Paddle Plant

Paddle plant is cataloged here as *Kalanchoe tetraphylla*, an accepted succulent species native to Madagascar. It forms a stout stem topped by a rosette of thick, broad leaves; older leaves may be green or reddish, and the leaf edges are coarsely toothed. This species is distinct from the South African *K. luciae* and *K. thyrsiflora*, which are often sold under the same common name. ## Form and identification The International Crassulaceae Network describes *K. tetraphylla* as a perennial with a simple, woody stem and terminal rosettes, commonly arranged in two pairs. The species is adapted to rocky places in Madagascar. Because “paddle plant” is used for several similar kalanchoes, confirm the botanical label when buying or sharing plants rather than identifying the species by common name alone. ## Growing conditions Grow it as a warm-climate succulent in a bright position with free-draining potting mix. Let the mix dry between waterings; standing water and persistently wet soil can damage succulent roots. Protect it from cold and move container plants indoors before frost. A specialist species profile describes stem and leaf cuttings as propagation methods; allow cut surfaces to dry before planting. ## Maintenance Remove damaged leaves and keep the crown and soil surface clear of trapped moisture. Water sparingly in cool or low-light periods, and resume more frequent watering only when active growth returns. Sources: [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:274499-1/general-information); [International Crassulaceae Network species account](https://www.crassulaceae.ch/de/artikel?aID=3171&aaID=2&aiID=T&akID=68); [Tropicals.cn Kalanchoe tetraphylla profile](https://tropicals.cn/en/species/kalanchoe-tetraphylla); [University of Wisconsin Extension on look-alike flapjacks](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/flapjacks-kalanchoe-spp/).