How to Grow and Care for Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana): Best Positions to Place It

Mother of Thousands, also known as "immortal bird" or "upside-down lotus," is a succulent that easily fills its pot. Because its new plantlets can take root without even touching the ground, it is very popular among plant lovers. Many people now like to keep one on a balcony or in the office. So how do you grow Mother of Thousands? Where is it suitable to place? Let's take a look below at the growing methods and precautions for Mother of Thousands.

I. Introduction to Mother of Thousands:

1. What varieties of Mother of Thousands are there?

Large-leaf Mother of Thousands, small-leaf Mother of Thousands, stick-leaf Mother of Thousands, tiger-stripe Mother of Thousands, curly-leaf Mother of Thousands, Kalanchoe delagoensis "Jade Bell," White Lady's Dance, Palm Pearl, and Kalanchoe manginii "Palace Lantern."

2. What is the symbolic meaning of Mother of Thousands?

Settling down, being down-to-earth, and turning one's luck around to bring wealth.

3. What is the flower language of Mother of Thousands?

Wholehearted devotion and practicality.

II. What are the growing methods and precautions for Mother of Thousands?

1. How do you grow Mother of Thousands?

(1) Propagation method: cutting propagation is good

Propagation methods for Mother of Thousands include seed propagation, adventitious bud propagation, and cutting propagation, among which cutting propagation is the most common method. It is not only simple but also very easy to root. The specific method is to lay the leaf flat on the substrate, then place it on slightly moist soil to let it root. After roots grow, cut the leaf into sections, let the cut surfaces dry in the shade, and then insert them into the substrate to let them root.

(2) Pot soil selection: plant in well-aerated sandy soil

Mother of Thousands likes to grow in loose, fertile, well-aerated soil, so when choosing soil, try to use sandy soil with strong aeration for planting. Of course, you can also mix sand, garden soil, leaf mold, and manure into nutrient soil for planting.

(3) Water requirements: water reasonably

Mother of Thousands is drought-tolerant, so it does not have high water requirements. Generally, watering thoroughly once a week is enough. After early autumn, water thoroughly once every 2 to 3 weeks. In winter, water reasonably according to the temperature. When watering, try to wait until the pot soil is completely dry before watering; there is no need to worry that it will die of dryness.

(4) Fertilizer requirements: fertilize reasonably

Mother of Thousands is tolerant of poor soil, so it does not have high fertilizer requirements. Generally, apply nitrogen fertilizer once every 2 to 3 months, apply fertilizer 1 to 2 times a month during the growing season, and apply a compound fertilizer once in late autumn and early winter. When fertilizing, try to fertilize reasonably and do not apply too much, so as to avoid excessive vegetative growth or root rot.

(5) Light requirements: give more than 8 hours of light per day

Mother of Thousands likes light but is not tolerant of strong light. Generally, giving more than 8 hours of light per day is enough for growth, and the longer the light duration, the greener the leaves grow. But in summer when temperatures are high, shade it appropriately to avoid sunburn on the leaves, which would cause the color to fade.

(6) Temperature requirements: 20 to 35 degrees is best

Mother of Thousands generally grows best at 20 to 35 degrees, so in summer when temperatures are high, increase shading appropriately to avoid scorching the leaves. In winter, try to move it indoors and keep the temperature above 0 degrees so it can overwinter safely.

(7) Pinching and pruning

After Mother of Thousands grows for a period of time, many seedlings will grow on the leaves and quickly fill the pot, so pinch and prune appropriately to ensure good ventilation, promote the plant to sprout new branches, and make the plant grow fuller.

(8) Pest and disease management

During the growth period, Mother of Thousands may suffer from diseases and pests such as gray mold, powdery mildew, and scale insects, so prevention and control measures should be taken. For plants that have already developed disease, spray with thiophanate-methyl. For plants with insect pests, spray with diluted omethoate or other insecticides.

2. What are the precautions for growing Mother of Thousands?

(1) Do not fertilize too frequently: Mother of Thousands has strong adaptability, so during cultivation, manage it roughly. Generally, apply fertilizer 1 to 2 times a month during the growing season, and fertilize less at other times.

(2) Shade in summer: Mother of Thousands likes light but is not tolerant of strong light, so in summer when temperatures are high, shade it slightly. In other seasons, give it sufficient light to avoid the leaf-edge color fading.

(3) Water less after autumn turns cool: Mother of Thousands is drought-tolerant and does not have high water requirements. Generally, water more in summer and water less in autumn and winter to avoid root rot.

(4) Winter temperature above 0 degrees: Mother of Thousands is suitable for growing at 20 to 35 degrees, so in winter try to move it indoors and keep the room temperature above 0 degrees, and it can overwinter safely.

III. Where is Mother of Thousands suitable to place?

Although the flowers of Mother of Thousands contain a trace amount of toxin, they will not affect human health, so during cultivation it can be placed on a balcony, in the living room, study, bedroom, and other places.

1. On the balcony

Placing Mother of Thousands on the balcony not only allows photosynthesis to make the plant grow more luxuriantly, but also prevents children from accidentally eating it.

2. Living room coffee table

Placing Mother of Thousands on the living room coffee table not only has a good decorative effect, but also removes toxic gases from the air. However, if there are children or elderly people at home, it is best to place it out of reach.

3. Study

Placing Mother of Thousands in the study not only improves the air quality in the study and creates a good environment for reading, but also effectively removes dust from the air.

4. Bedroom

Placing Mother of Thousands in the bedroom not only releases oxygen, but also soothes emotions and helps you sleep more peacefully.

5. Wealth-gathering position

Placing Mother of Thousands in the wealth-gathering position not only plays a role in attracting wealth and bringing in treasure, but also has a very good decorative effect.

Overall, Mother of Thousands is very easy to grow. As long as you control basic management tasks such as light, water, and fertilizer, you can successfully keep it alive. In addition, although Mother of Thousands is toxic, placing it in the living room, bedroom, study, and other places has little impact and can produce a very good decorative effect.