Hey, just thought I'd add another update, as my little planting continues to grow and change. I was inspired by wantonamara and decided to lop off the main stalk of the kalanchoe since it was getting to be too large for the arrangement. I think it looks great now, and all the plants seem to be flourishing. It's amazing how much this little planting has changed in a year, and it's taught me a lot about the importance of good light for succulents! If you look closely, you can see the effects of variable light conditions on the coloration of the aeonium "kiwi". My plant has white and pink edges and some burns on the outer leaves from a period where it was exposed to intense afternoon and evening light during most of the summer. I moved it to a more sheltered position around late July, and all the new growth has been bright green. It sure makes for a pretty contrast!

I can't tell you about the black spots, but that powder on your plant is natural and is supposed to be there. It is the plant's sunscreen. Nancy

The offsets look small, so I'd leave them there until they're bigger, but yes, you can take of the (perfectly naturally) dying leaves. It looks like it's in need of a repot, too. Free Kalanchoes are almost as good as random hugs and finding a $50 bill in your pocket of jeans worn last year.

Hello there to the Cactus Board We don't post on this forum, but saw Kim's post and repost. Our son bought this plant with the same care instructions at the Home Depot. We also scratched our heads reading the care instructions. What the grower means is if there is any stem between the new top growth that you clipped off and the large leaves, cut the stem back to the large top leaves. IOW, don't leave a "stick" at the top of the specimen. That said, we wouldn't prune it either. It's young. Don't know your growing conditions. Once a week may be frequent watering depending on conditions. You may want to cut back if the plant isn't properly light and warm. Another possibility: we find some Home Depot plants are not acclimated down to home environment conditions. They tend to back slide until they can adjust to your conditions. Stand your ground with good care and let the plant get ugly for awhile. You may be doing everything right. The bottom leaves will probably dry up and fall off. New growths will appear just above the old leaf sites. Then you know you are doing right by your new purchases. Hope that helps! CV I have 2 paddle plants indoors. I water them once a week, draining all the water out. I fertilize once a month. My poor plants are drooping and pitiful looking and I can't figure out why! They came with a little instruction card stuck in the soil and I do not understand one of the instructions.- "Continuing care-Remove two top leaves and cut stem back to top of remaining leaves to encourage new growth at base and to maintain shape." Why would I cut the top leaves? That's new growth! And how do you cut the stem back?? I'm confused and my poor plants are suffering! TIA- Kim