Kalanchoe tomentosa - Panda Plant
SKU:S2KY1173
-
Secure Transaction:
- Verified by Trust Guard
-
Free Shipping
- on succulent orders over $59! (cont. US)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Have a question? Ask Us!Product Details
Highlights
Panda Plant, Donkey Ears (Kalanchoe tomentosa) (Baker): A soft, velvety species from Madagascar. "Tomentose" refers to the fuzzy, felt-like coating of hairs that covers the whole plant and helps it survive dry, sunny conditions. It has long, upright leaves colored silvery green with spots of chocolate brown dotting their edges. Spring blooms are maroon to copper and have the same fuzzy coating as the rest of the plant.
Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need great drainage and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.
This variety is easy to re-root from stem cuttings. Look to our Succulent Cuttings Guide for tips on succulent propagation.
Product Size
2.0" Pot
Current Primary Color
Silver
All Seasonal Colors
Orange / Copper
Bloom Color
Red Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun
Maximum Height
Over 12"
Growth Habit / Shape
Vertical Grower / Tall Stem
Special Characteristic
Easy to Propagate, Showy Blooms
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
Videos
Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
If the leaves are curling downward, this tends to be a sign that the plant needs more light. This should be provided before you do any pruning as the plant will need more energy to repair itself afterward.
Then pruning from the bottom is preferable, because the plant will make new leaves from its top. However, if it's starved for light, there's a good chance it is stretching. Click the link below to read about pruning stretched succulents.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
Then pruning from the bottom is preferable, because the plant will make new leaves from its top. However, if it's starved for light, there's a good chance it is stretching. Click the link below to read about pruning stretched succulents.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
• Staff Answer
The size of the plant can vary roughly between 2" and 4" in height but they're all roughly 3" across.
• Staff Answer
Panda plant leaves can be challenging to clean due to the hairs, but there are two ways you can go about it.
1) You can use water to wash them. After you do this, be sure to place the plant in a sunny location to allow the leaves to fully dry again.
2) You can brush them. It's certainly tedious, but if your worried about overwatering, this might be the solution. Be careful not to tear or pull off any leaves while doing this and I highly recommend using either a paint brush or a makeup spoolie brush.
1) You can use water to wash them. After you do this, be sure to place the plant in a sunny location to allow the leaves to fully dry again.
2) You can brush them. It's certainly tedious, but if your worried about overwatering, this might be the solution. Be careful not to tear or pull off any leaves while doing this and I highly recommend using either a paint brush or a makeup spoolie brush.
• Staff Answer
This plant would not do well in a filtered window. However, the plants at the link below will!
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/shad...
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/shad...
• Staff Answer
Shop Succulent Soil Here
Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.
IN POTS…
See full answer »
• Staff Answer
Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.
Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.
• Staff Answer
Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.
Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength
• Staff Answer
Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.
HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS
- Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
- Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
- Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
• Staff Answer
Different succulent varieties have different light needs. You can find the Recommended Light Conditions on each variety's page by scrolling down to the Product Details. We use four categories of recommended light, and some plants can thrive under a range of light conditions.
LOW INDOOR LIGHT
- Can grow indoors without direct sun.
- Placing outdoors in direct sun or on sunny window sills might cause dark burns.
- There are a limited number of succulent varieties that thrive in low light, notably Haworthia, Gasteria, Peperomia, and some Jade…
• Staff Answer
Many succulent varieties are only available seasonally because of their growing and propagation cycles. During the growing season, we can usually restock sets and trays weekly. Most individual plants will go in and out of stock through the seasons, but they are also restocked weekly when available. Thursday is usually the best day of the week for finding plants in stock. Spring and Summer are generally the best seasons for availability.
Any product that is out of stock has an "Email me when a product is back in stock" button (shown above). Click the button and enter your email to be notified when it's available again. If this button isn't appearing, the plant may have very recently sold out - check back after a short while and the button should appear.
Customers Also Viewed
Shipping info
- Shipping Days: Monday, Tuesday
- Same Week Shipping Cut-off: Monday 11:59PM PT
- Delivery Days: Usually the following Thursday or Friday
- Delivery Date Requests: Use the comments box during checkout
- Why don't we ship every day? This schedule avoids weekend delays and helps us ensure the plants are delivered fresh
Click here for more shipping and ordering info.
WHY MOUNTAIN CREST GARDENS?
- Customers Love Us: Thousands of 5-star reviews on Shopper Approved
- Licensed California Succulent Nursery: Most online sellers are just marketers and re-sellers; we're the real deal
- Family Owned & Operated: Growing and shipping beautiful succulents since 1995
- Experienced Customer Service: Our friendly onsite staff are happy to help via phone or email
- Plant Names Included: Reusable mini stakes or ID legends list varieties and their minimum temperature tolerances
- Every Order is Handpicked: Our employees care about your order - they love succulents as much as you do
- Environmentally Friendly: Recyclable packaging; minimal spraying and treatments
- Quality Guaranteed: Worry-free online shopping experience
Featured in:
Customer
Photos
Customer Reviews
We're currently collecting product reviews for this item. In the meantime, here are some reviews from our past customers sharing their overall shopping experience.
4.8
Out of 5.0
Overall Rating
96%
of customers that buyfrom this merchant give
them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
May 5, 2025 by Janice S. (United States)
“Found what I wanted. It was so easy. Now the hard part is finding a few square inches of unplanted ground in my succulent garden.”
Product Choice
Succulent addiction. I got it bad. Hardy Sedums do well for me in Oklahoma.
Merchant Choice
Great selection, very professional company. Things get done right.
May 5, 2025 by Gabriele H. (United States)
“With so many beautiful plants it’s hard to choose.”
Product Choice
My order today is a bit different. Pick your own colors 20 pack. I’m looking forward to be surprised.
Merchant Choice
Coming back for more orders because of your great plants and service and your videos. The “Garden Answer” unpacking videos helped also.
May 5, 2025 by Debi R. (United States)
“I have always been happy with my plants and shopping experiences!”
Product Choice
Was on a Mother’s Day email.
Merchant Choice
Happy with plants & service!
