Kalanchoe tubiflora succulents, commonly known as the “Mother of Millions” or “Chandelier plant,” are one of the most unique succulents because they produce self-propagating plantlets.
Their plantlets grow on the margins of their leaves, and the unique appearance of this great plant stems from its many buds.
There are numerous types of succulents, but just about anyone can grow a Kalanchoe tubiflora as it’s a low-maintenance plant, even for beginners.
In this post, we will go talk about what a Mother of Millions succulent plant is and how to care for it.
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What Is a Mother Of Millions Plant (Kalanchoe Tubiflora)?
Kalanchoe tubiflora is a succulent plant native to Madagascar that was previously known as Bryophyllum delagoensis.
Like most Broyophyllum plants, they are now classified as Kalonchoe plants.
As a Kalanchoe species, this plant can reproduce asexually, meaning it does not need to be pollinated. It is also extremely drought-tolerant.
It does so by growing out tiny plantlets that form on its leaf margins.
Because of its incredible, prodigious ability to generate numerous young plantlets, this species is also known as the “Mother of Millions.”
This plant will offer you endless propagation material, so you are actually buying a million little plantlets, which is a great deal rather than buying one plant!
Common Names for Kalanchoe tubiflora
Kalanchoe Tubiflora is the scientific name; it was previously known as Bryophyllum delagoensis.
Its original name comes from the Greek words Bryophyllum, which means “sprout,” and phyllon, which means “leaf.”
A Kalanchoe Tubiflora is the botanical name, but it has many common names including:
- Kalanchoe delagoensis tubiflora
- Maternity plant
- Mother of millions
- Chandelier plant
Where Do Kalanchoe tubiflora Come From?
Kalanchoe tubiflora’s origins can be traced back to Madagascar and Africa.
However, as a garden plant, it is considered an invasive weed, especially in locations like eastern Australia and many Pacific islands.
Are Mother of Millions Plants Grown Indoors or Outdoors?
Kalanchoe tubiflora can be grown both indoors and outdoors as long as they have well-draining soil, enough sunlight, and enough water.
They are incredibly durable and can resist all of the natural elements outside, but if you must bring them inside during the winter, be sure to give them enough outdoor time in the summer for them to thrive.
How to Care for Kalanchoe Tubiflora
Kalanchoe tubiflora is an interesting plant and has a distinctive appearance.
They are a great addition to any garden, yet they require specific attention to grow indoors or in the garden.
We’ll go over how to properly care for your Kalanchoe so it can flourish for years.
Temperature and Climate
The temperatures that Mother of Millions plants will grow well in range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because Kalanchoe tubiflora plants are succulents, they do not require high-humidity climates.
Light
Kalanchoe Tubiflora blooms and thrives when grown in a sunny spot; it requires 4 to 6 hours of bright light per day.
Any extreme sun exposure resulting in high temperatures would harm the blooms or weaken their stems.
When it comes to the kalanchoe Tubiflora plant, it is important to know the right sunlight requirement.
Sometimes you may need to offer partial shade because, like other succulents, it is vulnerable to high heat rays.
On the other hand, if the plant is cultivated in a dark environment, the stems will need light, resulting in lanky growth.
Other symptoms that your mother of millions plant needs more direct sunlight are pale leaves with variegated marble lines and shriveling.
If you’re growing your Chandelier plant indoors, it’s ideal to position the growing medium near an east-facing window.
Water
Water Kalanchoe tubiflora once a week in the sunny season and once every other week in the winter.
When you do water it, this plant does not require a lot of water.
Watering the potting soil is just enough to cover the surface, but not so much that the water seeps out the bottom.
Overwatering might cause root rot in this plant, so be careful. Your plant will perish as a result of that.
Remove your plant from its pot if you suspect this is anything and allow the soil to dry out.
If this doesn’t work, gently remove the soil from around the plant’s roots, replenish it thoroughly, and repot.
Soil
Kalanchoe Delagoensis plants require well-draining soil to thrive.
Proper irrigation and the right type of potting soil go hand in hand.
