Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana 'Jaws of Life'): Prolific Plantlet Producer

Overview

Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana 'Jaws of Life', syn. Bryophyllum daigremontianum) is a fascinating, upright succulent famous for the countless tiny plantlets that form along the margins of its large, lance-shaped leaves. Each plantlet drops off and roots instantly, making it incredibly prolific (and potentially invasive). The 'Jaws of Life' cultivar has especially pronounced, jagged leaf margins. In winter, tall spikes of tubular gray-pink flowers appear. Easy to grow but best contained in pots. Toxic to pets and livestock.

Key Features

• Leaves: Large, fleshy, lanceolate, gray-green; plantlets on margins.
• Plantlets: Miniature clones with roots; drop and grow.
• Flowers: Gray-pink, tubular, in terminal clusters; winter.
• Habit: Upright, 2–3 ft tall; can be weedy.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright light to full sun. Best color in sun.

Water

Low. Drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry completely.

Soil

Well-draining succulent mix.

Containment

Grow in pots. Remove plantlets before they drop if spread unwanted.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Kalanchoe (kal-un-KOH-ee)
Species:	daigremontiana (day-ee-gree-mon-tee-AH-nuh)
Cultivar:	Jaws of Life
Synonym:	Bryophyllum daigremontianum