Flat, oval leaves with fat stem

by Juliana
(Sarasota, FL)

I named him elefante

I named him elefante

I bought this cutie today at the Farmer's Market and COMPLETELY forgot to ask what he was! I'd appreciate some help so I know how to take care of him properly!

Thanks!!

Hi Juliana, what you have is a nice specimen of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, the Flapjacks Plant.

These easy going and eventually huge plants are drought tolerant, pest resistant and can withstand considerable neglect. One thing they can't take is conditions that are too dim for them. Luckily, you're in Florida, and you should be able to grow this plant outdoors for most of the year.

In time, the biggest problem with these plants is that they get really tall and top heavy, making them prone to toppling in a wind storm, or if the pot is too light. I recommend planting them in a sturdy and heavy pot.

You can see more here: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, and make sure to scroll through other visitor submissions for other pictures.

Jacki

Comments for Flat, oval leaves with fat stem

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Jun 25, 2016
 my flapjack is too tall & falling over!
by: Anne

I have one of these also and really like this plant. I got it about 2 years ago, and now it's so tall that it is, indeed, starting to topple over. Is there a way to prune this variety of succulent?? Or do I just tether it to a stick for support?! Anyone know what I can do?
Jun 25, 2016
 Prune it!
by: Jacki

You can totally prune this kind of plant! It will reward you with lots of new healthy growth, plus it will stop falling over.

See more about that here; Pruning Succulents and more here; How to Prune Succulents.

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