Can’t keep your hands off this plant

Growing up in Texas gives a plant nerd a certain appreciation for cacti and succulents. It’s not that they’re native in all parts of our state. But we know that they grow in the hills and mountains of Southwest and West Texas, so they catch our eyes as they show up.

This one, however, is from faraway Madagascar. It was first brought to the attention of gardeners more than 150 years ago – about 80 years before I grew my first one. Yep. I’ve been growing this one a long time. I had it in my greenhouse when I was probably 12.

Panda plant became a houseplant staple, mostly because it was a curious looking little soul, but also because it was easily kept in a bright indoor environment. It didn’t care if it got too hot or too dry for a while. (Hey, this is Texas!)

It’s a small plant even when it’s older (smaller than a volleyball). It’s not particular as to its potting soil as long as it’s well draining.

Keep it in bright light and protect it from freezing and it’s going to be fine.

As a kid, one of my favorite things about it was how it was propagated. If you lay 100 leaves down on top of potting soil in nursery flats or large, shallow clay pots, 100 tiny plants will sprout up from their bases. It’s as sure as weird weather in Weatherford. You can count on its happening.

I really don’t have much more to tell you about this fun little plant other than to invite you to try it. Oh, and include some of its other fuzzy friends to the party as well. There are some kinky kalanchoes just waiting to have their chance in your collection. Names like “mothers-of-millions” and “flapjacks.” Give ‘em a try.

The best fuzzy Kalanchoe web page ever…
Or at least, the best one I’ve ever seen! Debra Lee Baldwin wins my prize with this one. It’s gorgeously illustrated with her photos, I assume most from her own collection. She’s a pro!

And, if you love that page, jump backwards to her overall website that encompasses Kalanchoes in general. What a class act.