Kalanchoe daigremontiana the “Mother of Thousands”

Also known as the “mother of thousands” or “the devil’s backbone” this unusual succulent is sure to catch your eye.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana growing in the sunroom

Kalanchoe daigremonriana is an interesting succulent which is native to the island of Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa. Also known as the “mother of thousands” (a moniker it gets from its ability to drop numerous plantlets from its leaves), it grows spear-tip shaped leaves along an upright stem that can grow as tall as 3 feet or more.

You don’t see this variety as often as Kalanchoe laetivirens, which has a similar shape and size but grows leathery, all green leaves. Daigremontiana, on the other hand, has dark purple stripes on the back of its leaves, which is why the plant is also called “the devil’s backbone.”

The underside of a Kalanchoe daigremontiana leaf has purple stripes

Growth

Like all succulents, this Kalanchoe needs very little water and thrives in sunny or mostly sunny places. In its native habitat in the arid southwest of Madagascar it grows in dry, rocky soil, surviving long periods of drought and doing most of its growing in the wet season. They’re very easy to grow indoors. Just put them in a sunny place where they get at least 5 hours of sunlight a day and water them sparingly only when the soil is completely dry. If you’re growing them outdoors, make sure they get plenty of sun and are protected from freezing temperatures as they aren’t frost tolerant at all.

The plant itself is a single stem with pairs of leaves growing laterally off of it. As it matures, the lower leaves will fall off and be replaced by air roots. The plant can reach up to 3 feet in height, but without support will bend to allow the stem to touch the ground and the air roots will attach to soil and spread the plant.

A Kalanchoe daigremontiana with air roots along the stem

Reproduction

Aside from spreading via the rooting stem, the plant also produces dozens of little plantlets which look like tiny oysters or sombreros at the serrated ends of its leaves. These plantlets fall off the leaves and take root in the soil so you can end up with dozens of little plants growing around the base of the main plant (thus the name “mother of thousands”).

Closeup of a Kalanchoe daigremontiana leaf showing the little plantlets growing on it

A young Kalanchoe daigremontiana

If you’re growing Kalanchoe daigremontiana outdoors and you’re in a zone that doesn’t get hard freeze in winter (Zone 9-11), these plants can quickly take over an area if you’re not diligent about thinning them. In fact, the plant is considered an invasive pest in warm, arid tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa and the Americas.

Flowers

A closeup of a Kalanchoe daigremontiana flowering in late winter

Kalanchoe daigremontiana flower stalks can be quite tall

Like other Kalanchoes, Kalanchoe daigremontiana produces clusters of small, fuschia or pink, bell-shaped flowers that dangle like a chandelier from the sides and end of the flower stalk. The flower stalks can reach 20 inches (60cm) high and the flowers will last for weeks.

Flowering is unpredictable though. It usually starts in late fall or early winter (the wet season), but won’t necessarily flower every year. Once it does flower, the plant dies back to the nearest leaf node and produces a new shoot that will become the new main plant.

Toxicity

One thing to note about Kalanchoe daigremontiana is that it is named for a substance in its leaves and stems called Daigremontianin. This is a steroid which is toxic to mammals. While pets generally do not eat the plant, it’s best to pick up any of the fallen leaves or plantlets so they don’t accidentally ingest them.

Summary

Kalanchoe daigremontiana is an easy care succulent that requires very little water, feeding, or care, but has very interesting leaves and growth habit. It does well in full sun and is a great companion for other succulents, especially round-leaved ones like Jade plants and aeoniums. As long as you don’t overwater it or let it freeze, it will last for years and provide you with lots of little baby plants you can share with friends. And, once in a while, it’ll provide you with pretty little bell-shaped flowers that last for weeks.