Mother of Thousands Plant: How to Propagate the Succulent

Mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is a succulent that also goes by alligator plant, devil’s backbone, or Mexican hat plant. The common name mother of thousands comes from the rows of tiny plantlets that grow along the outer edges of the leaves.

The mother of thousands plant is a popular houseplant, although it is toxic to humans and pets. Native to Madagascar, the plant can grow outside in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11, preferring climates where the outdoor temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the United States, this type of climate corresponds to Hawaii and Florida. The plant will only flower while growing outside—it blooms in winter, producing small, tubular flowers.

Propagating mother of thousands succulents can be relatively easy. Follow these steps to grow a new plant from the mother plant:

1. 1. Remove the baby plantlets. As the mother plant prepares to go dormant, the small plantlets will naturally drop from the plant’s large leaves in late winter. You can also gently remove the baby plantlets from the main leaf.
2. 2. Add the plantlets to soil. Treat the mother of thousands plantlets similar to how you would other baby succulents. Place a baby plantlet on top of well-drained soil, such as a cactus soil mix, then place it in a sunny window. Spritz the soil with water to ensure it’s moist but not wet, and the small plantlet will eventually take root.
3. 3. Replant the new plant. Transplant young plants as you would a mature mother of thousands plant. When the plantlet has developed a root system, transfer it to a small terracotta pot filled with cactus mix or well-drained potting soil.

A mother of thousands succulent makes a good houseplant for beginners, as it requires minimal maintenance. That said, here are some considerations that will help your plant thrive:

• Containers: Use a well-drained pot, such as a terracotta pot with drainage holes. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the plant’s root bed.
• Fertilizer: The mother of thousands plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can use diluted liquid fertilizer every three months during its growing season—generally March through September.
• Light: Place your pot in an east-facing or south-facing window where the plant will receive bright but indirect light. Morning sun is best, as the green leaves will absorb the bright light, but it won't be hot enough to scorch the leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, especially the hot afternoon sun.
• Soil: Use specialty potting mix, such as a succulent soil mix combined with perlite, for good drainage.
• Temperature: When you’re growing a mother of thousands as a houseplant, keep the succulent in an area that is generally room temperature and will not dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Water: The mother of thousands plant is generally drought-tolerant, but you should not let the soil go completely dry. Water it when the top layer of cactus potting mix is dry, which is about every ten to fourteen days, depending on the humidity level in your home.

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