You probably have a few paddle plants around your house, like most people. These beautiful plants are known for their long, paddle-like leaves and vibrant colors. But how long do they typically live?
Paddle plants, on average, tend to live between five and seven years. This number, however, can differ based on the conditions in which the plant is kept. For example, if the plant is kept outdoors, it will likely have a shorter lifespan than if it is kept indoors.
In this article, we will discuss the average lifespan of these plants and what you can do to make them last longer. Keep reading for more information!
How To Increase the Lifespan of Your Paddle Plant
Here are some tips on how to increase your paddle plant’s lifespan:
Provide Ample Indirect Sunlight
Paddle plants cannot produce sufficient food to sustain themselves without sunlight. As a result, they quickly begin to die. For this reason, it is best to grow paddle plants in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
Paddle plants prefer bright, indirect light. It will do well if you can provide your plant with 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so be sure to place your plant near a window that will protect it from the hot afternoon sun.
Note – Paddle plants can survive temperatures up to the mid-20ºFs ( -6.67°C ), but the leaves can be damaged at around 30ºF (-1.11ºC).
Repotting Is Important
Paddle plants, or Flapjacks, are a beautiful type of succulent that flourish in light and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to care for, but one important thing to remember: they need to be repotted every few years. If you don’t repot them, the paddle plants will start to decline, and their lifespan will be shortened.
These plants grow very quickly, and their roots soon become pot-bound. When this happens, the plant can’t absorb enough water and nutrients, which leads to its gradual decline. Therefore, repotting is a simple task that greatly impacts the plant’s health and lifespan.
When To Repot
The best time to repot a paddle plant is in the spring before the plant’s growing season begins. While these plants are quite low maintenance, they do need to be repotted every one to two years. A slightly larger pot is better if you’re going to repot these plants. You’ll also want to use a potting mix that drains well.
Watering Frequency
It’s important to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Paddle plants are adapted to surviving long periods without water, so err on the side of watering less rather than more.
Water your plant thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then, empty any water that remains in the saucer beneath the pot.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If you notice that the leaves are starting to wilt or turn brown, that’s a sign you’re not watering often enough.
Frequency – Once or twice a week is enough for these plants, even less in the winter season.
Use of Fertilizers
Paddle plants are not heavy feeders, so they don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Once every two or three months is sufficient. Use a succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength so you don’t risk burning the roots with too much fertilizer.
Myth Surrounding Fertilizer Use
Fertilizers help plants to grow and stay healthy by providing them with the nutrients they need to survive. Many believe they only need to fertilize their plants when they first plant them, but this could not be further from the truth. A lack of fertilizer can reduce the life of your paddle plant.
If you do not fertilize your paddle plant regularly, it will slowly begin to weaken and die. The best way to ensure your plant lives a long and healthy life is to regularly provide the nutrients it needs.
Use of Insecticides
Paddle plants are relatively disease-resistant but can be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs are small insects that suck the sap from plants, causing leaf drops and stunted growth. On the other hand, aphids are small green or black insects that also suck sap from plants.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can take steps to control it. For example, if you suspect your plant has scale insects, you can treat it with insecticidal soap. Both mealybugs and aphids can be controlled completely with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. If powdery mildew is the culprit, apply a fungicide.
Taking action quickly can keep your paddle plant healthy and prevent it from declining prematurely.
Remove Dead Leaves
Removing dead leaves from your paddle plant is essential for two reasons.
- Dead leaves can harbor pests and diseases that can spread to other parts of the plant.
- Dead leaves can prevent new growth from getting the sunlight and airflow it needs to thrive.
To remove dead leaves, cut them off at the base of the plant. If the leaf is particularly large or tough, you may need to use a sharp knife or pruning shears. Once you’ve removed all the dead leaves, dispose of them in the trash, so they don’t spread disease to other plants.
Paddle Plants Like To Be Root Bound
When growing paddle plants, one important thing to remember is that they like to be root bound. This means that the plant’s roots should be close together in the pot. If the roots have too much room to spread out, the plant will become leggy and lose its compact shape.
When repotting, always choose a pot slightly larger than the existing one. This will help to ensure that your paddle plant stays healthy and thrives.
When To Replace Your Paddle Plant
The paddle plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, it will eventually need to be replaced. Here are some signs that it is time to replace your paddle plant:
- The leaves are yellowing or browning.
- The flowers are fewer in number or smaller in size.
- The plant is not growing as vigorously as it once did.
It is time to replace your paddle plant if you notice these signs. You can purchase a new plant or divide an existing one and transplant the divisions. Remember, you must provide the plant with plenty of sun, water, and nutrients to promote healthy growth.
Buying the Right Paddle Plants
Choosing the right variety for your garden is important when buying paddle plants. Some important considerations include the plant’s size, watering needs, and tolerance for sun and shade. There are many types of paddle plants, so it’s important to do some research before purchasing.
Once you’ve narrowed your options, it’s time to head to the nursery and choose the perfect plant for your garden. You can find a suitable paddle plant for your home with a little planning.
Plants That Pair Well With Paddle Plants
When pairing plants with paddle plants, remember that these plants prefer bright, indirect light, so it is important to choose companions that will not overshadow them.
Here are a few plants that make good companions for paddle plants:
Sansevieria
Also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, sansevieria is a tough plant that can thrive in many conditions. It is an ideal companion for paddle plants because it prefers similar light and soil conditions. In addition, sansevieria is known for its air-purifying properties, making it a perfect plant to pair with paddle plants.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another indoor plant that does well in bright, indirect light. It is a succulent, requiring less water than most other plants, making it an ideal companion for your paddle plants. Aloe vera is also known for its medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a genus of 1000+ species of small-leaved perennial plants. Many species of peperomia are native to tropical and subtropical regions, but they can also be found in temperate zones.
Peperomia makes a good companion for paddle plants because it shares their preference for bright, indirect light. In addition, peperomia is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering.
The Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a member of the Agavaceae family and is native to southeastern Mexico. The leaves look like braids or ponytails.
This palm makes a good companion for paddle plants because it prefers similar light conditions and can tolerate periods of drought. In addition, the ponytail palm is known for its ability to purify the air, making it an ideal plant to pair with paddle plants.
Conclusion
So, how do you take care of your paddle plant and ensure it lasts as long as possible?
To summarize –
- Water regularly, but don’t overwater.
- The soil should be a little moist but not wet.
- Make sure the pot has good drainage so the roots can breathe.
- Put the plant in a bright spot but not in direct sunlight.
- Fertilize once every other month with a balanced fertilizer.
Following these simple guidelines should help your paddle plant live for many years!
