The Kalanchoe luciae ‘Quick Silver’, also known as the Paddle Plant or Flapjack Plant, is a striking succulent prized for its bold, architectural form and stunning foliage. This easy-to-grow plant features thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that grow in a stack, resembling a pile of silvery-green pancakes. In bright sunlight, the tips of the leaves develop a beautiful dusty rose or deep reddish blush, creating a captivating display. It’s a low-maintenance superstar that adds fantastic texture and colour to any garden or pot.
Caring for Your ‘Quick Silver’
- Growing Conditions: This tough Kalanchoe loves a spot with plenty of sun. Full sun is best to bring out the beautiful reddish colour on the leaves. It’s not a fan of cold, so it’s best suited to warm climates. It needs well-draining soil, as it’s highly susceptible to root rot if its “feet” are left in soggy conditions.
- Watering: Like most succulents, it is extremely drought-tolerant. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, you can cut back on watering even more.
- Feeding: This plant doesn’t require much feeding. A light feed with a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser once in spring is all that’s needed to keep it happy.
- Pruning: Pruning is generally not necessary, as the plant maintains a tidy rosette shape. Simply remove any dead or spent leaves from the base to keep it looking neat.
Usage in the Garden
‘Quick Silver’ is a versatile plant for a range of garden styles. Its bold, structural form and unique colours make it a brilliant feature plant in pots, rockeries, or dry garden beds. It looks fantastic when planted in mass to create a low-maintenance border or as a focal point in a succulent arrangement. It’s also a great choice for coastal gardens due to its tolerance of sandy soil and salt spray.
