Description
Mother-of-millions are native to Madagascar and are escaped ornamental plants. Five species are commonly naturalised in Queensland. It is well adapted to dry areas because of its succulent features. As the name suggests, one plant can reproduce a new generation from masses of embryoids (plantlets) that are formed on the leaf edges. This makes these plants hard to eradicate and follow up controls are essential. These plants, especially their flowers, are poisonous to stock and occasionally cause a significant number of cattle deaths. The plant flowers from May to October (during the drier months of the year) and the scarcity of feed at this time may cause cattle to consume lethal amounts of mother-of-millions.
How to grow Mother of Millions
Before we get into how to care for the mother of millions, first we should talk about where to grow them. Choosing a good location is the first step to long lasting health.
HARDINESS
Mother of millions is not a cold hardy plant. In zones 9-11 it’s a perennial that can grow happily outside, but in other areas it’s better overwintered or kept exclusively indoors.
It can enjoy summer weather when temps stay above 50°F at night, but when they drop below that it’s time to move it inside.
WHERE TO GROW MOTHER OF MILLIONS
The ideal spot for a Kalanchoe delagoensis is somewhere very bright. They love the sun, but can burn in the intense afternoon rays, especially during summer.
Partial shade is ideal outdoors, while indoors they do best with diffused bright light.
They prefer a well-draining garden location, and also grow very well in containers. Choose one with drainage holes to help prevent root rot.
How to care for Mother of Millions
Now that you have the perfect place in mind, let’s talk about mother of millions care. These tips will ensure you know exactly how to keep yours thriving.
LIGHT
It’s important that your mother of millions receives 4-6 hours of bright light a day to keep the marbling pattern. With too little they can become leggy and pale.
Outdoors in the summer, place them in a bright partial shade location that’s protected from the hot afternoon sun.
In the winter, they’re less likely to burn, and prefer direct sun. Indoors, use a grow light to supplement if you don’t have a sunny window for them.
WATER
Kalanchoe delagoensis doesn’t like wet feet. Wait until the soil is dry several inches down before giving it a drink, and always drain any excess from the pot.
It’s important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to drooping leaves or shedding pups, and eventually root rot. A water moisture gauge is a great tool to help you get it just right.
TEMPERATURE
The ideal temperature range for a mother of millions plant is between 60-95°F.
They will stop growing when it falls below 50°F, and can suffer damage, or even die if exposed to cooler temps for extended periods of time.
Always bring them indoors when temperatures begin to drop in the fall. During extreme heat waves, you may need to water them more frequently.
FERTILIZER
Fertilizing mother of millions is not a necessary part of their routine care, but monthly feedings during the spring and summer can stimulate growth.
Choose an organic houseplant or cactus fertilizer for best results. I recommend avoiding any chemical based options, as those can do more harm than good.
SOIL
Kalanchoe delagoensis are not picky about soil, and are natively found growing in poor or infertile places. But ideally, they’ll do best in a loose, sandy, well-draining mix.
You can use a commercial mix, or make your own with equal parts potting soil and perlite, and a few handfuls of coarse sand.
REPOTTING
Due to the fast-growth of mother of millions, they may need repotting every few years. Check the bottom for roots coming out of the drainage holes to know when it’s time.
It’s best to tackle it in the spring or summer, or after it’s finished flowering for the year.
PEST CONTROL TIPS
When cared for properly, healthy mother of millions plants rarely have issues with insect pests. But occasionally mealybugs, scale, or whiteflies can attack.
The best way to combat bugs is by using a natural solution like neem oil or an insecticidal soap. You can even mix your own by combining 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap with 1 liter of water.
To speed things up and kill any obvious bugs you see on contact, clean them off using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
MOTHER OF MILLIONS PROPAGATION TIPS
Kalanchoe delagoensis is notoriously simple to propagate, hence the common name. When left to its own devices, the tiny plantlets will fall off and root themselves.
If you don’t want to wait for them to drop on their own, simply grasp a baby and gently bend or twist it off.
Allow it to callous over for a day, then dip it in rooting hormone, and set it on top of moistened, well-draining soil.
They can also be multiplied by rooting stem cuttings, which will give you a large plant much faster than cultivating the tiny pups.
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