Maternity Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Mother of thousands Is a perennial succulent subshrub found in the desert or dry shrublands of its native Madagascar. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide. This plant has a unique reproduction method. It has the ability to produce small plantlets along the edges of its leaves. The plantlets themselves will develop roots and leaves, and they will drop off naturally from the parent plant. The name, mother of thousands, is the result of its unusual reproductive method. This plant is often used as a houseplant or in succulent gardens. It is a member of the stonecrop or orpine family (Crassulaceae). The specific epithet, daigremontiana, honors Madame and Monsieur Daigremont who were members of the Botanical Society of France.

This plant prefers bright indirect sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to avoid the hot midday sun. It requires sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained. As a houseplant, it is best to use a cactus potting mix. Water this plant sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and reduce watering during the plant's dormant stage. It is drought and dry soils tolerant. Mother of thousands is winter hardy in zones 9 to 11. It prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit..The plant can be used outdoors in warmer climates, but it is not frost tolerant. In our climate, it is best suited as a houseplant.  It is easy to propagate by harvesting the tiny plantlets from the leaf margins and planting them in well-drained soil. Propagation is best done in the spring. 

The stems are erect or decumbent, brownish, usually unbranched, and grow up to 3 feet tall and 0.8 inches in diameter. The leaves are triangular or lance-shaped, measure up to 8 inches long, and 1.4 inches wide, and have a petiole that is up to 2 inches long. Their color varies from dark green to pinkish-green to purplish-green. The undersides are blotched with purple. The margins of the leaf are notched and have many bulbils. (Bulbil is a small young plant that forms on a parent plant and can create new plants). The flowers are bell-shaped and are 0.8 inches long. The calyx is green to purplish, and the corolla is pink to lavender. The plant is monocarpic, meaning that after flowering the plant will die. 

The mother of thousands is very unique plant and will add interest to your home or landscape. In warmer climates consider using this plant in a rock garden or as a container plant on your patio. In colder climates, it may be used as a houseplant, but be sure to keep this plant out of the reach of small children and pets.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Overwatering can cause root rot. Powdery mildew and rust can occur. Leaf scorch can result if the plant receives prolonged direct sunlight or intense afternoon sun. 

If any part of this plant is ingested, it can be toxic to both humans and pets. Protective gloves should be worn when handling this plant due to the risk of contact dermatitis.

More information on Kalanchoe.