Growing and Caring for Mother of Millions: A Guide to Chandelier Plants

Succulent lovers, brace yourself for the beautiful yet quirky mother of millions succulent, also known as Kalanchoe delagoensis. This plant, native to Madagascar, is part of the Kalanchoe genus and is famous for its unique reproductive abilities.

Contrary to popular belief, this succulent won’t produce a million baby plantlets, but you can expect an abundant number from a single mother of millions plant. Before you start worrying about being overrun by adorable plantlets, let’s dive into some valuable information on how to grow and care for this exuberant succulent.

Here’s all you need to know:

What Is Mother of Millions?

Table of Contents

Mother of millions is known for its viviparous asexual reproduction, where it produces numerous baby plantlets on the tips of its upright leaves. These plantlets drop and root themselves in any available soil, allowing the plant to propagate rapidly.

This succulent, with symmetrical lanceolate leaves in a chandelier-like arrangement, can reach impressive heights outdoors under ideal conditions. While it thrives in Zones 9 to 11, it’s essential to note that mother of millions can become invasive in certain regions and is toxic to livestock.

In addition to its unique reproductive abilities, mother of millions is also known by other names such as chandelier plant and devil’s backbone due to its striking appearance and growth habits.

Propagation

Mother of millions is incredibly easy to propagate, thanks to its self-propagating baby plantlets. Simply repot the fallen plantlets that have rooted themselves or gently remove plantlets from the ends of the leaves and sprinkle them on succulent soil to propagate.

Alternatively, you can propagate K. delagoensis from seeds, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings if you prefer a more hands-on approach. However, considering the plant’s natural propagation abilities, propagating from plantlets is the easiest and most efficient method.

How to Grow

Growing mother of millions is a breeze both outdoors and indoors. For outdoor cultivation, ensure well-draining soil, full sun exposure with partial shade to protect from harsh rays, and a wind-sheltered location. Plant container specimens to control their spreading habit and minimize watering needs.

Indoor cultivation requires temperatures between 60 and 80°F, a well-draining succulent mix, adequate light, and thorough drying between waterings. Fertilize sparingly and repot infrequently to keep these plants happy and healthy.

Maintenance

For outdoor plants, ensure that baby plantlets are controlled and waterlogged containers are avoided. Regularly remove unwanted plantlets and relocate or dispose of them to prevent overcrowding. Indoors, occasional fertilization and minimal repotting are sufficient for maintenance.

Avoid overwatering, as this is the most common way to harm mother of millions. Symptoms such as yellowing leaves or leggy appearance indicate overwatering or insufficient light, respectively.

Where to Buy

Mother of millions can be acquired from local nurseries, online sellers, or through plant swaps with fellow gardeners. Various vendors offer healthy specimens under different botanical aliases, making it easy to find this unique succulent for your collection.

Managing Pests and Disease

Mother of millions may experience minor pest infestations from mealybugs, scale, or spider mites. Preventative measures and early intervention are key to managing these pests effectively. Disease prevention involves avoiding waterlogged soil to prevent root rot and addressing powdery mildew promptly if it occurs.

Best Uses

This vibrant and proliferative succulent, with its eye-catching foliage and flowers, is an excellent choice for arid landscapes, patio containers, or as a unique houseplant. It thrives on neglect and reproduces readily, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type: Succulent
Flower/Foliage Color: Green or gray with purple mottling/salmon, pink, orange
Native to: Madagascar
Hardiness (USDA Zone): 9-11
Bloom Time: Winter (outdoors)
Exposure: Full sun, partial shade (outdoors); direct sun, bright indirect light (indoors)
Water Needs: Low
Height: Up to 3 feet (indoors), 6 feet (outdoors)
Spread: 12-36 inches
Maintenance: Low

And Baby Makes (Close to) a Million

Growing and caring for mother of millions succulents can be a rewarding experience for plant lovers of all levels. With its striking appearance, easy propagation, and low maintenance requirements, this succulent is sure to be a conversation starter in any garden.

Are you cultivating chandelier plants in your garden? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below! For more succulent gardening tips and guides, be sure to explore our wide range of informative articles on growing and caring for various succulent species.

Remember, the key to successful plant care is attentive observation, minimal intervention, and a touch of patience. Happy gardening!