Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Jumbo'

When I look at this Kalanchoe, I think of elephants' ears. But it's such a small plant, it's probably closer to mouse ears... and just as fluffy too! These tactile leaves are covered in tiny hairs which help hold in moisture in their native Madagascar. The rounded leaves fan out from a central stem, their pale green colour turned silvery by their furry surfaces, and they are tipped with deep brown colouring. Add some contrast and interesting texture to your houseplant collection. And don't worry, although these plants can grow as high as 3ft (90cm) in the wild, they take a really long time to get there in your home, so it's only a little plant to bring into your space. Just don't blame us if you accidentally end up with four of them because they are so adorable and fluffy...

Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Jumbo'

Common Name
Jumbo Panda Plant, Pussy Ears, Cat Ears, Donkey Ears

Origin
This species of Kalanchoe is native to the island of Madagascar

Light
Your Kalanchoe will love a splash of morning or evening sun, so look for an east or west-facing window. These plants suffer in low light, so making sure they get some sun is key!

Water
Let the soil dry out between waters. In its native Madagascar, it gets occasional downpours of rain with long dry spells in between, so try and match what it's used to!

Humidity
Low humidity is what these plants are used to, so anywhere in your home that isn't right next to an operating radiator OR really damp and humid will do just fine!

Soil
Use a well-draining mix with components such as sand and grit. A mix designed for cacti and succulents will work well here. Repot every three years in Spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. A specific 'cactus' feed will do the best job here.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
If you notice the centre of its leaves getting pale, your plant is probably not getting enough light; if the centre is soft and the foliage blackened, it is too wet and needs to dry out. Crispy brown edges of the leaves indicate too little water or too much sun.
These plants are also super easy to propagate; a fallen leaf, put onto soil, will start to root, and grow into its own whole new plant!