The kalanchoe mother of thousands is one of the most fascinating — and sometimes controversial — succulents you can grow. Known for its ability to produce countless baby plants along the edges of its leaves, the mother of thousands is impressive and easy to care for.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the mother of thousands, also called kalanchoe daigremontiana or even mother of millions, and discover how to grow, care for, and manage this prolific plant.
What is the Kalanchoe Mother of Thousands?
The kalanchoe mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is a succulent native to Madagascar. It’s famous for the rows of tiny plantlets that grow along the edges of its broad, green leaves. These plantlets eventually drop off and root wherever they land, making this plant a prolific self-propagator.
You may also hear it called:
- Mother of Thousands — it’s the most common name.
- Kalanchoe daigremontiana — its scientific name.
- Mother of Millions — The name sometimes applies to a related species (Kalanchoe delagoensis).
Although the mother of thousands and the mother of millions have similar habits, they differ in leaf shape: the mother of thousands has broader, flat leaves, while the mother of millions has slender, cylindrical leaves.
Why Grow a Mother of Thousands?
This plant is perfect for anyone who loves an unusual, low-maintenance succulent. Here are a few reasons to grow a kalanchoe mother of thousands:
- Its dramatic shape and rows of baby plantlets make it a conversation piece.
- It’s very hardy and tolerates neglect.
- It grows quickly and easily fills a pot or garden bed.
- It thrives indoors and outdoors in warm climates.
However, it can become invasive if planted in the ground in suitable climates — always monitor where the plantlets fall.
How to Care for Kalanchoe Mother of Thousands
Light
This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. Outdoors, it can grow in full sun, but be cautious in very hot regions where the leaves may scorch.
Watering
Like most succulents, the mother of thousands prefers the “soak and dry” method. Water deeply when the soil is dry, and avoid letting the plant sit in water. During winter, reduce watering even more.
Soil
A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is essential. For improved drainage, you can amend it with extra sand or perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
The kalanchoe mother of thousands thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15 and 29°C) and prefers low humidity. It is not frost-tolerant, so bring it inside if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Fertilizer
Feed lightly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
How to Manage Its Prolific Growth
One of the defining characteristics of the mother of thousands is its ability to produce countless baby plantlets. If you enjoy propagating and sharing plants, this is an excellent feature.
If you prefer to keep it under control:
- Regularly remove fallen plantlets before they root.
- Grow it in a contained pot rather than in the ground.
- Prune as needed to keep its size manageable.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
- Leggy growth: Move it to a brighter spot if it stretches out.
- Invasiveness: Keep it potted and monitor where the plantlets land to prevent unwanted spreading.
Propagation
Propagation is effortless — the baby plantlets that form along the leaf margins drop off and root on their own. If you want to propagate intentionally:
- Gently remove plantlets and place them on the surface of moist, well-draining soil.
- Mist lightly until roots establish.
Conclusion
The mother-of-thousands plant is a unique and resilient succulent that never fails to impress. Its ability to produce rows of baby plants along its leaves makes it fascinating and easy to propagate.
If you’re curious about the mother of millions plant, know it’s closely related and just as prolific, but with narrower leaves. Both plants can also surprise you with occasional blooms; the mother of millions flower and the mother of thousands flower are tubular, pinkish to orange, and appear on tall stalks when conditions are right.
Whether you grow it as a centerpiece in your collection or as a conversation starter in your home, the mother of thousands and its cousins will stand out. The prolific Kalanchoe mother of thousands thrives when planted with hardy companions like Stonecrop sedum and decorative Echeveria. With proper care, you’ll enjoy this plant — and its countless offspring — for years to come.