Plant Identification: Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands” –

Hi Jayne,

Your plant is a Kalanchoe daigremontiana, nickname Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands.”  This succulent plant that was originally found growing in Madagascar is also called an Alligator plant, Pink Butterfly plant, or Mexican Hat plant.

Here’s what the plant looks like when in “bloom.”

Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands description: A Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands” is a succulent plant with narrow, pointed, bluish/green leaves, which can grow as long as 5″ to 6″ and about half as wide, come off a single stem. This unique looking plant can sometimes grow 2-3 ft tall. Tiny plantlets grow along the edges of the leaves, easily fall off and root. If the plantlets don’t fall off, you can pick them off and plant them to start new plants. The Kalanchoe daigremontiana got its popular nickname, Mother of Thousands, because there are so many plantlets, and they are so easy to propagate.

How much light for a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands:” This plant loves very bright light, but direct sun during the summer will burn the leaves. During the fall, winter, and spring, direct morning sun helps a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands” bloom more often. You may have to move the plant to different locations around your home so that it always gets enough light. If a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands is not getting enough light, the plant becomes tall and leggy as it reaches for the light.

How to Water a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands: Water the plant thoroughly using room temperature water. The roots of this plant are very sensitive and can be damaged if you use very cold water. There must be drip holes in the bottom of the pot so excess water can escape. Never allow a Kalanchoe “mother of Thousands” to sit in this excess water. Allow the top 1/3 of the soil to dry out before watering again. Reduce the amount of water you give the plant during the winter, but don’t allow soil to completely dry out.

Best temperature for a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands:” Although this kalanchoe likes bright like, it does not like very warm temperatures. It grows best when the temperature is about 65 to 75° F (16 to 24° C). As much as a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands“ like warm temperatures, that how much it hates cold temperatures below 45°F (7.2°C). Avoid putting the plant near heaters, fireplaces, or cold winter drafts.

How to Repot a Kalanchoe “Mother of Thousands:” Repot the plant in the spring when the roots of the kalanchoe have filled the existing pot. Use the next size container only and nothin larger. Remember that a larger pot has more soil and will take longer to dry out. Be careful not to over water.