Mother of Thousands
bryophyllum delagoense
Also known as: ["Kalanchoe delagoensis","Devil's Backbone","Alligator Plant"]
Overview
A succulent plant known for its vegetative reproduction via plantlets along the leaf margins.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Bryophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Bryophyllum delagoense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor container in bright, airy space
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct sun but acclimate gradually to avoid scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun slowly over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions.
Avoid drafty areas; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings are particularly effective for Bryophyllum delagoense.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut healthy leaf or stem.
- Let callus form for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, mature leaves for best results; keep medium lightly moist, not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove flower stalks at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks and leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without wetting foliage. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting soil to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or mushy stems in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet in cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries faster; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow under prolonged high heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the bufadienolide compounds in Bryophyllum delagoense. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and cardiac toxicity, potentially leading to fatal outcomes due to their smaller body size and metabolic differences.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bufadienolide compounds in Bryophyllum delagoense are toxic to dogs, causing significant gastrointestinal and cardiac distress. These compounds interfere with normal cardiac muscle function and can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBryophyllum delagoense contains bufadienolide compounds, which are cardiotonic steroids that can disrupt cardiac function and electrolyte balance. Ingestion can lead to severe physiological effects, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bryophyllum delagoense toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How does this plant reproduce?
A: It reproduces vegetatively through small plantlets that form along the leaf margins and drop to the ground to root.
Q: Is this plant suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: While it can be grown indoors, it is more commonly used in outdoor landscaping due to its vigorous growth and potential to become invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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