Image: AI generated
Mother of Millions Plant Care
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its paddle-shaped, gray-green leaves covered in small white hairs. Originating from Madagascar, the Kalanchoe delagoensis is a sought-after addition for plant collectors due to its unusual appearance and low-maintenance nature.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Mother of Millions?
Water Mother of Millions every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Mother of Millions Native To?
What Is the Mother of Millions?
Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe delagoensis) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Mother of Millions is native to Madagascar. Mother of Millions is also known as Chandelier Plant, Devil's Backbone.
Mother of Millions displays a compact, bushy succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mother of Millions produces small, colorful clusters of tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mother of Millions?
Kalanchoe delagoensis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mother of Millions Need?
Mother of Millions thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Mother of Millions in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mother of Millions Prefer?
Kalanchoe delagoensis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Mother of Millions prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mother of Millions?
Well-draining succulent mix with perlite and sand. Good drainage is essential for Mother of Millions to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mother of Millions?
Feed Mother of Millions every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Mother of Millions?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mother of Millions?
Mother of Millions can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kalanchoe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mother of Millions Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mother of Millions?
Mother of Millions is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mother of Millions Need?
Mother of Millions grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Mother of Millions is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Mother of Millions as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Mother of Millions is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus — compare its care with other Kalanchoe species on PlantoScan.
Kalanchoe is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Mother of Millions thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Kalanchoe Species
Other Kalanchoe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh., family Crassulaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. Afric. Austral. : 305 (1837)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Mother of Millions is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Mother of Millions Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species