How to care for and propagate Kalanchoe daigremontianaKalanchoe daigremontiana care and propagation informationPin

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant

This well-known monocarpic succulent is perfect for beginners. It is easy to propagate, making it either a weed or an exciting succulent to grow and share with others. The leaves grow tiny bulbils along its edges. When the plantlets fall to the ground, they grow new plants.

Quick Look:

  • Full sun to partial shade

  • Typical water needs for a succulent

  • Plant grows up to 3′ (90 cm) tall

  • Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by plantlets

  • Can be toxic to people and pets

  • Summer Dormant

Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands”

Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands” has large, blue-green leaves. As it grows, it tends to trail, making it a nuisance to some growers. Because it propagates so easily, care should be given to where this succulent is planted.

Watering

“Mother of Thousands” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Kalanchoe daigremontiana is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C) in the winter, it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of bright sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Kalanchoe daigremontiana “Mother of Thousands”

“Mother of Thousands” propagates so easily, I have named it the Incredible Self-Propagating Succulent! Plantlets fall from the mother plant and take root in the ground around it.

Plantlets

To remove a plantlet from the mother plant, simply pull gently from the leaf.

There are several things you can do with the babies now. You can allow the plantlet to sit for a day or two to callous over, and then place on well-draining soil.

You can also treat the plantlets like germinated seeds. Place them on well-draining soil, and cover with clear plastic to create a small greenhouse. Grow under the plastic film until they form roots, and are able to be transplanted into a separate planter.

succulent tracker app plant editor screen example

Stop killing your succulents with the help of this easy-to-use app

Keeping track of watering and remember the name of your succulent can be tricky. The Succulent Tracker App helps with both! Plus, it allows you to keep a photo history of your succulent, record when you repot or treat for pests, along with a number of other helpful actions.

Set a watering schedule for your succulent and the app will remind you when it’s time to water (so you’re not left wondering when you watered last).

Give it a try today to help you help your succulents thrive! Available on Apple and Android devices.