Kalanchoe daigremontiana 'Mother of Thousands'

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, commonly known as Mother of Thousands, is a fascinating succulent native to Madagascar. It's renowned for its unique ability to produce small plantlets along the edges of its leaves, which gives it the "Mother of Thousands" nickname. 

I purchased this plant at the Village Green In Wapakoneta, Ohio

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: This plant has long, narrow, and somewhat fleshy leaves with a distinctive bluish-green hue. The leaves are typically lance-shaped, with small teeth along the margins where the plantlets (also called "pups") form. The plant itself can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall, depending on growing conditions.

• Reproduction: The most interesting feature of Kalanchoe daigremontiana is its reproductive strategy. It produces tiny plantlets (baby plants) along the edges of the leaves. These plantlets will eventually fall off and root themselves, allowing the plant to reproduce rapidly. Under the right conditions, a single plant can quickly colonize an area.

• Flowers: The plant produces small, tubular, bell-shaped flowers, usually in shades of red, pink, or orange. They appear in clusters, typically during the winter or spring.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Like many succulents, it thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, especially in the hotter months.

• Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. A cactus or succulent mix works well, or you can add sand or perlite to improve drainage.

• Watering: It is drought-tolerant, so watering should be infrequent. Water the plant thoroughly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake, as it can lead to root rot.

• Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, but in cooler climates, it’s often grown as a houseplant.

Propagation:

• Mother of Thousands propagates easily by the plantlets that form on the leaves. Once the plantlets fall off and begin to root, they can be planted in the soil. You can also propagate the plant by leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.

Care Considerations:

• Toxicity: It's worth noting that Kalanchoe daigremontiana can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and other issues. 

• Invasiveness: In warmer climates, this plant can become invasive due to its prolific production of plantlets. In some areas, it is considered a weed because it spreads so quickly. 

• Pests: While generally pest-resistant, it may occasionally attract aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects, particularly if it's kept in humid environments.

Interesting Facts:

• Kalanchoe daigremontiana is also known by the common names "Chandelier Plant" or "Alligator Plant" because of its distinctive leaf edges and the shape of its leaves.