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Description
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana, commonly known as the Mother of Thousands, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Madagascar and can grow up to 1 meter tall. The plant is characterized by its peculiar method of reproducing asexually, with plantlets growing along the edges of its leaves. These plantlets can grow to maturity while still attached to the parent plant, giving rise to the name “Mother of Thousands.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
Appearance
The leaves of Kalanchoe Daigremontiana are thick and green, with scalloped edges that are lined with tiny plantlets. The plantlets are initially small and white, but they grow larger and become green as they mature. When the plant is mature, it can produce hundreds of plantlets, giving it a striking appearance. The plant also produces small, tubular flowers that are pink or red in color.
Care Guide
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Mother of Thousands plant:
Water: Water the plant deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the pot has good drainage, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot if it sits in water for too long.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Soil: Use a well-draining, sandy soil mix for your Mother of Thousands plant. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Kalanchoe Daigremontiana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can be removed with a solution of water and dish soap, or by using an insecticidal soap. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered, so be careful not to let the soil stay wet for too long.
Habitat
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is native to Madagascar, where it grows in rocky, arid environments. The plant is adapted to drought conditions and can store water in its leaves for long periods of time. It is commonly grown as a houseplant in other parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mother of Thousands plant?
A: Water the plant deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can I propagate my Mother of Thousands plant?
A: Yes, you can propagate your Mother of Thousands plant by removing the plantlets that grow along the edges of the leaves and planting them in a well-draining soil mix.
Q: Can I grow my Mother of Thousands plant outdoors?
A: Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors in warm, arid climates.
Q: Can I prune my Mother of Thousands plant?
A: Yes, you can prune your Mother of Thousands plant to control its size and shape. Prune back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Related Plants
- Kalanchoe Tomentosa
- Kalanchoe Pinnata
- Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
- Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi
References
- “Kalanchoe daigremontiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277221&isprofile=0&basic=Kalanchoe%20daigremontiana>
- “Mother of Thousands: Kalanchoe Daigremontiana.” The Spruce. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/mother-of-thousands-kalanchoe-daigremontiana-1902980>
- “Kalanchoe daigremontiana.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/kalanchoe-daigremontiana.html>
