“Mexican Hen,” scientifically known as Kalanchoe daigremontiana, is a distinctive succulent plant known for its prolific reproduction. Also called “Mother of Thousands,” “Alligator Plant,” or “Mexican Hat Plant,” it is native to Madagascar. This plant is popular for its fleshy leaves and the numerous small plantlets that develop along their edges, making it a visually interesting specimen.
Identifying Mexican Hen
The Mexican Hen plant has several recognizable features. Its fleshy, elongated leaves typically grow up to 8 inches long, often displaying a triangular or lance-shaped form. Their color ranges from dark green to pinkish-green or purplish-green, frequently exhibiting purple blotches on their undersides. The foliage has a smooth, waxy texture and grows in an opposite or whorled pattern along the stem.
A defining characteristic is the presence of tiny plantlets that form along the scalloped margins of the leaves. These miniature plantlets, also called bulbils, are fully formed replicas of the parent plant, complete with their own roots and leaves. They can begin to root even while still attached to the parent plant. The plant typically grows upright, forming a single central stem that can reach heights of up to 3 feet and spread about 1 to 2 feet wide.
Caring for Your Mexican Hen
Light Requirements
Mexican Hen thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Indoors, place the plant near a southern or western window. While it can tolerate some direct sun, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun can lead to leaf scorch. If grown outdoors in warmer regions, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy. Providing at least 6 hours of bright light daily is beneficial for robust growth. If natural light is limited indoors, supplemental grow lights can effectively meet its illumination needs.
Watering Needs
As a succulent, Mexican Hen is drought-tolerant and stores water in its fleshy leaves. Water using the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot.
During the growing season (spring and summer), watering every few weeks is often sufficient, but always check the soil dryness first. In fall and winter, during the plant’s dormant stage, watering should be significantly reduced. When watering, apply water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, and ensure any excess water is removed to prevent soggy conditions.
Soil and Potting
Mexican Hen requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A commercial cactus or succulent potting mix is highly suitable, as these formulations provide necessary drainage. If using a standard potting mix, amending it with materials like coarse sand, perlite, or horticultural grit can improve drainage.
Containers must have drainage holes. Clay pots are often recommended because their porous nature helps absorb surplus moisture from the soil. Repotting young plants annually can support their growth, while mature plants typically only require repotting when they become pot-bound.
Temperature and Humidity
Mexican Hen prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), particularly if in partial shade. This succulent is not frost-tolerant, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation only in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
For those in colder climates, it is best grown as a houseplant and should be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit (4-10 degrees Celsius). The plant generally adapts well to average household humidity levels, typically around 50-55%. Ensuring good air circulation is beneficial to prevent rot issues.
Fertilization
Mexican Hen has minimal fertilization requirements. During its active growing season (spring through summer), a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied, typically once a month and diluted to half strength.
It is not necessary to fertilize the plant during its dormant winter months, as growth is significantly reduced. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so adhering to recommended dosages is important.
Propagation and Controlling Spread
Mexican Hen is renowned for its prolific propagation through the numerous plantlets that form along the margins of its leaves. These miniature plantlets detach easily and readily root wherever they land, contributing to the plant’s common name, “Mother of Thousands.”
This reproductive capability means the plant can spread rapidly, especially in warm climates where it can become invasive. To manage its spread, particularly if grown outdoors, collect and dispose of these plantlets responsibly. If not controlled, Mexican Hen can quickly colonize areas, forming dense thickets and outcompeting native vegetation.
Important Considerations and Potential Issues
Toxicity
Kalanchoe daigremontiana contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and more severe cardiac issues.
For pets, ingestion can be a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, place Mexican Hen plants out of reach of small children and pets.
Invasive Potential
Mexican Hen is classified as an invasive species in many warm regions globally due to its aggressive reproductive strategies. Its ability to produce thousands of plantlets, combined with its drought tolerance, allows it to establish and spread rapidly in suitable environments. This unchecked proliferation can significantly impact local ecosystems by outcompeting native plants for resources and altering soil properties.
In areas like coastal dune habitats, its shallow root system can destabilize the soil. To prevent its escape into the wild, grow Mexican Hen in contained pots, especially in climates where it can survive outdoors year-round. Regular removal of dropped plantlets is important to control its spread.
Pests and Diseases
Mexican Hen can encounter some common pests and diseases. Pests include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These insects feed on the plant’s sap, which can lead to weakened growth. Regular inspection can help detect infestations early.
Root rot is the most prevalent disease, caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Powdery mildew and rust are other fungal diseases that can occur. Proper watering practices, adequate air circulation, and well-draining soil are the best preventative measures.