Kalanchoe delagoensis: The Fascinating ‘Mother of Millions’
Kalanchoe delagoensis, also known as Kalanchoe tubiflora and commonly called ‘Mother of Millions’ or ‘Chandelier Plant’, is a succulent plant species that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Native to Madagascar, this plant is known for its trailing, tubular leaves and its ability to produce small plantlets along the edges of its leaves, giving it the common name ‘Mother of Millions’. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the unique characteristics, care, and cultivation of this fascinating plant.
Description
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ is a robust, completely bare, biennial or more or less perennial, succulent plant that reaches heights of between 0.2 and 2 meters. The upright stems are simple and round. The three-seated, seemingly opposite or alternate leaves are usually upright to straight when spread out. They are slightly cylindrical, a little rutty on the top and reach a length of 1 to 13 centimeters with a diameter of 2 to 6 millimeters. The leaf blade narrowed at the base is reddish-green to gray-green with reddish brown spots. At the tip of the leaf margin, there are two to nine small teeth on which there are numerous brood buds.
‘Mother of Millions’ plant produces clusters of small, bell-shaped, tubular flowers in shades of gold/yellow, orange, and red/burgundy, which bloom in a dangling cluster at the top of stems. The inflorescence of the flower is showy and blooms in winter. The flower petals are 4-5 petals/rays and the flower size is 1-3 inches.
Light requirements
‘Mother of Millions’ prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun.
Temperature and humidity
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ prefers warm temperatures and low humidity.
Kalanchoe Care and Maintenance of ‘Mother of Millions’
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ is relatively easy to care for, but it does have some specific needs. Here’s what you need to know to keep your plant healthy:
Watering and fertilizing
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Fertilize occasionally with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
How to Propagate ‘Mother of Millions’
All you need to do is carefully remove the small plantlets that form on the Mother of Millions leaves and place them gently on top of some potting soil. You can use a cactus soil mix, and the container doesn’t have to be super deep. Just make sure to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, since Mother of Millions is a succulent and doesn’t need a ton of water. A sunny spot is perfect for your plantlets to grow.
As the plantlets grow, they’ll start to develop roots and that’s when it’s time to give them a little more room to breathe by replanting them in larger pots. And the best part? Mother of Millions is a tough cookie and is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced growers alike.
Pests and Diseases
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Special Kalanchoe Care Tips
Keep an eye on ‘Mother of Millions’ plantlets and remove them from the main plant if they are crowding the main plant or if you want to propagate them. Be aware that ‘Mother of Millions’ is considered an invasive species in some regions and might not be legal to grow in certain places, such as Australia where it is prohibited to sell or propagate this plant.
Hardy zones
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ is hardy in zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors in these regions.
Cultivation
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under artificial light, or in outdoor cultivation, In cooler climates, it should be grown as an annual or container plant. It is often used as a hanging plant or trailing plant in hanging baskets, containers, or as a groundcover.
Invasive Species and Legal Status
‘Mother of Millions’ capability for vegetative reproduction, its drought tolerance, and popularity as a garden plant, make it an invasive weed in places such as eastern Australia, South Africa, and many Pacific islands. In these areas, it can displace native plants and contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides which can cause fatal poisoning, particularly in grazing animals like cattle.
In the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland, ‘Mother of Millions’ and its hybrids have been declared a noxious weed. It is important to be aware of the legal status of this plant in your area and to consider the potential negative impact it may have on local ecosystems before cultivating it.
Kalanchoe delagoensis Care Conclusion
Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’ is a unique and fascinating plant species with many unique characteristics. It is easy to care for and propagate, but it is important to be aware of its invasive nature and legal status in your area. If you decide to grow Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘Mother of Millions’, be sure to keep an eye on the plantlets and remove them if they are becoming invasive. With proper care and attention, this plant can make a great addition to any garden or indoor collection.
Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Mother of Millions' Care Guide
Growing season:
Winter
Dormant season:
Summer
Quick Look at Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Mother of Millions'
- Hardy to USDA Zone: 10a
- Size: Over 2 feet tall
- Foliage: Green/brown spotted
- Flower: Red/Orange
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, leaves, seed, offsets, viviparous (plantlets form on the leaf tips)
- Light: Full sun, bright shade
- Water: Drench & Dry
- Soil: Gritty, mostly inorganic, quickly draining
- Origin: Madagascar
About Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Mother of Thousands'
Kalanchoe delagoensis AKA ‘Mother of Millions’ gets its name from the seemingly thousands of plants that form on the tips of the leaves. That’s called viviparous propagation.
Another nickname for Kalanchoe delagoensis is ‘Chandelier Plant’ because it grows straight up when given enough light.
in my garden, I have a couple that are well over 2 feet tall. In some parts of the world, they’re considered an invasive weed, but I have mine planted in the ground and only one other plant has formed from plantlets.
Where to buy Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Mother of Thousands'
Where to Buy Succulents Online
I receive a small commission when you purchase anything through my links.
General Information About Kalanchoe Care
Kalanchoe is a genus of tropical, succulent plants that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and other parts of Africa, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world. Common names include Flaming Katy, Paddle Plant, and Mexican Hat Plant. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular Kalanchoe species and varieties, as well as cover all the essential information you need to know to care for them properly.
Overview of Popular Kalanchoe Species and Varieties
Some of the most popular species and varieties include: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: popular for its brightly colored flowers Kalanchoe beharensis: large, fuzzy leaves Kalanchoe tomentosa: small, furry leaves Kalanchoe pinnata: a species known for its medicinal properties
Kalanchoe Care and Maintenance
Kalanchoe is a relatively low maintenance plant, but there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for it.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe plants prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Kalanchoe plants prefer warm temperatures and low humidity.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Fertilize occasionally with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe can be propagated by taking leaf or stem cuttings and rooting them in a well-draining succulent soil mix.
Pests and Diseases
Kalanchoe is generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Growing Kalanchoe Indoors
Kalanchoe is a popular houseplant that can be grown in a sunny window or under artificial light.
Outdoor Cultivation in Warm Climates
Kalanchoe is hardy in zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors in these regions. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or container plant.
Common Uses in Landscaping and Gardening
Kalanchoe is often used as a colorful, low-maintenance groundcover or accent plant in rock gardens or succulent gardens.
What are some adaptations of Kalanchoe?
Here are some other adaptations of Kalanchoe:
• Thick, succulent leaves. Kalanchoe have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. This is an adaptation to arid environments where water is scarce. The succulent leaves allow Kalanchoe to survive periods of drought by using the stored water in its leaves.
• Covered in waxy coating. The leaves and stems of Kalanchoe are coated in a waxy substance that helps reduce water loss. This waxy coating is an adaptation to the hot, dry climates where Kalanchoe originate. It allows the plant to retain moisture that is vital for its survival.
• Closed stomata during the day. Kalanchoe have stomata that are closed during the hot daytime, which reduces water loss through transpiration. The stomata open at night when it is cooler, allowing the plants to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. This adaptation helps Kalanchoe balance its need for photosynthesis and water conservation.
• Production of offsets. Many Kalanchoe varieties produce plant offsets or “pups” that can be used for propagation. This is a form of asexual reproduction that allows Kalanchoe to propagate and spread effectively. The ability to produce offsets helps the species adapt to a range of conditions and expand its populations. It also makes Kalanchoe popular as houseplants that can be easily propagated.
• Brightly colored flowers. Some Kalanchoe species produce vividly colored flowers. These conspicuous flowers attract pollinators like birds, insects, and bats. By attracting pollinators, the flowers aid in reproduction and the spread of Kalanchoe. The colorful blooms have also made certain Kalanchoe varieties popular flowering houseplants and garden plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kalanchoe is a tropical, succulent plant that is well-suited for warm climates, and can be grown indoors as well. It has a variety of uses in gardening and landscaping. With proper care, Kalanchoe can be a beautiful addition to any garden or home.
