Large leaved succulent

by Lynn
(Prince Rupert, BC Canada)

I picked it up from the grocery store. The tag only said, of course, succulent.

It seems to have a sturdy main stalk. Quite wide leaves,almost a heart shaped indent on the outer parts of the leaves. They are pretty thick leaves as most succulents are. I thought it may be a variety of Jade but really don't have a clue.

Hi Lynn, no this is not a Jade, which are actually Crassula. It's most likely a Kalanchoe luciae, which are sometimes mislabeled as Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. These plants can take considerable abuse, but be warned, in certain conditions, such as nice warm weather and lots of rain, they can become extremely top heavy.
Eventually, they can become a meter or more tall, so I recommend potting it into gradually larger pots, and either a terracotta clay pot, or other heavy kind of container so it can't topple over.

Other than that, they're low maintenance, and very tolerant of most conditions, except soggy soil. Always use fast draining soil, such as that labeled for cacti, or add half and half regular potting soil and small gravel, pumice or perlite. I tend to use a heavier type of soil for these plants as they are so fast growing.

Don't be scared to top it and force more bushy growth to emerge from lower on the stem.

See the page on Kalanchoe thyrsiflora for more.

Jacki