Kalanchoe tomentosa (panda plant)

Japanese name: 月兎耳
Scientific name: Kalanchoe tomentosa

[Overview]
In its native habitat, an evergreen perennial that forms a shrub 50–70 cm tall.
A succulent.
The whole plant is densely covered with soft, white, velvety hairs and looks whitish.
The stem branches in the upper part, and the lower part gradually becomes woody and gnarled.
The leaves are simple and alternate, long-ovate, about 5–7 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, and 3–4 mm thick.
The upper half of the leaf has rounded teeth, and the hairs there are reddish brown to blackish brown.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated environment.
In poor light it becomes leggy.
It can overwinter at 5°C or above, so it can overwinter outdoors if protected from frost and cold wind.
Place pots on a shelf or similar so air can reach the bottom, and move them out of the rain during long rainy spells.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly only after the soil in the pot has dried all the way through; in winter it is dormant, so keep it on the dry side, watering about once a month.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in summer place it in an airy place in partial shade.
Apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer from spring to autumn, except in midsummer.
As it grows, the stems lengthen upward and the lower leaves drop, upsetting the balance, so it is good to retrain the plant as needed with stem or leaf cuttings.
Pests and diseases include spider mites and scale insects.

[Notes]
The name Tsukitoji (moon rabbit ear) compares the shape of the leaves to rabbit ears.

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