Are you deliberating between the Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands succulents without clarity on their distinctions? Both of these trendy succulents blend similarities with differences. In this piece, gardening specialist Madison Moulton conducts a comparative analysis of these succulents, highlighting both their common aspects and unique features.
The showdown between the Mother Kalanchoes commences with these highly sought-after succulent varieties that bear offspring plantlets shedding from the parent plants and maturing into independent plants: Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands. Despite each possessing distinctive characteristics, they both showcase resilience and low-maintenance qualities.
Hailing from Madagascar, Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe delagoensis, previously known as Bryophyllum delagoensis) are rapid-growing succulents with miniature plantlets sprouting at the tips of slender fleshy leaves. Each of these plantlets has the ability to kickstart a new plant, while any offspring dislodging from the ends effortlessly root nearby, facilitating rapid proliferation.
Similarly, Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana, previously identified as Bryophyllum daigremontianum) boasts broad green leaves that produce tiny plantlets along the leaf edges. These plantlets, also capable of detaching and thriving in harsh conditions, resemble their siblings in the quick propagation process. Let’s delve deeper into the distinctions between these two succulents.
Comparing Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands
Details
Scientific Name
Family
Mature Size
Native Region
Leaf Appearance
Leaf Color
Flower Color
Growth Difficulty
Soil
Exposure
Light Tolerance
Mother of Thousands
Kalanchoe
Crassulaceae
Up to 3 feet
Madagascar
Smooth Oblong
Multi-colored, Green Burgundy
Orange to Burgundy
Easy
Sandy, Loamy
Full sun to part shade
Min. 2 hours a day
Poisonous to animals and humans
Crassulaceae
Up to 3 feet
Madagascar
Wide with toothed edges
Green
Gray to Pink
Easy
Well-draining
Full sun to partial shade
Min. 2 hours a day
Poisonous to animals and humans
Botanical Characteristics
Discover the intriguing differences in the botanical features of these two quirky plants. Despite their shared leaflets that propagate tiny offspring, their individuality shines through.
Taxonomy
Both of these plants are from the Kalanchoe genus.
Known as Mother of Millions, Chandelier Plant, or Devil’s Backbone, Kalanchoe delagoensis is a captivating succulent from the Crassulacea family with a tall growth pattern and enchanting leaves.
Kalanchoe delagoensis was identified by botanists Eckl. & Zeyh, paying tribute to the Danish botanist Christian Friedrich Ecklon (1795–1868), who extensively collected plant samples.Originating from Southern Africa alongside Zeyh, which is a nod to the German collector Karl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher (1799 –1858), Kalanchoe daigremontiana is recognized as the Mother of Thousands, Mexican Hat Plant, and at times Alligator Plant. It belongs to the succulent group, similar to the Mother of Millions from the Crassulacea family. French botanist Raymond Hamet (1890 – 1972) was the one who named this species, with Raym.-Hamet behind the name and Joseph Henry Alfred Perrier, identified with H.Perrier behind the plant name, known for their specialization in plants from Madagascar.
Native Area
Madagascar serves as the native home for both these plants. Kalanchoe delagoensis thrives in the central and southern regions, while Kalanchoe daigremontiana can be primarily found in the western regions. They flourish in desert environments within a dry subshrub biome, where locals often utilize these plants for their toxic properties.
Appearance
Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands differ notably in appearance, although their flowers share similarities. However, it is the leaves that distinctively set these two plants apart.
Leaf Shape and Color
The leaves of Mother of Millions are sleek, narrow, and oblong-shaped, arranged opposite each other on elongated stems, exhibiting a grey to silver sheen with red to reddish brown marks. They measure approximately 1-6 inches in length and less than an inch in thickness. Notably, the leaves boast 3-9 small teeth at their tips, where plantlets cluster along the edges, which is a characteristic feature of this plant.
Conversely, Mother of Thousands showcases wide blue-green leaves with serrated edges where the tiny plantlets form. A gentle touch can dislodge these offshoots, which then root themselves into the soil to sprout.
Flowers
Mother of Millions showcases bell- or tubular-shaped flowers in hues ranging from yellow to orange and red, forming cascading clusters on tall stems. In comparison, Mother of Thousands bears similar tubular flowers in grey to pink and purple tones, also dangling in clusters akin to chandeliers.
Growth Habit
The growth habit of these plants can be observed as they flourish in different regions of Madagascar, each showcasing unique leaf structures and flower colors that aid in their identification.
Notable for the plantlets they produce on the margins of the leaves, these species have distinctive growth habits apparent in appropriate environments and mature sizes.
The upright-growing Mother of Millions characterizes itself as a medium grower, whereas Mother of Thousands tends to grow bushier due to its larger leaves.
Care
In general, these succulents thrive in hot, dry, and sunny conditions typical of their native Madagascar. They do well indoors but can also withstand desert-like climates in certain hardiness zones.
Light
Both species thrive in hot sunny conditions and require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily if grown indoors. They can also tolerate partial shade but may benefit from supplementary grow lights when indoors.
In hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade prevents leaf scorching, which necessitates the removal of damaged leaves.
Water
With low water needs, these plants require watering only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. They can withstand drought but benefit from regular watering to avoid issues like rotting.
Inspect and address overwatering promptly by cutting off damaged roots and leaves and repotting in well-draining soil to salvage the plant or propagate new ones.
Soil
Plant these succulents in well-draining cactus or succulent soil to ensure optimal growth conditions, as they can adapt to various soil types but thrive best in well-draining mediums.
The plant container must have proper drainage to ensure soil doesn’t retain excess water.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing these plants is not usually necessary.
These plants don’t require much fertilizer and only need a light feed once a year using a weak fertilizer designed for cacti and succulents to avoid root burning.
Temperature and Humidity
Hot, dry conditions suit the growth of most succulents.
While these plants tolerate various temperatures, they should be shielded from temperatures below 40°F. Low humidity levels are preferred, as high humidity can hinder their growth.
In colder regions, consider growing them indoors or in pots that can be moved inside during chilly weather, away from sources of intense heat like radiators.
Repotting
Repotting is infrequently required unless the roots outgrow the pot.
Due to their shallow roots, these plants do not need repotting often. If roots start creeping out of the drainage holes, consider repotting in spring using a slightly larger pot with fresh succulent and cactus mix.
Propagation
Both plants propagate easily from plantlets formed on their leaves.
These succulents effortlessly propagate through plantlets that drop off and take root upon contact with the soil. To manage their spread, it’s advisable to grow them indoors.
Be cautious as these plants are invasive in some regions and toxic to grazing animals due to the presence of Bufadienolides, which can be fatal. Keep them away from pets and children.
Even without seeds, Mother of Thousands can spread rapidly through its plantlets. To propagate, remove plantlets from the leaves and plant in moist soil to encourage growth.
Final Thoughts
Watching these plants multiply by producing thousands of plantlets is intriguing. They require minimal care and maintenance to thrive.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
