Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands): Characteristics & Cultivation

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, formerly known as Bryophyllum daigremontianum and commonly called mother of thousands, alligator plant or Mexican hat plant, is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. In its natural habitat, it grows in rocky areas, often on limestone hills. Like other members of Bryophyllum (now included in the genus Kalanchoe), it can propagate vegetatively from plantlets that develop on its leaf margins, as well as through upshoots from lateral roots, and seeds.

As a succulent plant, Kalanchoe daigremontiana can survive prolonged periods of drought with little or no water. During growth periods with higher temperatures and increased water supply, this species requires proper nutrition, without which leaves show deficiency symptoms such as crippled growth and pustule-like lesions. The plant is not frost-hardy and typically dies in places where temperatures are below freezing.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana prefers to grow in rocky and dry places. It can become an invasive plant and threaten natural ecosystems, especially in arid and semi-arid environments (South Africa and regions of South America for example), where it can inhibit native-plant recruitment.

Characteristics

  • The plant has large, green, pointed leaves that are adorned with numerous plantlets along the leaf margins. These plantlets are what give the plant its name, as they can drop off and grow into new plants. The leaves often have a slightly serrated edge and can sometimes have reddish or purple margins, especially when stressed or under different light conditions.
  • It grows rapidly into a rosette form, and can reach up to 3 feet in height. The plant can become quite bushy, with new growth emerging from the base.
  • Produces small, bell-shaped flowers which can be pink, red, or brownish, growing on long stalks. However, flowering is not the main attraction; it’s the propagation method that makes this plant unique.
  • Contains bufadienolides, making it toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children, as it can cause heart and digestive issues.

Cultivation

  • Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, particularly in the morning. Too much direct sunlight might cause leaf burn, so some shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial.
  • Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of underwatering.
  • A well-draining cactus or succulent mix is ideal. Adding perlite or sand can enhance drainage.
  • Thrives in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can handle cooler temperatures down to about 50°F (10°C), but frost should be avoided.
  • It’s adaptable to average household humidity but doesn’t require high humidity levels.
  • Fertilize sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to leggy growth.
  • Generally pest-resistant, but watch for common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues.
  • Not generally necessary for health but can be done to control size or encourage fuller growth.
  • Repot when the plant becomes pot-bound or when you want to refresh the soil. This plant can grow quite quickly, so you might need to repot annually or biennially.

Propagation

  • Plantlets: Simply allow the plantlets to fall onto the soil, where they will root. You can also gently remove them and plant them directly into soil or potting mix.
  • Leaf Cuttings: Cut a leaf and place it on soil where it will also produce plantlets

Introduced and Naturalized Distribution

  • Australia: It’s considered an invasive species in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, where it can become a pest in natural environments due to its prolific reproduction.
  • Florida, USA: It has naturalized in parts of Florida, where the warm, humid climate supports its growth. Here, too, it’s sometimes seen as a weed due to its invasive tendencies.
  • South Africa: It has been reported in some regions, where it can thrive in similar conditions to its native environment.
  • Hawaii: Due to the ideal climate, it has also become naturalized in parts of Hawaii.
  • Caribbean Islands: Several islands in the Caribbean report this plant as naturalized.
  • Parts of Asia: Including countries like India and Thailand, where it’s also grown for its ornamental value.
  • Europe: In warmer climates like the Mediterranean region, where it can survive outdoors year-round or as a houseplant in cooler areas.