How to Propagate a Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Kalanchoe thrysiflora is an interesting succulent plant with colorful, silvery green leaves with deep red or pink edges. In warm areas, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, also known as paddle plant, can be grown outdoors; but in areas with cold, freezing winters, the plant is better suited indoors. Kalanchoe thrysiflora can easily be propagated by taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant. Spring is the best time to get started.

6- to 8-inch pot

Peat moss

Perlite

Clean, sharp knife

Clear plastic bag

Rubber band

4- to 6-inch pot

Commercial potting mix for cactus

Fill a 6- to 8-inch pot with a potting mixture of half peat moss and half perlite. Be sure the pot is clean and has a drainage hole in the bottom. Moisten the potting mixture ahead of time. The mixture should be damp but not soggy.

Cut a 2- to 3-inch stem from the Kalanchoe thrysiflora plant, using a clean, sharp knife. The stem should have two pairs of leaves. For the best chance of success, choose a stem with no blooms.

Set the stem aside for two or three days. The stem is ready to plant when the cut end develops a callus.

Plant the stem in the potting mixture, with about an inch of the bare stem in the soil. Several Kalanchoe thrysiflora stem cuttings can be planted in a single 6- to 8-inch pot.

Place the pot in a clear plastic bag and close the bag securely with a rubber band. Put the pot in bright, indirect light.

Remove the plastic bag and plant each Kalanchoe thrysiflora cutting in an individual 4- to 6-inch pot. Do this after the plant develops healthy new growth, usually in two to three weeks. The pot should be filled with a commercial potting mix formulated for cactus.

Place the new Kalanchoe thrysiflora plants in sunlight. Water the plants when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.