- Soil: This plant does well in cactus mix, which has good drainage.
- Adaptability to drought and simplicity of plantlet propagation
When my mother saw the identification tag for the Kalanchoe daigremontiana, she chuckled. “Thousands of mothers! I’m sorry about this, “She sighed and stroked the leaf’s plantlet fringes. The mother-of-thousands is as prolific as it is maternalhundreds of small plants literally grow on the mother’s arms, keeping a watchful eye on her developing brood. Each plantlet is released and then drops to the ground to grow roots on its own, becoming the next “mother” in the lineage while never departing too far from home.
Because the mother-of-thousands lost the ability to generate viable seeds at some point in its evolutionary history, it was forced to rely on its leaves for reproduction, which made it an exceptional nurturer. As the plant reaches maturity, spoon-shaped spurs appear along the edge of its leaves, producing a little clone of the mother plant in each. These ad hoc plantlets cling to the mother plant’s leaves, which are now heaving under the weight of so many new plants, while they grow larger and develop roots.
The mother-of-thousands, a succulent that is native to southwest Madagascar and is a favorite indoor plant, does well in warm, dry environments. Although it does not regularly or frequently flower, when it does, the blossoms are magnificent. The central stalk has grown longer for the occasion, and a chandelier-like inflorescence of tiny pink bell-shaped blooms hangs above it. The tubular flowers draw hummingbirds as well.
The mother-of-thousands does not show the same consideration for the young of other species, as all of the plant’s parts are lethal to small animals and children who consume them.
A mother of a thousand plants is what kind of plant?
The succulent known as Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is also known as the alligator plant, the devil’s backbone, and the Mexican hat plant. The rows of small plantlets that develop along the leaf margins give rise to the common name “mother of thousands.”
Is the mother of 1,000 a cactus?
There are various alternative names for Mother of Thousands.
Devil’s Backbone, Alligator Plant, and Mexican Hat Plant. The plant is a succulent that originates from one stem and is native to Madagascar. The thick, pointed, blue-green leaves can get up to six inches long and three inches wide. If you let it, the plant will eventually reach a height of 18 to 35 inches.
The tiny plantlets that develop along the leaf margins are this plant’s most distinctive feature. These tiny plantlets will disperse readily from the parent plant, seeking out soil that is suitable for growth and trying to establish roots wherever they land.
Because of the young plantlets’ efforts to grow and multiply in various types of soil alongside other plants, many gardeners view the Mother of Thousands as a bit of a problem plant.
You won’t have to worry too much about Mother of Thousands spreading indoors.
A succulent is mother of millions plant.
Mother-of-millions are upright, smooth, fleshy succulent plants that can reach heights of at least one meter. In the winter, all species produce tall flower spikes that are covered in bell-shaped flower clusters. Each species’ leaves have a unique form, yet all of them develop tiny plantlets at the leaf margins.
What should I do to look after my mother of thousands?
It is advisable to put this plant in a professional cactus soil mixture because it does require sufficient drainage. Sand can be added to regular potting soil for better drainage.
Place the plant in bright, indirect light for a number of hours each day when learning how to grow kalanchoe indoors. Avoid afternoon sun when growing kalanchoe outdoors. Houseplants will benefit from spending the summer outdoors; just be cautious to acclimate them gradually and start their outdoor stay with little morning sun. Leaf sunburn may result from excessive direct sunlight. Before the temperature outside drops to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t forget to bring the plant back inside. (4 C.).
You’ll discover that growing mother of thousands is easy and largely carefree, making it a pleasant gardening experience with no maintenance.
Succulent or Kalanchoe?
Succulent plants called kalanchoes are frequently grown for their tiny, vibrant flowers. The most well-known is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also called the panda plant, flaming Katy, or widow’s thrill. They are well-known indoor plants that are planted for their vivid blossoms, which come in colors of red, magenta, yellow, orange, and white.
Robert Blossfeld, who discovered the plant in its native Madagascar, is remembered by the name Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. They grow in arid environments in their natural habitat, therefore they don’t require much watering. They flower for around eight weeks and require very little upkeep. The plants are frequently presented as gifts and are widely accessible in supermarkets, garden centers, and florists. After they bloom, many people throw them away. The good news is that with a little work, they can be made to bloom once more.
The double flowers on calandiva persist a little longer and are a little bigger. From Kalanchoe blossfeldiana they were bred.
In addition, several varieties of kalanchoe are planted for their lovely leaves rather than their flowers. Among them are the colorful and unique paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) and the dust plant with powdery leaves (Kalanchoe pumila).
How big can a succulent called a mother of thousands grow?
Humans have spread the plant over the world; it is originally from the tropical island nation of Madagascar in Africa, which is home to an astounding diversity of fauna, with over 90% of it having evolved in isolation. Currently, it can be found in portions of South Africa, Florida, and even Hawaii. It has become invasive in some of these locations and is pushing out local plant species. If you choose to cultivate it and live in one of these areas, be sure the plant does not escape your care.
