Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa): Fuzzy Teddy Bear Succulent

Overview

Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa), also called Pussy Ears or Teddy Bear Plant, is a beloved, shrubby succulent covered in dense, white-silvery felt with chocolate-brown tips on the leaves. The leaves are thick, oval, and arranged in a loose rosette on branching stems. It grows slowly to 1–2 feet tall. Rarely flowers in cultivation. The fuzzy coating protects from intense sun and reduces water loss. A tactile delight for children and adults alike. Perfect for bright windowsills and mixed succulent containers.

Key Features

• Leaves: Thick, oval, dense white felt; chocolate-brown tips/margins.
• Stems: Branching, woody with age; 1–2 ft tall.
• Texture: Velvety, fuzzy; invites touch.
• Flowers: Rare in cultivation; small, tubular, greenish-yellow.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright light to full sun. Best color and compactness in sun.

Water

Low. Allow soil to dry completely. Avoid water on leaves.

Soil

Well-draining succulent mix.

Propagation

Leaf or stem cuttings. Easy.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Kalanchoe (kal-un-KOH-ee)
Species:	tomentosa (toh-men-TOH-suh)