# Paddle Plant / Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae)

> Native to South Africa, this striking succulent forms sculptural rosettes of flat, rounded, paddle-like leaves covered in a protective white powdery farina. When exposed to full sun and cooler winter temperatures, the leaf margins blush an intense, vibrant ruby-red. It is monocarpic, producing a tall spike of pale yellowish flowers at maturity before the main rosette perishes, leaving behind vigorous basal offsets.

- **Scientific Name:** *Kalanchoe luciae*
- **Botanical Family:** Crassulaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -1°C (30°F / USDA Zone 9b); can survive brief, light frosts if kept bone dry, but requires frost protection.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/kalanchoe-luciae
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/kalanchoe-luciae.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_kalanchoe_luciae.webp?v=1793991677

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires at least 6 hours of direct, full sun daily to develop and maintain its intense red leaf margins and compact form.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Water thoroughly using the soak-and-dry method, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% Pumice/Lava grit + 40% Succulent potting soil; highly porous and fast-draining mineral mix.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-1°C (30°F / USDA Zone 9b); can survive brief, light frosts if kept bone dry, but requires frost protection.

## Propagation Methods

Easily propagated via basal offsets (pups) harvested in spring or early summer, and stem cuttings.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Krep Sukulent / Kürek Sukulenti (Kalanchoe luciae)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/kalanchoe-luciae.md)
- [DE: Wüstenkohl / Paddelpflanze (Kalanchoe luciae)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/kalanchoe-luciae.md)
- [ES: Planta Paleta / Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/kalanchoe-luciae.md)