Devil's Backbone Kalanchoe delagoensis

Mother of millions is a perennial succulent plant native to Madagascar and is often grown as a houseplant. It is one of a group of plants that reproduce asexually by producing plantlets at the margins of the leaves. These then fall to the ground, readily root, and grow in just about anything. It has become invasive in some parts of the world. In addition to plantlets, they will also bloom occasionally in winter or early spring with a cluster of drooping tubular or bell-shaped flowers at the tops of stems. Mother of millions is a member of the stonecrop or orpine family (Crassulaceae). The common name, mother of millions, refers to the plant's ability to propagate so easily. The specific epithet, delagoensis, refers to the former name of the inlet in the Indian Ocean known as Delagoa Bay. It is now known as Maputo Bay and is off the coast of Mozambique. 

This plant grows best in hot, arid climates and prefers full to partial sun, but it needs protection from the hot afternoon sun. It is easily grown indoors in a cactus and succulent potting mix. If planted outdoors, sandy or loamy soil is recommended.  Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During its dormant period in summer, reduce watering to every 2 weeks. It grows best in the USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11. It is not frost-tolerant and must be brought indoors before temperatures drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also intolerant of high humidity. This plant can be propagated by plantlets and cuttings. You may find this plant coming up in your other pots or even on the ground if taken outside in the summer. 

Mother of millions grows up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide and has thick, fleshy, narrow, greenish-gray leaves with scalloped edges and reddish-brown spots. Along the leaf edges are plantlets that appear as teeth-like structures. This plant reproduces quickly wherever the plantlets fall. The flowers are circular clusters of dangling, bell-shaped, dark reddish-orange to pale pink blooms. Each flower has an individual stem, and the cluster of blooms resembles a chandelier. Blooming occurs in the late winter to early spring.

Suggested planting locations are a patio, container planting, or use as a houseplant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for mealybugs and aphids. Overwatering can result in root rot. Other possible diseases or problems include powdery mildew from poor air circulation and high humidity, leaf drop from excessive watering or too little light, and leggy growth due to inadequate sunlight. Too much sun or providing to little water can cause dry, brown, and curling leaves.

Mother of millions has become problematic in Australia, southern Africa, the Pacific Islands, Central America, and the southern United States.because of its aggressive reproduction that it overtakes native plant species. In the United States, it is reportedly invasive in the Haleakala National Park in Hawaii.

This plant is toxic to humans and pets, if ingested. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Skin irritation can result from handling this plant. Protective gloves are recommended.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Kalanchoe.