Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Also known as: Mother of thousands, devil's backbone
Mother of thousands: thousands of tiny plantlets form along every leaf edge and drop to become new plants — it colonizes pots (and gardens) aggressively. It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, comes from Madagascar, stays around 60–90 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Kalanchoe
- Origin: Madagascar
- Mature size: 60–90 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets and people
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Kalanchoe
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Mature size
- 60–90 cm
- Growth habit
- Upright single-stemmed with triangular leaves
- Leaf colour
- Grey-green triangular leaves with purple blotches; leaf edges sprout tiny plantlets
- Flower colour
- Grey-pink bells
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets and people
- Other names
- Mother of thousands, devil's backbone
About the Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Mother of thousands: thousands of tiny plantlets form along every leaf edge and drop to become new plants — it colonizes pots (and gardens) aggressively. Fascinating, handsome, and quietly invasive; contain it in pots and prune plantlets.
Care and cultivation
Kalanchoes grow fast in bright light and a gritty mix. Water the soil, never the felted leaves, and deadhead spent blooms. Many kalanchoes are short-day plants: to re-bloom, give 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly for about six weeks in autumn. Light: Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. Water: Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Use a Standard succulent mix.
Description
Kalanchoe daigremontiana is a Kalanchoe succulent from Madagascar. Mother of thousands: thousands of tiny plantlets form along every leaf edge and drop to become new plants — it colonizes pots (and gardens) aggressively. Fascinating, handsome, and quietly invasive; contain it in pots and prune plantlets.
Identification
Look for: Grey-green triangular leaves with purple blotches; leaf edges sprout tiny plantlets leaves in a 60–90 cm form. Also answers to Mother of thousands, devil's backbone. The genus is Kalanchoe, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Mother of thousands'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Kalanchoe daigremontiana?
Every 2 weeks; felted species hate water on leaves. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Kalanchoe daigremontiana need?
Bright light; some species want full sun for colour. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Kalanchoe daigremontiana, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.