The tiny plantlets that grow around the edges of the leaves are what distinguish this plant from others. They can be found in thousands on a single plant (hence their common name, of course). The luscious, blue-green leaves of this succulent, drought-tolerant plant species can get up to 8 inches long. When grown as a houseplant, however, plants often stay smaller and only grow to a height of around 3 feet. There aren’t many houseplants that can equal this plant’s ability to draw attention.
What do you call the young succulents?
they develop from the full-grown plant. They can also be known as pups. This is merely one more
Succulent offset data reveals “A little, nearly full daughter plant that has grown organically and asexually from the mother plant is known as an offset. They are clones, which means that they share the mother plant’s genetic makeup. This is one of the simplest ways to multiply succulents because they are clones of the parent.
The mature, healthy plant finally gives rise to tiny pups. Some species produce stems with growing pups at the ends. Others develop bunches on the sides of the plants that seem to double, which prompts you to wonder, “Does my succulent have pups yet? Offsets can occasionally grow beneath the plant without your knowledge until they are mature. You’ll eventually get the ability to recognize puppies on succulents.
Can I hold Mother of Thousands in my arms?
Once grown, it is resilient, drought-resistant, and even tolerant of full sun and extremely high temperatures.
However, it is advised to cultivate a mother of thousands in cacti potting mix and to keep it out of direct sunlight while providing bright light for optimal results.
Even though the plant doesn’t always bloom, when it does, the blooming process begins at the start of a warm season.
Are Mother of Thousands Plants Poisonous or Toxic?
Despite the thousands mother’s popularity as a houseplant, growing one requires extreme caution, especially if you have kids or pets.
The plant includes daigremontianin, a cotyledonous and highly poisonous cardiac glycoside steroid from the bufadienolides family that is known to cause cardiac toxicity.
Cotyledonous intoxication is a type of intoxication brought on by repeatedly taking the poison in lesser dosages.
One of the main sources of this toxin is the Crassulaceae family, which accounts for an estimated 33 percent of all plant poisoning-related cattle mortality in South Africa.
It is well recognized that the plant is harmful to people, domestic animals, birds, and livestock.
What Parts of the Mother of Thousands Are Poisonous or Toxic?
The Kalanchoe plant is hazardous when consumed, and all portions of it, including the tiny plantlets on the edges of the leaves, are dangerous.
However, you must take precautions to not only keep the plant out of the reach of children and animals, but also to remove any small plantlets that may fall off the plant as soon as they appear.
The poisonous substance is also present in the milky sap that the main plant’s damaged or broken stems produce.
As a result, it is advised to use caution and wear safety gear when working with the plant.
What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning?
The thousands mother plant frequently causes gastric distress and gastrointestinal irritation when consumed in little doses, which can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
However, consuming huge quantities of the plant might result in some major health problems, such as heart palpitations and changes in heart rate.
The mother of thousands is lethal if consumed in excessive quantities, especially for tiny animals and kids.
Although it has not been discovered that the sap causes any issues when it comes into touch with the skin, it is still best to exercise caution, especially if you have sensitive skin. It might make you allergic or irritate your skin.
How to Protect Yourself While Handling Mother of Thousands
When working with the Mother of Thousands, it is advised to put on disposable protective gloves to avoid coming into contact with its lethal milky sap.
Wear full clothing and avoid touching your face or any other part of your body while dealing with a mother of millions to be even more cautious.
Finally, keep the plant indoors or in a greenhouse to prevent accidental ingestion by kids, animals, dogs, birds, or any other animal.
When kept indoors, though, be sure to put it up high and out of the way of kids and animals.
Additionally, as the plant tends to drop its plantlets rather frequently, clean the area around it on a regular basis.
How invasive is mother of thousands plant?
These plants, also known as Bryophyllum Delagoensis, are renowned to grow quickly and rapidly reproduce wherever they land, earning them the title “Mother of Millions.” They result in tiny plantlets that sprout from the plant’s ends. These plantlets can develop continuously wherever they land, and even if the plants are removed, the seeds can persist for many years.
These plants are considered weeds or invasive species in some regions of the world and are not only drought tolerant but also extremely adaptable to many conditions. Others find great appeal in the same characteristics that annoy some people. These plants have great properties and are beautiful. They multiply with ease and are simple to care for.
Care
Both of these native to Madagascar plants need the same kind of care. These plants are simple to cultivate and require little maintenance, as implied by their names. They can survive in the majority of environments, from moderate frost to drought. Other basic watering requirements exist. They can adapt to both humid and dry environments.
Without any assistance, they multiply quickly and readily on their own. They reproduce by creating tiny flower clusters at the tips or margins of the leaves. These little blooms are actually young plants, sometimes known as plantlets. They easily take root and start growing as new plants wherever they land when these young plants become separated from the mother plant.
