Everything You Need To Know About - Mother of Millions

Kalanchoe delagoensis or Chandelier plant is also known as the Mother of million plants. This is native to Madagascar and naturalized in Tanzania and Uganda too. The other names for the plant are Bryophyllum tubiflorum, Kalanchoe verticillate, Bryophyllum verticillatum, and Bryophyllum delagoense.

The reasoning behind the name of the succulent is the plant's capacity for mass reproduction. The teeth-like structures along the leaf edges form numerous plantlets or embryoids. This rapid-growing plant multiplies quickly, and the plantlets can grow almost anywhere they fall. The seeds can also survive for years. Even if the plant is pulled out, the seeds stay underneath the surface. This drought-resistant plant grows relentlessly through all seasons. It is not susceptible to many diseases except mildew infection. This is why it is also known to be an invasive weed - it quickly spreads over an area, stifling other nearby plants' growth.

Word of Caution:

Mother of millions is a toxic succulent. Several cattle or livestock deaths have been reported in Australia. The flowers are known to be more poisonous than the leaves and stems. It is best to keep your pets and kids out of bounds of this succulent. The best possible use of the plant is to grow it as an aesthetic addition to your space, especially outdoors. Some native tribes in India, especially Kerala, are known to use this species of Kalanchoe to treat cancer symptoms.

You have often heard or read about Mother of thousands vs. Mother of millions. Both have many similarities, but there are a few differences too. We will talk about the Mother of millions vs. thousands in this blog.

Kalanchoe Delagoensis Chandelier Plant Care

• Appearance - The succulent grows erect to a height of 1 meter or more. The leaves are tubular-like and fleshy, growing on a single stem.
• Growth rate - Mother of millions succulent is a fast-growing plant.
• Flowers - The Mother of millions flowers are bell-shaped and vividly colorful. These flowers do not have any fragrance and they grow at the top, forming circular clusters. The flowers droop and each bloom has an individual stalk. The color of the flower ranges from dark reddish-orange to pale pink.
• Light - The plant loves bright sunlight though it may not bear the brunt of the midday sun. If the plant starts to have leggy growth with the leaves paling, it means it needs extra light. However, it needs to be protected from the sun's direct rays. The ideal temperature for the plant is 60 to 85°F.
• Watering - The Mother a million plant is drought-tolerant. Hence, less water is good for the plant. Ensure to water it every week, at least once from spring to fall. As winters set in, reduce the watering frequency. Never overwater the plant. Also, the roots should never be left standing in excess water. The overwatering side-effects include drooping leaves and premature growth of young plantlets. Always make sure that the plant is left to dry completely before you water it again.
• Fertilization - The succulent requires a once-a-month top feed. Avoid the same during winters.
• Soil - Like all other succulents, the Mother of millions needs well-drained soil. If in a pot, the plant should be repotted every second year.
• Maintenance - This succulent does not need any special maintenance or care.
• Propagating Mother of Millions - The plant can be easily propagated by seeds or the offshoots developed at the leaf edges. The baby plants fall off the mother plant and catch roots wherever they fall.

Mother of Thousands & Mother of Millions

1. Similarities Between Millions & Thousands

• Plants are from Madagascar.
• The plant loves direct sunlight.
• Need infrequent watering.
• Need fast-draining and loose soil.
• The plant thrives even on neglect.
• Can tolerate harsh conditions
• Efficient propagation from plantlets.
• The plant contains bufadienolide cardiac clycosides which cause cardiac arrest when ingested.

2. Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands