Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’, Kalanchoe luciae – Details, Growing Tips

Common Names

Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’, ‘Variegated Paddle Plant’, ‘Variegated Desert Rose’, ‘Shave Ice’

Scientific Binomial Name

Kalanchoe luciae

Description of Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’, Kalanchoe luciae

‘Fantastic’ is a cultivar of Kalanchoe luciae.  The leaves give this wonderful plant a special look that some would call cute.  The leaves are a light gray-green but with splashes of red highlights.  Depending on the environment they are grown in the leaves can have a bright red border all along the edges. More intense hues are produced in cooler temperatures which makes the Kalancho ‘Fantastic’ a favorite office plant. The leaves are shaped somewhat like a clam shell about 2-5 inches wide and 4-6 inches long. Some people describe the leaves as looking like paddles. This is a bold colorful succulent that also looks great combined with other plants.

Mature Size:  Height 2’; Spread 2’

Outside Spacing:  18”

Pot Size:  These do best in small and medium sized pots.

Uses:  These are grown outdoors with great success but are most often used in homes and offices.  It fits in well with other xeriscaping plants outdoors.

Growing Conditions for Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’, Kalanchoe luciae

Light:  Full sun to partial shade. The Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ is among the plants that thrive in artificial light so it works well as a houseplant or in an office.

Soil:  Any all-purpose cactus potting soil will work well.

Flowers:  In early spring produces tubular pale yellow flowers on a single stem.

Hardiness Zones:  9 – 11

General Care for Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’, Kalanchoe luciae

Water:  Do not overwater.  Water these plants only when they have dried out completely.

Propagation:  The Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ has a patent so it should not be propagated without the permission of the patent holder.

Medicinal and Other Uses

None

Cautions

The entire plant is poisonous if ingested.

Native Distribution

Southern Africa and Madagascar

Patent

The Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ still has an active patent.

Other Tips

The Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’ is very often misidentified and mislabeled as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora.

The Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’ will attract hummingbirds.