Mother of thousands care guide
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Also known as: Alligator plant, Bryophyllum daigremontianum
Pets and children
Considered toxic
All parts, including dropped plantlets, contain cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rhythm problems in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Mother of thousands
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- Water thoroughly once the soil dries, as a guide; a fast summer grower that drinks even in midsummer when dry, but do not leave water in the saucer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Lengthen the gaps as it cools, watering a few days after the soil dries, roughly every two weeks.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every month
- In winter, a light watering about once a month on a mild morning is enough.
Light and placement for Mother of thousands
A summer grower that generally wants a sunny, airy spot, or a bright window indoors, with light shade from strong midsummer sun; in poor light the stem grows thin and the leaves fade.
Overwintering Mother of thousands
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender: as a guide, bring it to a bright window when nights drop below about 5°C, keep it on the dry side, and keep frost off it.
Fertilizing and repotting Mother of thousands
Fertilizer
It hardly needs feeding: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month from spring to fall, none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Mother of thousands
- Dropped plantlets colonize neighboring pots and crowd other plants.
- Overwatered in winter, the stem rots.
- Without enough light it grows tall and thin and falls over.
Tips for growing Mother of thousands
- The plantlets along the leaf edges root wherever they land, so propagation is easy.
- To keep it from spreading, pick up dropped plantlets promptly.
- Cut it back when it gets tall and replant the top.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
