Mother of Thousands
kalanchoe daigremontiana
Also known as: ["Alligator Plant","Mexican Hat Plant","Devil's Backbone"]
Overview
A succulent plant known for its distinctive leaf margins lined with plantlets, native to Madagascar.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","fast growing","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Kalanchoe |
| Botanical Name: | Kalanchoe daigremontiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright location or outdoor in sheltered, sunny spot
- 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 sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when leaves yellow/brown.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing unsightly or dead foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; tolerates direct sun but prefers filtered light, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in bright indirect light indoors; move outdoors gradually in spring/summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during intense midday sun; avoid low-light areas.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water less in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix designed for succulents; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frost but prefers warm conditions; reduce watering in cool temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2 months during active growth (spring and summer), none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Leaf cuttings or division of plantlets (bulbils) that grow along the edges of leaves.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut a healthy leaf with attached plantlets.
- Let the cut end callous for a day.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and sand mixture.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; plantlets establish in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium, plastic bag or dome for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use mature leaves for better success; keep medium lightly moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves or stems at the base with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove damaged leaves; cut close to the stem; dispose of trimmings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when roots fill the pot or every 2–3 years; prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive transpiration and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the bufadienolide compounds in Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal and cardiac effects, which may be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Kalanchoe daigremontiana can lead to gastrointestinal upset and cardiac issues due to bufadienolide compounds. These substances disrupt normal cardiac function and can cause serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicKalanchoe daigremontiana contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides, which can cause significant physiological effects, including cardiac toxicity when ingested. These compounds interfere with ion transport in cardiac muscle cells, potentially leading to arrhythmias and other cardiovascular disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kalanchoe daigremontiana toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Can this plant be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light, but it thrives outdoors in warm climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light; tolera |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, allowing so |
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