Use SUMMER26 for 10% off all orders

Kalanchoe tomentosa Chocolate Soldier

Rare

Kalanchoe tomentosa Chocolate Soldier

Size
Style

Use code SUMMER26 to get 10% off all orders
Green thumb guarantee: If your plant care goes haywire within 6 months of your order, claim a $15 gift card for your plant.

  •   Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier', also called Chocolate Soldier, is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family native to Madagascar's highland rocky slopes. It has earned a devoted following for its drought tolerance and fuzzy, velvety foliage.

      Chocolate Soldier is instantly recognizable by its upright, clumping rosettes of thick, oval leaves coated in dense brown hairs with deep chocolate-tipped margins. The chocolate brown tones set it apart from other Kalanchoe tomentosa varieties, giving it a warmer, moodier palette that stands out against windowsills or shelves. As it matures, it forms a bushy clump with a plush, tactile appearance.

      It is primarily grown for its foliage rather than its blooms, as flowering indoors is infrequent and typically requires a consistent night temperature drop to trigger. When it does flower, small tubular blooms may appear, but the velvety leaves remain the year-round showcase. The sap can cause skin or paw irritation, so handle with care during pruning or propagation.

      Move it outside for summer in a bright, sheltered spot, though it must be protected from rain to keep the fuzzy leaves from rotting. You can leave it up to ten days without water. Keep it on a high shelf away from cats, dogs, and small children, as it should not be nibbled or eaten by pets or handled unsupervised by toddlers. It tolerates office LED lighting provided the light is bright enough.

  •   Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' grows well in bright indirect light or partial sun, avoiding harsh south-facing windows that can scorch its leaves.

      Water it every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

      Chocolate Soldier does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with extra perlite for optimal drainage.

      It prefers temperatures between 60-85°F and should be protected from frost and cold drafts from AC or heaters.

      Chocolate Soldier is a slow to moderate grower that benefits from diluted balanced fertilizer applied once monthly during spring and summer.

      It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating outdoor conditions down to roughly 25-30°F for brief periods only. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Nevada. Parts of coastal Oregon and Washington, plus southern New Mexico and North Carolina, may also fall within zone 9.
  • Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier'?
    A: Every 2-3 weeks with complete soil dryness between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger an inch deep.

    Q: Is it safe around pets?
    A: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' has sap that causes paw and skin irritation, and cats and dogs should not nibble or ingest it. Keep it on a high shelf well out of reach.

    Q: What window placement works best for Chocolate Soldier?
    A: A north or east-facing window 2-3 feet from the glass provides bright indirect light without risk of leaf scorch. West or south-facing windows can scorch the velvety leaves even behind glass.

    Q: Can it survive a summer trip outdoors?
    A: Chocolate Soldier grows well outdoors in bright, sheltered locations during warmer months, but provide cover from rain to protect the fuzzy foliage from rot.

    Q: How big does Chocolate Soldier get?
    A: It typically grows 12-18 inches tall indoors, forming a compact upright clump over time.

    Q: How do I propagate it?
    A: Chocolate Soldier propagates easily from stem or leaf cuttings allowed to callous for one day before placing in dry succulent soil. Roots develop within a few weeks in warm, bright conditions.

  • Hand-Packed with Care: Using recyclable wraps and crinkle paper, we ensure every succulent arrives healthy and in perfect condition.

    Processing: Shipped within 3-5 business days (Mon-Fri) year-round.

    Urgent Orders: Message us for shipping upgrades (additional cost).

    Destinations: We ship succulents to all 50 US states and territories, with the exception of Guam.

    Cold Weather: If under 40°F, please add a Heat Pack to your order for safety.

    🌵 For Succulents
    When your package arrives, you may notice a bit of loose soil in the box. This is completely normal during shipping.
    Please remove your plants from their packaging right away and follow the care instructions included with your order. Succulents prefer to dry out between waterings, so only water when the soil is completely dry.
    Succulents are resilient plants and typically recover quickly once they settle into their new environment. Give them a few days to adjust before placing them in direct sunlight, and avoid fertilizing right away.
    *** We pack carefully to protect each plant during transit, so larger orders may arrive in multiple packages

  • 🌿 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (Replacement or Refund)
    From arrival to long-term care, we’ve got you covered. We carefully pack every plant so it arrives happy and healthy. If something doesn’t look right when it gets to you, don’t worry, we’ll make it right.
    How it works:
    - Reach out within 14 days of delivery
    - Send us your order number and a couple of photos of your plant(s)
    - We’ll take care of you with a replacement or a refund

    👍 Green Thumb Guarantee (6-Month Extended Coverage)
    Still getting the hang of plant care? You’re not on your own. For up to 6 months from your order date, if your plants show serious decline or fail to survive, we’re here to help. You can claim a gift card to help you continue your plant journey.
    How it works:
    - This coverage continues after the 14-day guarantee
    - Gift card value starts at $15, with the opportunity for more based on your order
    - Total gift card value is capped at $50 per order
    - One claim per order or subscription
    - Gift cards are valid for 6 months from the date of issue
    - Just send your order number and a few photos of your plant(s) to support@succulentsbox.com, and we’ll take it from there.

  • Plants that make your space feel more alive, with support you can count on every step of the way.

    • 1,000+ Plants to Explore
    Including 600+ succulents, 400+ houseplants, and 70+ air plants and arrangements, all carefully selected

    • Made to Brighten Your Space

    Plants chosen to bring natural beauty, calm, and a little joy into your everyday life

    • Easy to Treat Yourself or Someone Else
    Choose from 30+ themed gift boxes or enjoy a 1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription

    • 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
    If something isn’t right, just send your order number and photos and we’ll make it right

    • 6-Month Green Thumb Coverage
    Extra support if your plant shows serious decline or does not survive, with photo-based claims

    • Friendly, Real Support
    Our team is here whenever you need help along the way

    We’re building the most trusted place to shop plants online, with variety you’ll love and support you can rely on.