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Kalanchoe daigremontiana aka Mother of 💸Thousands
Kalanchoe | Updated: January 25, 2025
This well-known monocarpic succulent is perfect for beginners. It is easy to propagate, making it either a weed or an exciting succulent to grow and share with others. The leaves grow tiny bulbils along its edges. When the plantlets fall to the ground, they grow new plants.
Quick Guide
- Full sun to partial shade 🌤️
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 3′ (90 cm) tall
- Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by plantlets
- Can be toxic to people and pets
- Summer Dormant
How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents
General Care for Kalanchoe daigremontiana aka Mother of Thousands
Kalanchoe daigremontiana, commonly known as Mother of Thousands, is a succulent characterized by its large, blue-green leaves and prolific propagation through plantlets. Here are care guidelines to help you grow and manage this unique succulent:
Watering
Use the soak and dry method for watering Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. During the dormant period or winter months, reduce watering to prevent overwatering.
Where to Plant
Mother of Thousands is not cold-hardy and should be grown in containers in areas where temperatures drop below 30°F (-1.1°C) in winter. This allows for easy indoor placement during colder seasons. It thrives in full to partial sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Propagation of Kalanchoe daigremontiana aka Mother of Thousands
Propagation of Kalanchoe daigremontiana is remarkably easy due to its production of plantlets along the edges of its leaves:
Plantlets
- Removal: Gently pull plantlets from the edges of the mother plant’s leaves.
- Preparation: Allow the plantlets to dry for a day or two to allow the ends to callous over.
Planting Options
- Direct Planting: Plant the calloused end of the plantlet in well-draining soil.
- Mini Greenhouse Method: Place plantlets on well-draining soil and cover with clear plastic to create a small greenhouse environment. This helps retain moisture and promotes root development. Remove the plastic once roots are established, and transplant the plantlets into individual containers.
Succulent Synonyms
- Bryophyllum daigremontianum
- Alligator Plant
- Mexican Hat Plant
Tags & Attributes
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Species: K. daigremontiana