If you want to grow more of the plant, this would sound fine, but image it taking over your garden, the neighbor’s garden, and so on. Both seeds and plantlets are used to spread these plants. The plantlets can be removed from the ground to get rid of them, but the seeds can survive in the soil for a long time, which is why in certain places they are regarded an invasive species.
The key to caring for these plants is not necessary to encourage their growth and well-being, but rather to keep them under control and prevent them from spreading. I’m interested in learning more about this plant, and I’ll keep you updated on its progress by periodically updating this website. I’ll do my part and keep this plant contained in a container to avoid it becoming invasive.
Toxicity
The ASPCA and the pet poison helpline both state that kalanchoes are poisonous to animals. Kalanchoes have toxic cardiac components (bufadienolides). In most cases, the toxicity is mild to moderate, and rarely severe.
The most typical effects of ingestion in dogs and cats are gastrointestinal irritation or upset. There is a larger risk of more severe effects, like modifications in heart rate and rhythm, if large amounts are consumed. If in doubt, keep this plant away from animals.
If you have any suspicions about poisoning, call your neighborhood vet right away or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Are they invasive or harmless?
I’ve heard enough about these plants to know that many people view them as invasive weeds. In truth, Mother of Thousands and Mother of Millions are both plants that are widely regarded as invasive. According to what I’ve read, these plants should be kept away from other plants because of how quickly and fiercely they develop.
They can swiftly engulf a space and impede the development of neighboring plants. In fact, I’ve heard of people who are so sick of this plant that they want to entirely remove it from their yard but can’t since it’s so difficult to do so. The plantlets that emerge from the leaves can spread to any location.
These plantlets are simple to pull out and remove, but even after the plants themselves have been removed, new plants will continue to sprout from their seeds, which can survive in the soil for years. This is the reason why some individuals are over this plant. Some people, however, enjoy having them all over their yard because they love them.
They may make me later regret saying this, but I find them to be fascinating and lovely plants.
They grow into lovely flower clusters that are really eye-catching. I was interested in learning how these plants developed and produced offspring.
My First Mother of Millions Plant
I “rescued” this little pot from Trader Joe’s. I say “rescued” because I don’t believe it would receive the attention it needs, and if they continued there, the plants will eventually suffer. Anyway, it only cost $2.50 USD, which I thought was a terrific price given that I will receive three plants from this tiny container.
I was initially drawn to this pot because of these Sedum Lineare, which are light green sedums (Needle Stonecrop).
I am knowledgeable about sedums. I am confident that growing and propagating them won’t be difficult because they are docile plants. In fact, the second sedum in this tiny pot is one that I am extremely familiar with. Sedum Rubrotinctum are these (Jelly Bean or Pork and Bean plants).
These are plants that I have successfully grown and multiplied from leaves and stem cuttings. Please select “See some of my other collection of jelly bean plants through propagation in How I Grew My Succulent Collection. This plant’s fallen leaves are already taking root and developing new roots in this pot.
These two sedums were replanted in a fairy garden planter. To encourage the fallen leaves to take root and produce new plants on their own, I scattered them over the soil in the fairy garden planter. Click here “To find out where these two plants ended up, redesign an overgrown fairy garden.
I just had this unusual-looking plant remaining. I initially believed it to be a variety of Mother of Thousands plant. It turned out to be a Mother of Millions plant, also known as a Devil’s Backbone or Chandelier Plant, which I learned about later (Kalanchoe Delagoensis).
Even better, I reasoned, there are millions instead of hundreds! It might still be small, but from what I’ve heard, it expands quickly.
Here is a picture of a mature Kalanchoe Delagoensis (Mother of Millions, Chandelier Plant)
I’ve never worked with a plant like this before. The best I can do for the time being is to keep it in its own pot and separate from the other two plants it came with. I took it out of the pot it came in, dug out the other plants, and then I placed it back into the same pot.
Knowing how quickly this plant grows, I anticipate that it will outgrow this pot and require repotting into a larger container. However, for the time being, I believe it will be fine here because it is small. Because I already had it set up, I used cactus potting soil. However, this plant will thrive in a typical potting mix.
It is really adaptable, so I’m assuming it won’t care what kind of soil you use with it.
One month after being replanted in this pot, here is how the plant appears. There has been a great deal of fresh growth. I largely overlook this plant and only properly water it when the earth is really dry. It gets dazzling early light.
Five months later, this is how the plant appears. It needed to be replanted in a larger container. If you look closely, you can see that it has created a lot of new growth, and the little plantlets have roots emerging from them.
They can be preparing to fall and create their own new plants. If it occurs, I’ll have a lot of these young plants sprouting up all over the place. And certainly, it has kept up with its reputation.
About
You’ve come to the correct location if, like me, you enjoy succulents. This website is a repository for the succulent-growing knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years and am still learning. Although I am by no means an expert on succulents and cacti, this website was created as a result of years of hard work, love, and many mistakes and learning opportunities.