How to Grow and Care for Mother of Thousands Plant

Mother of Thousands plant is a fascinating succulent species native to Madagascar. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family, a cousin of the jade plant, and is commonly grown as a houseplant.

One of the most noticeable differences of the Mother of Thousands plant is its ability for easy propagation. This succulent plant produces tiny plantlets along the edges of its narrow leaves.

These baby plantlets, also known as “pups,” grow on the stalks of the mother plant, giving it the moniker “Mother of Thousands.”

The Mother of Thousands plant is a drought-tolerant and hardy succulent, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Its ability to thrive in periods of no water and withstand intense heat makes it a resilient addition to any garden.

This plant is particularly loved for its unique appearance and the way it effortlessly produces new plants. It’s a great conversation starter and a beautiful addition to any plant collection.

In this comprehensive guide, as a master gardener, I’ll share everything you need to know about growing and caring for Mother of Thousands plants, from propagation to pest control and everything in between.

Botanical Name: Kalanchoe spp.

Common Name: Mother of thousands, mother of millions, devil’s backbone, alligator plant

Family: Crassulaceae

Plant Type: Succulent

Hardiness Zones: 10 – 12 (USDA)

Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Soil Type: Well-drained

Soil pH: Acid, neutral, alkaline

Flower Color: Various

Native Area: Africa, Asia

Mother Of Thousands Plant Care

The Mother of Thousands plant, also known as the Kalanchoe daigremontiana, is a succulent species native to Madagascar and a cousin of the Jade plant. It thrives in well-draining soil, ideally a mix of perlite, sand, and peat moss, in a terracotta pot to prevent root rot.

This drought-tolerant beauty prefers indirect light, making it suitable for north and east-facing windows, as intense heat can scorch its narrow leaves.

During the growing season, it produces tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves, allowing for easy propagation.

Be mindful of pests like mealybugs and aphids, which can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Finally, allow for periods of no water, as too much moisture can be detrimental to this resilient succulent.

Light

Mother of Thousands plants thrive in enough light but can also survive with little light. These succulent species from Madagascar are best placed in a location with indirect light, such as an east-facing window.

During the growing season, they should be shielded from the intense heat of the day, especially if placed near a window.

In contrast, during winter months, they can tolerate north-facing windows and the partial shade. The most noticeable difference in light is the production of tiny plantlets along the leaf edges, which increases with more light.

Soil

The mother of thousands plant prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot, a common issue for this drought-tolerant succulent species. A combination of potting mix, perlite, and sand or pumice is ideal to ensure good drainage.

Some gardeners also add a bit of peat moss to the mix, but it’s essential to be cautious as too much moisture can be detrimental to the plant’s health. If you’re using a terracotta pot, the soil will dry out more quickly than in other materials, so you may need to water more frequently.

Water

Mother of Thousands plants are drought-tolerant, and during their growing season, they prefer periods of no water to too much moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue with many succulent species.

It’s best to let the top inch of the soil dry out between watering. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, water even less.

Remember, it’s always better to underwater than overwater these plants.

Temperature and Humidity

Mother of thousands plants are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer to be in an environment where the temperature stays between 60°F and 85°F during the growing season.

In the winter months, they can handle slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F, but prolonged exposure to anything lower can cause damage.

These plants are drought-tolerant and can adapt well to low humidity environments, but they do appreciate a little boost. However, too much moisture in the air can lead to issues with pests like mealybugs and scale insects.

Therefore, it’s best to maintain a moderate level of humidity around the plant.

Fertilizer

The mother of thousands plant has relatively low fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, a light feeding of a balanced houseplant fertilizer can help support the development of its numerous tiny plantlets.

However, it’s important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth, which may make the plant more susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and scale insects.

During the winter months, it’s best to refrain from fertilization, as the plant is in a period of dormancy and does not require as many nutrients.

Pruning

Pruning the mother of thousands plant is not a common practice, as this succulent species thrives on its unique ability for easy propagation through the tiny plantlets that grow along the edges of its leaves.

However, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, you can prune the top off to encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the stems.

After pruning, allow the cuttings to callous over for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil. This will prevent the cuttings from rotting and promote successful growth of new plants.

Overwintering

During the winter months, mother of thousands plants require a different care routine. They should be kept in a terracotta pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand or pumice to prevent root rot caused by too much moisture.

These succulents prefer indirect light during this time, so placing them in a north-facing window is ideal. While they can tolerate a little light, direct sunlight and intense heat, especially from the hottest parts of the day, should be avoided.

Remember to reduce watering frequency as well since they are drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of no water.

Types of Mother Of Thousands

• Kalanchoe Daigremontiana: Its green leaves, sometimes with purple stripes, produce plantlets that range in color from green to pink.

• Kalanchoe Delagoensis: It is commonly known as “mother of millions” because of the numerous plantlets that grow around its leaf margins. These plants have a more silvery-grey color.

• Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi: It’s known for its vibrant blooms and the tiny plantlets that form along the edges of its leaves.

• Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana: This plant has waxy green leaves and bold flowers that come in a variety of colors such as red, orange, and yellow. Although it looks similar to Kalanchoe, it does not have the signature mother of thousands offshoots along its leaf edges like Kalanchoe does. Nonetheless, it is often mistaken for mother of thousands due to its resemblance.

How to Plant Mother Of Thousands From Seed

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Select a terracotta pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The pot should be slightly larger than the mother of thousands succulent, allowing room for growth.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Create a well-draining soil mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or pumice. This will mimic the plant’s natural habitat in Madagascar, where it grows in sandy, rocky soils.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Place the tiny plantlets from the leaf edges or stems of the mother plant on the soil surface. You can also plant the seeds directly into the soil.

Step 4: Position the Pot

Place the pot in a location that receives enough light but not the intense heat of the hottest parts of the day. An east-facing window is ideal, but north-facing windows or partial shade will also work.

Step 5: Water Carefully

Water the newly planted mother of thousands plants sparingly, especially during the winter months. These succulents are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of no water. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

How to Propagate Mother Of Thousands

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot and Soil Mix

The first step in propagating your mother of thousands plant is to prepare a suitable pot and soil mix. Mother of thousands is a succulent plant, so it requires a well-draining soil mix to thrive.

A mixture of peat moss, sand, perlite, or pumice works well for this purpose. A terracotta pot is a good choice as it allows for better air circulation, which is important for succulents.

Step 2: Choose the Right Stems

The next step is to select the right stems from the mother plant for propagation. Look for healthy, mature stems with baby plantlets or tiny plantlets growing along the edges of the leaves.

These plantlets are the key to propagating the mother of thousands plant. Gently separate the plantlets from the mother plant, taking care not to damage the delicate roots.

Step 3: Plant the Stems

Once you have selected the stems with plantlets, it’s time to plant them in the prepared pot with the soil mix. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Plant the stems with the plantlets attached, burying them slightly in the soil. You can also plant the plantlets directly into the soil if they have developed enough roots.

How to Pot or Repot Mother Of Thousands

Step 1: Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

When potting or repotting a Mother of Thousands plant, it’s crucial to select a pot that provides good drainage. A terracotta pot is often recommended for succulents like the Mother of Thousands as it allows excess moisture to evaporates through its porous walls.

The soil should be a well-draining mix to prevent root rot, a common issue with succulents. A good option is a blend of regular potting soil, sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Pumice can also be added for extra aeration and drainage. These components ensure that the soil retains enough moisture for the plant but doesn’t become waterlogged.

Step 2: Preparing the Plant

Before potting, inspect the Mother of Thousands plant for any signs of pests such as mealybugs, aphids, or scale insects. These can be gently wiped off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Next, carefully remove the plant from its current pot, being mindful of the delicate baby plantlets that may be growing along the leaf edges and stems.

Step 3: Potting or Repotting

Place the Mother of Thousands plant in the center of the new pot and fill in around it with the soil mix, ensuring the baby plantlets are in contact with the soil.

Gently pat down the soil to secure the plant in place, taking care not to damage the fragile leaves and stems.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Mother Of Thousands

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are common pests for the mother of thousands plant, a succulent species native to Madagascar. These small, white insects feed on the plant’s sap, often congregating on the undersides of leaves and in the leaf axils.

Their presence can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant.

Aphids

Aphids, another common pest for houseplants, can also be a problem for the mother of thousands. These tiny, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing leaves to curl and yellow.

In large numbers, they can also cause wilting and distortion of new growth. Aphids can be controlled with a strong jet of water or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.

Root Rot

Root rot is a common disease for the mother of thousands plant, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The disease is characterized by dark, mushy roots and a general decline in the plant’s health.

If left untreated, it can be fatal. To prevent root rot, make sure your plant is potted in well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, or pumice, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Common Plant Problems and Solutions for Mother Of Thousands

Brown Tips on Leaves

The most noticeable difference in the health of your mother of thousands plant is the emergence of brown tips on the narrow leaves. This is often a sign of intense heat or direct sunlight, which these Madagascar succulents are not well-suited for.

To rectify this, move the plant to a location with indirect light or partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing of the leaves on your mother of thousands succulent is often a sign of overwatering. This drought-tolerant plant, a cousin of the jade plant, prefers periods of no water over too much moisture.

If you notice yellowing, check the pot for good drainage. If the pot lacks proper drainage, consider repotting into a terracotta pot with a mix of well-draining soil, such as perlite or pumice, and peat moss.

Wilting and Drooping

Wilting and drooping in a mother of thousands plant is usually a sign of not enough light. These succulents, native to Madagascar, thrive in bright light conditions.

If your plant is wilting, move it to a location with enough light, such as an east-facing window or a spot with indirect sunlight from north-facing windows.

Falling Baby Plantlets

One of the most interesting features of the mother of thousands plant is its easy propagation through the production of baby plantlets along the edges of the leaves.

However, if these tiny plantlets are falling off prematurely, it could be a sign of too much water or a lack of good drainage in the pot. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent this.

 

Other Guides from Planet Natural:

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Kalanchoe

10 Easiest Succulents to Grow at Home