Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)


Also known as mother of thousands, mother of millions, maternity plant, alligator plant, Mexican hat plant, palm tree Bryophyllum, devil’s backbone, evil genius, chandelier plant. Scientific binomial synonym: Kalanchoe daigremontianum. Former scientific binomial: Bryophyllum daigremontianum.

Plant Type: flowering succulent

Plant Family: Stonecrops family (Crassulaceae)

Native Region(s): Madagascar

Landscape Use: Xeriscaping

Height: 3 feet (1 foot average)

Spread: 20 inches

Hardiness Zones: 9b-11b

Hardy Down To: Not frost hardy. Minimum temperature varies between 25-40° F.

Light: Bright, indirect lighting (6+ hours per day). Loves morning sun. This plant will get spindly in low-light conditions. If you bring your plant outdoors in the summer, introduce it to direct light gradually, or the leaves might scorch.

Water: water only when the first 2 inches of soil is dry. This plant hates soggy soil.

Soil: Well draining sandy soil, like a cactus and succulent mix.

Maintenance: to make plant branch out instead of growing straight up, cut off the young top shoots early on to encourage branched growth.

Fertilize: Fertilize from March to October.

Seasons of Interest: Blooms indoors in early winter.

Toxicity: Toxic. Keep it away from small pets and children.

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