Kalanchoe (Mother of Thousands seedling)
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana (syn. Bryophyllum daigremontianum)
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Native Region: Madagascar; now naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Brief Description
A small succulent seedling with thick, fleshy, opposite green leaves. As it matures, it develops triangular, serrated leaves that produce tiny plantlets along the margins.
Care Instructions
Provide bright light and allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. Use a well-draining cactus mix and avoid over-fertilizing. Ideal for indoor containers in bright spots.
Medicinal Value
We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.
Sunlight
Bright, indirect sunlight to full sun (4-6 hours per day). Low light will cause it to become leggy and weak.
Watering
Low watering needs; drought-tolerant. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Over-watering easily leads to root rot.
Soil
Gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness Zone
9-11 (USDA). It is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Growth Habit
Succulent perennial. Grows upright to about 3 feet tall. Noted for its rapid, almost invasive growth due to asexual reproduction via plantlets.
Bloom Season
Late autumn to winter; produces drooping, bell-shaped pinkish-grey flowers on a tall stalk, though seedlings rarely bloom.
Toxicity
High toxicity to humans, dogs, and cats. Contains cardiac glycosides (daigremontianin) that can cause heart palpitations, vomiting, and tremors if ingested.
Propagation
Extremely easy via plantlets that fall off the leaves, or through stem/leaf cuttings. It is often considered a weed in greenhouses because it spreads so easily.
Common Pests & Issues
Leaf drop due to over-watering, mealybugs, and scale. Can become invasive if planted outdoors in warm climates.
Similar Species
Kalanchoe delagoensis (Chandelier Plant), which has narrower, cylindrical leaves. Kalanchoe x houghtonii is a hybrid that looks very similar to this seedling.
Interesting Facts
This plant is often called 'Devil's Backbone' or 'Alligator Plant.' A single leaf can produce dozens of clonal offspring, allowing it to colonize a pot rapidly.
Created At: 2026-05-26T12:37:47.593249