Maternity Plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) Care: Yellow Leaves Fix

Maternity Plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) Care: Yellow Leaves Fix

A reader’s 2-foot maternity plant (mother of thousands) has leaves turning yellow, then brown, and falling off instead of producing plantlets. Questions: repot in cactus soil? fertilize? watering frequency?

Care Prescription

• Soil: Yes, repot in cactus/succulent mix in a pot with drainage hole and saucer.
• Water: Only when soil has been dry for 3 days. Then water thoroughly and empty saucer after 1 hour.
• Light: Lots of direct sun.
• Fertilizer: Once a month (balanced, half-strength).
• Support: As it gets tall and lanky, stake it.

This succulent thrives on neglect—bright light, rare water, good drainage.