The Mother of Thousands plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is a succulent native to Madagascar. It is renowned for its asexual reproduction, generating hundreds of tiny clones, called “babies,” along the edges of its fleshy leaves. These plantlets are genetically identical to the parent and are the primary means of propagation. Cultivating them allows for the creation of new plants.
Harvesting the Plantlets
Successful propagation begins by selecting plantlets ready to separate from the mother leaf. A plantlet is prepared for harvest when it has developed two to four tiny leaves and clearly visible aerial roots extending from its base. These roots are often light pink or white, signaling the clone is ready to anchor itself in soil.
The plantlets should detach with minimal effort, as they are naturally designed to fall off the parent plant. Gently brush them off the leaf margins or wait for them to drop naturally onto the soil surface below. Avoid pulling or twisting immature plantlets that resist removal, which can damage the tissue of the clone and the mother leaf. Harvesting only fully developed plantlets ensures the highest rate of survival.
Planting and Initial Establishment
Young plantlets require a specific growing medium to establish a root system. A well-draining substrate, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix, is necessary to prevent water retention and rot. Many growers enhance drainage by mixing the potting soil with perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Shallow containers or propagation flats are ideal for initial establishment, rather than deep pots. This allows for a thin, even layer of soil where roots can easily penetrate the surface without excess moisture accumulating. Do not bury the plantlets; place them directly on top of the prepared soil surface.
Pressing them lightly into the soil ensures good contact without burying the small rosette of leaves. The aerial roots will naturally sense the moisture and begin to grow downward. Immediately after placement, lightly mist the soil surface to encourage rooting without saturation. Keep the newly planted babies in bright, indirect light, as intense sunlight can scorch their undeveloped foliage.
Essential Care for Young Plants
Maintaining appropriate moisture levels is crucial for the first few weeks after placement. Continue to mist the surface lightly every few days, or whenever the top layer of soil appears dry. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, a common cause of failure in succulent propagation, while supporting root growth.
Once the plantlets have visibly rooted and show signs of new growth (typically within several weeks), transition the watering regimen to standard succulent care. Water the plants thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This cycle mimics their native arid environment and encourages strong, drought-tolerant roots.
Young Mother of Thousands plants thrive in warm conditions, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they initially prefer indirect light, established young plants require a transition to brighter conditions, ideally receiving several hours of direct morning sun or very bright, all-day light. When the plants grow large enough that their leaves touch neighboring plants, transplant them into individual pots for unrestricted growth.