Many homeowners prefer to use a simple, tried-and-true formula of potting soil and some draining soil amendment like perlite or sandy loam.
To make your own succulent potting soil, mix cactus mix, sandy soil, and perlite in a 2:2:1 proportion.
Fertilizer
Kalanchoe tubiflora does not need much feeding and thus adding fertilizer is rarely required.
If you’ve repotted the plant, you don’t need to give it any extra nutrients that year.
However, if the plant has been growing in the same soil for a long time, a light fertilizer boost will be beneficial.
Simply apply a half-strength succulent fertilizer solution once a month.
Fertilizer applications are only required for the Mother of Millions plant during the growing season, which runs from spring to late summer.
Fertilizers should be avoided in the winter since they can burn the plant’s roots or cause lanky growth.
Propagation
Kalanchoe tubiflora propagation is super easy; to make more Mother of Millions plants, you almost don’t have to do anything.
All you have to do now is wait for the plantlets to appear on the tips of the leaves.
Kalanchoe plantlets or buds are never short in supply.
Take the leaflet and replant them into a new pot wait for your new plant to sprout.
The mother plant has plantlets that will take root practically everywhere they touch down to start new plants.
However, if you’re interested, leaf cuttings or stem cuttings can be used to propagate these plants. You can then plant the new plants in small pots.
The major issue with propagating Kalanchoe tubiflora is controlling the spread of the plant before it takes over your entire garden.
It’s a highly invasive plant that can choke out other plants, so you should keep an eye on it.
Pests
Pests such as spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs can wreak havoc on Kalanchoe tubiflora plants, but fortunately, pest infestations are easy to deal with.
Simply treat the affected regions once a week with a neem oil solution until you see no more insects on the plant.
FAQ
Is The Kalanchoe Tubiflora (Chandelier Plant) Toxic?
Yes, Kalanchoe tubiflora is toxic to animals and young children. This is due to the presence of bufadienolide cardiac glycosides in the stems and leaves, which will impact the cardiovascular, neurologic, and gastrointestinal systems. Pets should be kept away from this plant. More importantly, make sure that small children stay away from Chandler plants.
Can You Grow Kalanchoe Tubiflora Plants Indoors?
Yes, you can grow Kalanchoe Tubiflora plants indoors. This houseplant is simple to care for and produces an abundance of long-lasting blossoms with little effort. It’s a fantastic alternative for folks who forget to water their houseplants because it prefers a dry environment.
Does Kalanchoe Tubiflora Flower?
Yes, but the Kalanchoe Tubiflora plant rarely blooms. It typically blooms in the winter. Mature plants produce flowers for up to six months in the right condition. The flowers emerge from numerous stalks at the plant’s crown, forming dense batches of red to orange coral-colored flower blossoms. That is why this plant is called the Kalanchoe Tubiflora, as the term tubiflora refers to the elongated tubular shape of these flowers.
What type of Pot Should I Use for Kalanchoe Tubiflora Plants?
Kalanchoe Tubiflora plants should be planted in terracotta pots to avoid root rot. Other pots like ceramic do not allow the roots to breathe as much as terracotta pots do because terracotta pots have drainage holes that allow moisture to seep through them.
Can I Prune My Kalanchoe Tubiflora Mother Plant?
Kalanchoe tubiflora can be pruned several times a year. The best time to prune Kalanchoe tubiflora succulents is right after they bloom. Any stem or leaf that is crossing into odd spaces should be removed to help the shape of your Kalanchoe. Lower leaves that are wilted and older than three years old should also be clipped off because they won’t keep fresh for long.
Conclusions
Succulents like Kalanchoe tubiflora are wonderful additions to any house or office. Chandelier plant maintenance is simple, and the plant propagates swiftly.
It can be utilized as a ground cover or a potted plant in the house. This plant will last for many years in your home with a little care and attention.
Other Kalanchoe Succulent Plants to Consider
There are many varieties of Kalanchoe plants. If you are looking for another type of Kalanchoe plant, check out our other related posts:
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.