Kalanchoe tomentosa succulents, often known as the panda plant or panda succulents, are characterized by their fine, natural hair covering. At the same time, some varieties feature stunning leaf edges, adding to their aesthetic appeal. These distinctive traits grant them high ornamental value.

Panda plants are highly adaptable and have excellent reproductive ability, which makes them easy to grow in clusters and form tree-like stems. In contrast to other soft succulents, they can thrive outdoors in hot summers and have a high survival rate during reproduction in the summer months.

If you ask me to recommend super low-maintenance succulents, panda plants should be on the list!

There are three methods to propagate panda plants

01. Leaf propagation

02. Stem cutting propagation

03. Leaf cut propagation 

In this blog post, I will mainly share the latter two methods. One of these methods has a higher success rate, while the other is considered the most unconventional and incredible method.

What to Prepare Before Propagating Panda Plants?

Valuable tools should be arranged before starting the propagation process.

Cleaning and sterilizing the garden tools is recommended.

1) One mature and healthy panda plant

2) A pair of scissors or a sharp blade

3) Planter pots with drainage holes (H≥2")

4) Well-drained cactus soil

5) A long-neck water bottle

6) A spray bottle

Method 01: Propagate Panda Plant  From leaves

Follow the blog to learn How to propagate succulents from leaves.

Method 02: Use stem-cutting to propagate panda plants (high success rate)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Use scissors or a blade to cut a healthy stem with at least two leaves from the mother plant.

2. Wait for 2-3 days for the stem to callus. (The callus is crucial to avoid rot and diseases.)

3. Add 2/3 cactus soil to a planter and insert the stem-cutting. Add more soil to support the plant.

4. Spray or drip water on the topsoil 1-3 times per week for three weeks.

5. When roots appear, water the plant after the soil completely dries out.

Taking proper care of the newly propagated plants is crucial.

To prevent over-watering, it is critical to water the plants frequently during the first week. However, after the first week, you should reduce the spraying until the roots grow out.

When it comes to newly propagated panda plants, it's crucial to keep them in a safe place as their roots are fragile and easy to destroy. Therefore, choosing a spot with filtered sunlight and partial shade for newly propagated panda succulents is recommended. Once the roots are established, you can introduce more sunlight to them, just like you do with other mature plants.

Method 03: Cut the leaves to propagate panda plants

Step-by-step guide:

1. Use the blade or scissors to cut leaves into 2 or 3 equal parts.

2. Place leaf cuts on the soil surface. (Leave the wound exposed.)

3. Wait for 2-3 days till the wound heals.

4. Spray water around leaves and moisten topsoil for a month.

5. Repot fresh babies with cuttings into new pots

Dividing a leaf into cuts is an interesting method of propagation.

It is essential to let the wound be exposed to air and heal before spraying water, as this can prevent the leaves from rotting during the propagation process. Once fresh roots emerge, adding a thin layer of light succulent soil to cover the roots can help them establish and promote healthy growth.

Although it requires more time than stem-cuttings, this method is an excellent way to harvest a bunch of panda plants at a low cost. Moreover, it is more intriguing than other succulent propagation methods. Try it out and see the magic unfold!

Common issues and Troubleshooting in Panda succulent propagation

1) The most common issue a panda plant faces, leading to death, is over-watering and root rot. The yellowing and mushy nature of the leaves can identify it.

2) Bug infestation is another significant cause of death of the panda plants. The most common bug attracted by Panda plants is mealybugs. Although tools can easily pluck them out, a bug infestation requires cleansing with alcohol and neem oil. You may wonder: How to use neem oil to get rid of mealybugs on succulents.

Conclusion

People love to propagate panda succulents for several reasons besides their magical reproduction ability. One is their unique and eye-catching appearance. Panda succulents are also low-maintenance and easy to care for, making them ideal for busy individuals or those without a green thumb. Their small size makes them perfect for indoor gardening or small outdoor spaces. Additionally, propagating panda succulents is relatively easy, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The resulting harvest can also create beautiful arrangements or be shared with friends and family.

Panda plants are a fantastic addition to any plant enthusiast's collection. With many species to choose from, each boasting unique and distinctive characteristics, you will surely find the perfect one for you. Proper care allows these beautiful plants to grow well indoors, even without sufficient sunlight.

Look at this list of the TOP 10 panda plants to find your new favorite. 10 Common Varieties of Panda Plants.

You may wonder: How to Care for Panda Plants?