Plants→Kalanchoes→Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, native to Madagascar, is a succulent type plant that has been introduced to the U.S. and has become a common house plant. It has escaped cultivation in some areas of the south and has become invasive. The Mother of Thousands grows to about 3' in height with 6"- 8" long leaves. Little plantlets sprout all along the leaf edges of the mother plant, fall to the soil below, take root and spread. Here in my area this plant blooms in fall and early winter. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals, so be cautious with this plant around children and pets.

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Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe diagremontiana) can be seriously invasive in warmer climates. It does not produce viable seed, but can multiply rapidly by dropping plantlets, rooting of fallen leaves, and broken stems that easily root. Some studies indicate that the plant leaves a residue in the soil that hinders the growth of other plants, and even reduces the rate of growth of its own offspring.

Also of concern is the toxicity of the plant. While it is an unusual and attractive houseplant, it does pose a real risk for young children and pets that may eat the plant or plantlets.

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