Growing panda plants, also known as kalanchoe tomentosa, is rewarding but can also be challenging. While they make great houseplants, their wooly, velvety leaves are delicate and prone to damage. And seed propagation is frustratingly difficult.
Luckily, propagating panda plants from cuttings is easy, reliable, and the best way to get more pandas for your home or to share with friends In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully propagate your panda plant
Why Propagate Panda Plants?
Panda plants are tropical perennials native to Madagascar. In their natural habitat, they propagate themselves by dropping leaves that take root in the soil below. By mimicking this natural process, we can propagate our own pandas at home.
Here are some of the top reasons to propagate your panda plant:
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Get more plants for free Buying panda plants from nurseries can be expensive Propagating your own is an economical way to get more for your home or garden,
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Share with friends Pandas make great gifts! Propagating pandas lets you share this cute succulent with family and friends
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Replace old plants. As panda plants age, the lower leaves fall away, leaving bare stems. Propagating lets you start fresh new panda plants.
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Create a panda family. Propagating pandas with different leaf patterns lets you create a panda plant collection.
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Preserve special plants. You can propagate pandas with sentimental value to create genetic clones. This allows you to pass special plants down through generations.
When to Propagate Panda Plants
Panda plants can be propagated any time of year, but spring and summer are best. Warm temperatures and long daylight hours enhance rooting and new growth.
Aim to propagate when:
- Daytime temperatures are 65-80°F (18-27°C).
- The plant is actively growing, not dormant.
- The plant looks healthy, not stressed.
Early spring when the plant resumes growth after winter dormancy is perfect timing. You can also propagate in summer as long as temperatures don’t get too hot.
Avoid propagating in fall or winter when light levels and temperatures drop. Cool weather slows growth and reduces the chances the cutting will root successfully.
How to Propagate Panda Plants from Leaf Cuttings
Propagating panda plants from leaf cuttings is surprisingly easy. Here are the simple steps:
Step 1: Select a Leaf
Choose a healthy, mature leaf near the center of the plant. Smaller, younger leaves don’t root well. Avoid old leaves that are browning or damaged.
Use a sharp, sterile knife or pruners to cut the leaf as close to the main stem as possible. Try to retain some of the stem tissue, which helps rooting.
Step 2: Allow to Callus
After cutting, lay the leaf in a dry, shady spot for 2-3 days. This allows the cut end to dry out and callus over. The callus acts as a protective barrier against rot-causing bacteria.
Step 3: Prepare a Pot
Select a small pot with drainage holes and fresh potting mix. Succulent mix or cactus mix works well.
Moisten the soil, then make a shallow hole with your finger. You want the soil damp but not soggy wet.
Step 4: Plant the Cutting
Gently place the leaf cutting in the hole so the callused end touches the soil. Press the soil lightly around the base.
If the leaf doesn’t stay upright, you can place a small rock on top to weigh it down. Just avoid crushing the leaf.
Step 5: Wait for Roots
Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Place the potted leaf in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaf.
In 4-6 weeks, tiny roots will emerge from the base of the leaf. When the cutting is well-rooted, transplant into a regular pot using fresh potting mix.
Now you can enjoy your brand new panda plant! With proper care, it will establish quickly and start producing little panda paws.
Tips for Success Propagating Panda Plants
Follow these tips to ensure your panda plant leaf cuttings root quickly and grow strongly:
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Use sterile tools. Dip pruning tools in rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution to kill bacteria.
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Allow leaves to callus. Don’t skip this step! Letting the cut end callus prevents rot.
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Choose the right soil. Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. Avoid regular potting soil, which stays too wet.
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Find the right pot. Select a small pot with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots work well.
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Maintain humidity. Create a humid environment by placing the potted leaf inside a plastic bag. Open it occasionally for air circulation.
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Avoid direct sun. Bright, indirect light is best while leaves are rooting and establishing. Direct sun can burn them.
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Monitor watering. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Be patient. It takes 4-6 weeks for most panda plant leaf cuttings to root. Avoid disturbing them unnecessarily.
Follow these propagation tips, and you’ll soon have adorable baby panda plants to enjoy!
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Sometimes panda plant leaf propagation fails. If your cuttings shrivel, rot, or fail to root, try these troubleshooting tips:
Leaf shrivels or calluses badly:
- The leaf lost too much moisture before callusing. Next time, place it cut-side down on a damp paper towel until callused.
Leaf rots at the cut end:
- Sterilize your cutting tool to prevent bacterial infection. Allow more time for callusing. Make sure the soil isn’t too wet.
Leaf falls over or won’t stand upright:
- Insert a bamboo stake, chopstick, or small rock to prop it up. Avoid crushing the delicate leaf.
No roots form after 6 weeks:
- Extend the rooting time to 8-10 weeks. Ensure the leaf gets bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
Roots stop growing after transplanting:
- Allow more time to establish roots before repotting. Or, transplant into a smaller starter pot before the final pot.
With good care and patience, you can master propagating panda plants. Troubleshooting issues just gives you a chance to tweak your technique.
Next Steps After Propagation
Once your panda plant leaf cutting is well-rooted and putting out new growth, here are some next steps:
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Transplant to a larger pot. Use a 4-6 inch pot with drainage holes and fresh succulent/cactus mix. Choose a pot only slightly bigger than the root ball.
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Gradually introduce to more sun. Once established, panda plants enjoy 4-6 hours of direct sun. Introduce them gradually to prevent sunburn.
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Resume regular watering and fertilizing. Water when the soil dries out, and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
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Prune off original leaf. Once the new plant is growing well, you can carefully remove the original propagated leaf. Use sterile pruners to avoid damaging tender new growth.
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Share with friends! Your homegrown panda plant makes a perfect gift. Share the panda love with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers!
Enjoy Your New Panda Plant!
Now that you’re a master at propagating panda plants, you’ll never need to buy them again! Just follow the simple steps for creating the perfect leaf cuttings.
In no time at all, you’ll have adorable panda plant babies to brighten your home or give as gifts. Propagating your own pandas is fun, easy and rewarding.
So go ahead – grab a sharp knife and start snipping off those leaves. With a little luck and proper care, those leaves will soon transform into a delightful flock of fuzzy pandas!
️ Temperature and Humidity
Panda Plants are not fans of the cold. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). So, keep them away from drafty areas or rooms with fluctuating temperatures.
Humidity is another key factor. Panda Plants like a moderate to high level of humidity, around 50-60%. If it’s dry inside like the Sahara, you might want to use a humidifier or put a tray of water next to the plant to make it more humid.
The Final Touches
Lastly, keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water when necessary. Place the potted cutting in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. You can mist the cutting with water using a spray bottle to increase humidity.
Remember, propagation is a labor of love. It requires patience, care, and a little bit of luck. But when you see those first signs of growth, its all worth it.
Succulent Propagation: Kalanchoe Tomentosa “Panda Plant” | Aeonium Sunburst | Jade Plant Rescue
FAQ
What is the fastest way to propagate kalanchoe?
How do I fix my leggy Panda Plant?
How to propagate a panda plant?
As with every succulent propagation, choose the panda plant that has the fullest leaves. This ensures that your panda plant has the highest chance of succeeding. The leaf you remove from the mother plant will need plenty of water stored so the new plant can grow from it. Remove the leaf a few days after watering the mother plant.
How do you grow a panda leaf?
Once calloused, lay the leaf in a bed of succulent soil or another fast-draining soil. The leaf will begin to grow a small pup. Once large enough place the pup in a well draining soil. It is important to not remove the original parent leaf from the pup of the panda plant. It is best to allow for this leaf to fall off overtime.
Do Pandas need a potting mix?
Panda plants need well-draining soil, which can be achieved by using a succulent potting mix. Although these plants are known for being tough and tolerant, the one thing they are fussy about is soil. Regular garden soil or even standard potting soil doesn’t have the right texture to keep the roots happy.
How do you repot a panda plant?
Trim off the leggy parts and repot in well-draining soil. Place your plant in bright indirect light. Water sparingly but mist often to maintain humidity. Panda plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F, but can tolerate brief periods as low as 35°F. When should I repot my panda plant?
How do you care for a panda plant?
As panda plants age, they naturally grow aerial roots from the stem. These thin roots help absorb moisture, especially in high humidity areas. More aerial roots appear if the plant isn’t getting enough water from the soil. Mist frequently and increase watering slightly, but don’t overwater. Should I mist my panda plant?
Do Pandas need to be watered?
Watering is a limited part of Panda Plant care. When you do water, do so completely while giving the plant the infrequent drink. Humidity is not an issue when learning to grow a Panda Plant successfully. The average room provides enough moisture for this easy-care, furry plant, which can live for many years in these conditions.