Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Kalanchoe tomentosa plant is a small but vertical growing succulent. It is known for its foliage, not its flowers.
The plant’s greenish-blue leaves appear fuzzy because they’re covered with tiny hairs.
As the leaves mature, the tips or rims turn to a dark red or chocolate brown color, giving its name Chocolate Soldier.
Panda plants grow up to 3′ feet tall in their native home of Madagasgar, but as an indoor houseplant, they will likely only be 1′ to 2′ feet tall.
When Does The Panda Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Kalanchoe tomentosa flower in the summer, but only if they are grown outside.
The tiny flowers grow on stalks almost 2′ feet tall and are usually a yellow-green color.
If you grow the panda plant indoors, it probably won’t flower, as it rarely blooms indoors.
If you have the fortune of your plant blooming, the flowers give a sweet, musky, pleasant scent.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Like many other succulents, Kalanchoe tomentosa thrives with bright, indirect light. Therefore, if your plant is inside, it’s best to place it in an east or west-facing window.
If you plant this succulent outdoors, ensure that the plant does not get any direct afternoon sun, as the rays will burn the leaves.
Whether you keep your plant inside or outdoors, Kalanchoe tomentosa thrives in dry conditions.
Therefore, if you live in a humid environment, keeping your Chocolate Solider indoors is probably best.
Kalanchoe tomentosa plants are not cold-hardy and don’t do well in extreme summer temperatures, so they thrive the best indoors.
However, if you plant it outside, ensure that your winter evenings don’t fall below 50° degrees Fahrenheit and your summer days don’t exceed 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Panda Plant?
Unlike some other succulents, the Panda plant has low water needs. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
In combination with the plant’s low watering needs, the Kalanchoe tomentosa plant also has low fertilizing needs.
Therefore, feeding your plant once at the beginning of the growing season is plenty to encourage constant growth during the entire season.
What Is The Best Soil For Kalanchoe Tomentosa, And When Should You Transplant?
The Kalanchoe tomentosa needs well-draining soil, such as cactus potting soil, typical of other succulents.
Should you want to plant outside, it’s best to do so in the spring when temperatures are mild and the plant is actively growing.
When the plant actively grows, it can recover quickly from being transplanted.
Because Kalanchoe tomentosa is a small and slow-growing plant, you’ll rarely need to repot the plant for size concerns.
However, it’s a good idea to repot every couple of years to provide new soil.
Many succulents do well with terracotta planters because they can remove extra soil moisture.
Regardless of the type of pot, make sure that it has drainage holes to release excess water.
Does Kalanchoe Tomentosa Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Unlike many other plants, the Chocolate Soldier does not require any significant pruning because it doesn’t get large enough to trim it back.
However, trimming any injured or dead growth during the growing season is good.
How To Propagate Your Chocolate Soldier Plant?
Gardeners propagate Chocolate Soldier Plants by leaf separation, although propagating fuzzy-leaved succulents is more complicated.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, choose a healthy leaf on your Chocolate soldier plant.
- Twist the leaf slowly, counterclockwise and clockwise, until it pops off the stem.
- Ensure that no part of the leaf remains on the stem because you must perfectly separate the leaves from propagating successfully.
- Fill a shallow tray with succulent potting soil.
- Place the leaf on top of the soil.
- Put the tray near a window with bright, indirect light.
- Small roots will grow from the end of the leaf within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Water the new roots every two days. At the end of the leaf, a small rosette will form.
- Don’t remove the parent leaf until it falls off on its own, as it’s giving nutrients to the new plant.
If you are propagating by offshoots, allow the new offshoot to grow until it has its roots (usually a couple of months).
At that time, it’s strong enough to survive on its own.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the offshoot.
- Before planting the offshoot, let the stem dry out for a day.
- Then plant the offshoot in a small pot with cactus potting mix.
- Although tempting, don’t water the new plant until it has formed new roots (usually a couple of weeks).
Teddy Bear Cactus Pests And Diseases
While Teddy Bear Cactus doesn’t have many pest problems, the occasional issue with mealy bugs or spider mites can occur.
If so, you can physically remove the mealybugs or use an insecticide.
For spider mites, you can also treat them with an insecticide.
Suggested Velvetleaf Kalanchoe Uses
While the Velvetleaf kalanchoe is easy to take care of and a low-maintenance succulent overall, it’s best in an animal and child-free home.
The Teddy Bear Cactus is toxic and can cause vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea in pets and humans. If ingested in large amounts, the plant can be fatal.
Therefore, the Teddy Bear Cactus is best for an indoor succulent garden or patio container where kids and pets won’t be an issue.
The Teddy Bear Cactus is also great for borders, flower beds, and Mediterranean gardens if planted outside.