Flapjack
Stacked, rounded leaves like a pile of pancakes, blushing red at the edges in strong sun. A sculptural succulent that wants a sunny sill and almost no water. Toxic to pets.
Flapjack is the succulent people stop and ask about: fat, rounded leaves stacked like pancakes, green at the base and red at the rims when the sun is strong. It is an easy plant with one demand, which is real sun.
It flowers once, a tall spike after a few years, and the main rosette dies afterwards. Pups around the base carry on.
Light
Direct sun for several hours a day. A south or west window. The red edge is a sun response; in indirect light the leaves stay plain green and the stem stretches.
Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry: every two weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Keep water out of the leaf stack, where it rots the plant from the inside.
Soil and potting
A gritty succulent mix in terracotta. Repot every couple of years in spring, going up an inch.
Feeding
A quarter-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in spring and summer, or none.
Propagation
Pups from the base, cut away and dried for a day before potting. Leaf cuttings are possible but slow.
In a hot, dry home
Made for this climate. Full sun through a west window gives the deepest red edges we have seen on one. Dry air and heat are welcome. Water a touch more in July, still only when bone dry.
Problems and fixes
Leaves plain green, stem stretching
Likely cause: Not enough sun
Fix: Move into direct sun.
Rot in the centre of the leaf stack
Likely cause: Water trapped between leaves
Fix: Water the soil only. Remove damaged leaves and let it dry.
White fuzz between leaves
Likely cause: Mealybugs
Fix: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud, weekly until clear.
Flapjack questions
Is the flapjack plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Like other kalanchoes it contains compounds that affect the heart. Keep it away from pets.
Why are the edges of my flapjack not red?
Not enough sun. The red is a response to strong light. Move it to a sunny window.
What happens after a flapjack flowers?
The main rosette dies after the flower spike. Pups form around the base; pot those up to carry on.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Kalanchoe
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Toxic
Jade Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
