Why people love it
Mother of thousands grows tiny, complete plants along the edges of its leaves. Each one already has its own little leaves and roots. When they fall, they root in any pot nearby. It’s fascinating to watch, and you’ll never run out of plants to share.
Care in a nutshell
- Bright light. A sunny window keeps the stem sturdy and the leaves well colored.
- Let the soil dry out. Then water deeply. Like other kalanchoes, it rots in soil that stays wet.
- Expect volunteers. Baby plants will pop up in nearby pots. Pull out the ones you don’t want.
Growing the baby plants
- Gently brush a few plantlets off a leaf edge.
- Set them on top of dry succulent mix. Don’t bury them.
- Mist or water lightly when the soil is dry. They root within a couple of weeks.
Watch out for
- It can spread outdoors. In warm, frost-free places it can escape gardens and become a weed. Don’t throw spare plantlets outside; put them in the trash.
- Flowering can end the main stem. After it flowers, the stem often dies. Grow on a few plantlets so you always have a replacement.
- A tall, leaning stem usually means it needs more light. Stake it, or restart it from plantlets.
Fun fact: The common name isn’t much of an exaggeration. A single large plant can carry hundreds of babies at once.
