Kalanchoe 'Panda Ear'

Water Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' regularly during the growing season, waiting until the topsoil is nearly dry before each irrigation. Reduce watering frequency to once every two weeks or so during the winter, allowing the soil almost to dry out before each application. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' prefers bright light with a few hours of direct sunlight every day. Provide a location with indirect light exposure if full sun is not available. It can also tolerate medium light, but it will not bloom as readily in this condition.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' prefers mild temperatures in the 50 to 70 Fahrenheit (10 to 21 Celsius) range. Keep it away from cold drafts and hot air ducts that can cause temperature swings. It can also tolerate temperatures down to 30 Fahrenheit (-1 Celsius) when kept dry.

Average room humidity is generally sufficient for Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' as long as the location is not too dry. If the leaves start to look droopy, try running a humidifier in the vicinity of the houseplant for a few hours. Alternatively, regular misting, a pebble tray, or a humidity tray can provide additional moisture.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' grows best in a well-draining soil mix, such as one made of equal parts peat moss, compost, and perlite. Alternatively, use a light commercial cactus mix. The soil should remain slightly moist but not soggy.

In the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) once a month to encourage Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' to develop deeper foliage colors and larger flowers. Use a weaker dilution (half-strength) of the fertilizer for best results. Avoid fertilizing your plant during its dormancy period.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' is susceptible to common houseplant pests such as aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests are typically attracted to plants with unhealthy conditions, such as dry air or overwatered soil. To eliminate the pests, gently wipe or spray them off with a botanical insecticide every week or two until the infestation disappears. Consider introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs, praying mantis, or green lacewings to naturally control the pest population.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' should be repotted every two or three years in the early spring before its active growth period begins. Replace the soil in the pot with new, nutrient-rich soil mix, taking care to keep its root ball intact. To get the maximum benefit, add some organic matter to the new soil mix.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' does not need frequent pruning, but it's not a bad idea to remove yellowing, dead, or diseased leaves as soon as they are noticed. Use clean and sharp pruning scissors or shears to make clean cuts at the points where the leaves meet the stems. Prune any leggy stems back to the desired height to promote a denser growth habit.

Mulching helps maintain uniform soil moisture, prevents weeds, and improves the soil structure of Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear'. Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark or compost for best results.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' can be propagated from stem cuttings in the summer or early fall. Make sure to take the cuttings from healthy and mature plants. To do so, use a clean and sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut 3-4 inch pieces from the stem base. Place the cuttings on top of the soil in an empty pot and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a bright location and keep the soil lightly moist. The cuttings should develop roots in a month or two.

This plant has a shallow root system and doesn’t need support to stay upright. If you’d like to place it on a tall pot or display stand, install a support around the edges of the pot for stability.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' prefers a rest period during its natural dormancy period in winter. Reduce watering frequency and provide cool temperatures to encourage natural growth cycle.

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Panda Ear' can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it should be kept away from cats and dogs.