Kalanchoe houghtonii is a succulent plant recognized by several common names, including Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions Hybrid, and Mexican Hat Plant. This plant is not a naturally occurring species but rather a hybrid, first created in the United States in the 1930s from the cross-breeding of two Madagascan species, Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis.
Distinctive Features
A striking characteristic of Kalanchoe houghtonii is its prolific production of miniature plantlets along the margins of its leaves. These plantlets readily detach from the parent plant, contributing to its rapid propagation. The leaves are succulent and boat-shaped, typically emerald green to brownish-green, often with purple splotches on their undersides.
The plant grows on an erect, unbranched stem, reaching heights of up to 30 inches (75 centimeters). While less common in cultivation, Kalanchoe houghtonii can produce pendulous flowers, usually dark red, sometimes pinkish-orange or pinkish-yellow. These tubular flowers, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, emerge in dense clusters during winter, forming an inflorescence up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) tall.
Cultivating the Plant
Kalanchoe houghtonii thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, requiring 4-6 hours of direct sunlight if grown indoors. When growing this succulent, well-draining soil is preferred, such as a sandy mix or a specialized succulent potting medium, to prevent waterlogging. The plant exhibits good drought tolerance, so allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
This resilient plant can tolerate temperatures down to approximately 50°F (10°C), aligning with USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11. Its ease of propagation, due to the readily detaching plantlets, makes it a low-maintenance option for many growers. It requires minimal care and can grow vigorously under suitable conditions.
Ecological Impact and Safety
The prolific production of plantlets and the plant’s hardiness contribute to its potential to become invasive in suitable warm climates. Once established, Kalanchoe houghtonii can quickly spread and outcompete native plant species, altering ecosystems. Its ability to colonize new areas through its numerous asexual plantlets makes it effective at escaping cultivation and naturalizing in various parts of the world.
All parts of Kalanchoe houghtonii are toxic if ingested by humans or animals. It contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides, potent compounds that can cause a range of symptoms. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the flowers where toxins are concentrated, can lead to gastrointestinal upset like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases, particularly with larger quantities, can result in cardiac abnormalities, including irregular heart rhythms, and in rare instances, heart failure or cardiac arrest. Exercise caution when handling this plant and ensure it is out of reach of children and pets.