Jesse Saylor
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Plant Common Name
Devil's Backbone, Mexican Hat Plant, Mother-of-Thousands
General Description
This unique succulent is a popular houseplant and specimen for warm, dry landscapes. It is native to southwestern Madagascar where it inhabits dry, mountainous areas. One of its most unique characteristics is its ability to produce small plantlets (pseudo-bulbils) along the periphery of its leaves, which is why it's commonly called mother-of-thousands.
The large, opposite leaves of mother-of-thousands are broad and tapered. The foliage sparsely lines the stems and may be green, gray-green or sometimes mottled with burgundy. When growing conditions are dry the leaves may cup upwards along the edges. The pseudo-bulbils along the toothed edges are produced most in the summer months and are suppressed in winter. They eventually develop their own roots and drop to the ground to become whole new plants, which are clones of the parent. In early summer, tall, sturdy stems topped with a dense cluster of exquisite tubular, coral red flowers appear. Specimens grown in the Americas may be visited by hummingbirds. Cut back the stems after flowering to encourage new, vigorous basal growth.
Full sun and sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil is needed for good plant health. In the desert plants should be protected from hot afternoon sun. Otherwise, they are tough, easy ornamentals that will thrive in any sunny window or garden hot spot. Those grown outdoors can only be planted where there is no threat of heavy frost. Refrain from overwatering and be sure to grow container-grown specimens in a good growing mix for cacti.
Whether container or garden grown, mother-of-thousands will proliferate and has been known to be invasive where hardy. In fact, it has become naturalized in Hawaii and the southernmost tip of Florida. It is also a toxic plant.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Orange, Pink, Magenta
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
