The Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier (Kalanchoe tomentosa), also commonly known as the "Panda Plant," originates from the island of Madagascar, located off the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is home to many unique and unusual plant species, including this particular variety of Kalanchoe. The island’s dry, rocky environment, with well-draining soil, provides the perfect conditions for the Chocolate Soldier to thrive. In its natural habitat, the plant grows in semi-arid regions, enduring long periods of drought, which is why it has evolved to be highly drought-resistant, like many succulents.
What makes this plant special is the way it has adapted to survive in the sun-drenched, dry environment of Madagascar. The leaves are covered in fine, soft hairs that protect the plant from intense sunlight and help prevent water loss. This fuzzy texture also shields the plant from the sun’s heat, which is why the Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier does well in bright light, though it still needs protection from the hottest parts of the day.
The name "Chocolate Soldier" comes from the plant's striking appearance—its leaves have dark, chocolatey-brown edges that make them look a bit like they’re wearing a uniform. The leaves are a lovely grayish-green, soft, and fuzzy, which is why some people also call it the Panda Plant. Its scientific name, Kalanchoe tomentosa, refers to the woolly texture of the leaves, as tomentosa means “covered with dense, soft hairs” in Latin.
Toxicity
While Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant, it is mildly toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. Like other plants in the Kalanchoe family, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For pets, particularly cats and dogs, ingestion can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to keep the plant out of their reach. Although the toxicity is generally not life-threatening, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention from a doctor or veterinarian if ingestion occurs. To avoid any issues, place the Chocolate Soldier in areas where curious pets or small children can’t easily access it.
General Care
1. Lighting
Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright, indirect light. For optimal growth, it should be placed in a well-lit indoor space where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day. It can handle some direct sunlight, especially during the morning or late afternoon when the light is less intense. However, it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to strong midday sun, as this can scorch its soft, fuzzy leaves. If provided with just the right amount of light, the plant’s distinct chocolate-brown edges will become more vibrant, adding to its unique beauty.
While this plant can manage in moderate light, it doesn’t do well in low-light conditions. In insufficient light, Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier will start to stretch, becoming leggy and losing its compact shape. The bright, contrasting colors of the leaves, which are a hallmark of the plant, may also fade if it’s not getting enough sunlight. You’ll notice the plant looks less vibrant, and its striking chocolate-colored edges may become dull.
For those who want to see the plant’s coloring at its best, introducing it to a bit of direct sunlight can intensify the chocolate-brown edges on the leaves. However, it’s important to gradually introduce the plant to sunlight if it hasn’t been exposed to it before, to prevent sunburn. Outdoors, it should be placed in a location where it gets plenty of light but is protected from the strongest rays of the midday sun.
2. Watering
Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is a drought-tolerant succulent, meaning it doesn’t need frequent watering. Like most succulents, it stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, so it prefers to dry out between watering sessions. The key to keeping this plant happy is to use the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly water the plant, let the excess drain away, and then wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, water your Chocolate Soldier more regularly—about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your environment. Always check the soil before watering by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. Make sure to avoid getting water on the leaves, as too much moisture on the foliage can lead to rot.
In the cooler months, like fall and winter, Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier enters a semi-dormant period and requires much less water. You can cut back to watering once a month or less, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. Overwatering is a common issue with this plant, and it can lead to root rot, so it’s always better to underwater than to overwater.
3. Soil and Fertilizer
Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier thrives in well-draining soil, which is crucial to prevent water retention and root rot. The best type of soil for this plant is a succulent or cactus mix that is specifically designed to drain quickly while still holding onto some moisture. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil with additives like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to enhance aeration and drainage. These materials help mimic the plant’s natural environment, which is typically rocky and dry. The soil should stay relatively loose and airy to allow water to flow through easily without becoming compacted.
Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier doesn’t require heavy feeding, but it can benefit from occasional fertilization during its growing season, typically spring and summer. You can feed it once a month using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Succulent or cactus-specific fertilizers also work well and can provide the nutrients needed to encourage healthy growth.
Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much can lead to salt buildup in the soil and may damage the roots. In the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth naturally slows down, you should stop fertilizing altogether to allow it to rest. Over-fertilization during this period can stress the plant, as it isn’t actively growing and doesn’t need additional nutrients.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Ideally, it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, making it perfect for most indoor environments. While it can tolerate slightly cooler nighttime temperatures, anything below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to the plant. It's not frost-tolerant, so if you're growing it outdoors, be sure to bring it inside once the temperature starts to drop in cooler months.
This succulent also enjoys low to moderate humidity levels, typically ranging between 30% and 50%. It can tolerate a variety of humidity conditions but generally prefers a drier environment. High humidity can lead to moisture build up around the leaves, which could cause fungal problems or rot. To avoid this, make sure the plant is in a well-ventilated area with good airflow, especially in more humid climates or during the summer.
Extra Care
1. Potting and Repotting
When first potting your plant, it’s essential to choose a container with good drainage. Pots with drainage holes are a must to ensure excess water can escape, preventing water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot. Terracotta or ceramic pots are excellent choices because they allow air to circulate around the soil, helping it dry out more quickly.
As for repotting, Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier doesn’t require frequent repotting, as it grows relatively slowly. Typically, repotting is necessary every 2 to 3 years, or when you notice the plant becoming root-bound. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming too large for its current pot. If the plant seems to be struggling despite proper care, it might also benefit from fresh soil and a slightly larger pot. When repotting, it’s best to do so in the spring, during the plant’s active growing season. Choose a new pot that is just one size larger than the current one to avoid giving the plant too much space, which can lead to water retention in the soil. After repotting, give your Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier a few days before watering to allow it to adjust and recover from the transplant. This helps reduce the risk of transplant shock and gives the plant time to settle into its new pot.
2. Pruning
Although this succulent doesn’t require heavy pruning, occasional trimming can improve its appearance and prevent it from becoming leggy. The main reasons to prune your Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier are to remove dead or damaged leaves, control its shape, and promote bushier growth. Over time, some of the older leaves may naturally dry out or yellow—removing these will help the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off any dried or unhealthy parts close to the base of the leaf. Always make clean cuts to avoid causing damage to the rest of the plant.
If your Chocolate Soldier starts to look stretched or leggy—often due to insufficient light—you can trim back some of the longer stems to encourage a more compact form. When pruning for shape, cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem). This encourages new branches to form, making the plant fuller and bushier over time.
Pruning can be done any time of the year, but it’s especially helpful during the active growing season in spring and summer when the plant is most responsive. Be careful not to over-prune; just remove the parts that look unhealthy or overly long.
3. Propagation
Propagating Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is simple and can be done using either leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf propagation, gently remove a healthy leaf, let it dry for a few days until the cut end callouses, and then place it on well-draining soil, misting it lightly. For stem cuttings, take a 4- to 6-inch stem section, allow it to callous over, and then plant it in soil. Both methods require bright, indirect light and occasional watering until roots form. Whether you're propagating from leaf or stem cuttings, patience is key. Root development can take several weeks. Once established, treat the new plants like mature Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldiers, and they’ll grow into healthy, vibrant succulents.
Common Problems
Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is generally an easy plant to care for, but like most succulents, it can run into a few common problems. Overwatering is the most frequent issue, often leading to root rot. This plant prefers its soil to dry out completely between waterings, and too much moisture can cause the roots to decay, leading to wilting or yellowing leaves.
Another issue is leggy growth, which happens when the plant doesn’t receive enough light. When deprived of bright, indirect sunlight, it stretches out, becoming tall and sparse, and loses its compact shape.
Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also sometimes be a problem. Regularly inspecting the plant and wiping the leaves can help keep pests at bay.
Additionally, if exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves can scorch, causing brown spots and damage to the delicate edges.
Moreover, Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier is not frost-tolerant and can suffer significant damage when exposed to freezing temperatures. The leaves may begin to turn brown or black, become mushy, and eventually collapse as the plant tissue freezes and dies. To prevent frost damage, it’s best to bring the plant indoors during colder months or when temperatures begin to drop, especially if you live in an area prone to frosts.
Lastly, poor soil conditions and inadequate lighting can lead to stunted growth in Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier. It’s essential to use well-draining, fresh soil to prevent water retention and root rot. Additionally, providing your plant with enough bright, indirect light is crucial for maintaining healthy growth and keeping its compact, vibrant appearance. Without proper lighting, the plant may become leggy and lose its attractive form.
