Scientific name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Common name: Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant
The monocarpic succulent is perfect for beginners. It is easy to grow and share with others because it is easy to propagation. The leaves have small bulbils along their edges. New plants grow when the plantlets fall to the ground.
Quick Look at Kalanchoe daigremontiana
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 3′ (90 cm) tall
- Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by plantlets
- Can be toxic to people and pets
- Summer Dormant
General Care for Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands”
The leaves of the “Mother of Thousands” are blue-green. As it grows, it becomes a nuisance to some growers. Because it is so easy to grow, care should be given to where the plant is planted.
Watering
There is a typical watering needs for a plant. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 20 F, it’s best to plant this Succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in both full and partial sun.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, a room that gets a lot of bright sunlight is a good place to plant indoors.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands”
The plantlets fall from the mother plant and take root in the ground around it.
Plantlet
Pull gently from the mother plant’s leaf to remove a plantlet.
There are lots of things you can do with the babies. If you allow the plantlet to sit for a day or two, you can place it on well-draining soil.
You can treat the plantlets like seeds. Place them on well-draining soil and cover with clear plastic to make a small greenhouse. They can be grown under the plastic film until they form roots and can be replanted into a different planter.
