How to Grow and Care for a Pregnant Plant

The Pregnant Plant, known botanically as Kalanchoe daigremontiana, is a succulent also called Mother of Thousands or Mexican Hat Plant. Native to Madagascar, it is distinguished by the rows of tiny plantlets that form along the edges of its large leaves. These miniature plants, or “pups,” are what give the plant its maternal-sounding names.

Pregnant Plant Care

These succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, requiring at least six hours per day. A spot near a north or west-facing window is suitable, providing brightness without the harshness of direct sun, which can cause leaf burn. If the plant looks “leggy” with stretched stems, it is an indication that it needs more light.

A well-draining, sandy mix is ideal for preventing root rot. Commercially available cactus and succulent soils work well, as they contain ingredients like sand and perlite for aeration. Using a terracotta pot also helps, as the porous material wicks excess moisture away from the soil.

Use the “soak and dry” method for watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. A good test is to check if the top two inches of soil are dry. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, but avoid getting the leaves wet. Reduce watering frequency during the plant’s dormant period in the fall and winter.

These plants are suited for indoor environments with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant and must be protected from cold. Standard home humidity is sufficient, so no additional humidity is needed. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer two or three times during the spring and summer, but withhold it during winter.

Propagating the Pregnant Plant

The Pregnant Plant is known for its method of self-propagation. Along the serrated margins of its leaves, the plant produces dozens of tiny plantlets. Each of these “babies” is a miniature clone of the parent, complete with its own small roots already forming. This prolific reproduction is the source of its “Mother of Thousands” name.

Propagation is effortless, as the plant does most of the work. As the plantlets mature, they detach from the parent leaf and fall to the soil below. They will take root where they land, either in the same pot or in the surrounding area if outdoors. This makes containing the plant a part of its care.

To cultivate new plants, gently nudge the plantlets off the leaves. If ready, they will detach with no resistance. Place the collected plantlets on top of a pot with a moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly damp by misting, and the plantlets will root themselves.

Common Problems

Root rot is a common issue caused by overwatering or soil that does not drain adequately, leading to conditions that cause the roots to decay. Signs of root rot include a mushy stem near the base and leaves that may yellow or fall off. Proper watering and soil selection are the best prevention.

Etiolation, or weak, stretched-out growth, occurs when the plant does not receive enough light. It causes the plant to stretch towards a light source, resulting in thin stems that cannot properly support the leaves. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light will encourage more compact growth.

Pests like mealybugs and aphids can be an issue. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on leaves and stems, while aphids are small insects that cluster on new growth. Both can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap according to product instructions.

Important Considerations

Kalanchoe daigremontiana is toxic. All parts of the plant, including the plantlets, are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, and humans. Place the plant in a location safely out of reach of pets and small children to prevent accidental consumption.

The plant’s ability to reproduce gives it invasive potential in some climates. In USDA zones 9-11, where it can survive outdoors year-round, it can escape cultivation and spread aggressively. To be a responsible owner, keep the plant in containers and dispose of unwanted plantlets in the trash, not in compost or yard waste.