Kalanchoe daigremontiana, better known by its popular moniker as mother of thousands, is an intriguing plant that spreads by sprouting baby plants along its margins. These sprouts emerge from small spurs on its leaves and gradually drop off, taking root wherever they land.
Alligator plants require well-draining soil, such as standard cactus potting mix. For optimum drainage it’s advisable to add coarse sand or pumice for greater efficacy.
Low-maintenance plant
The Alligator plant is an easy-care succulent suitable for growing both indoors and outdoors, although the latter requires more sunlight for optimal success. If possible, place it somewhere with at least five hours of direct sun per day; alternatively use a grow light as a supplement if necessary.
This plant is relatively easy to propagate due to the numerous small buds along its leaves. Furthermore, it grows quickly and can be planted into terrariums or small containers for planting. Furthermore, it can tolerate cooler temperatures so can even serve as houseplants during wintertime; however frost and freezing temperatures should be avoided in order for best results.
Kalanchoe daigremontiana, commonly referred to as the Alligator Plant is an exotic succulent species native to Madagascar and part of the Crassulaceae family of plants, related to Jade plants and Flaming Katy plants. It has various common names including devil’s backbone, Alligator Plant and Mexican Hat Plant due to the shape of its leaves that resemble an alligator spine or Mexican hat brim; additionaly, Alligator Plant takes its name from producing thousands of baby plants (known as plantlets), as well as its ability to create millions of “plantlets.”
Alligator plants make an easy addition to any landscape and are easy to care for. To maintain a healthy alligator plant, regularly water it without overwatering it – this could cause roots to rot and harm the plant if overwatered too often; an alligator soil that drains well will prevent this problem; avoid peat moss-heavy or loam-textured varieties which hold too much water and may lead to root rot.
This plant can be toxic to cats and dogs, but can be used medicinally as an herb. Studies have proven its effectiveness against premature labor in pregnant women as well as cancer and other diseases; before using, consult with a doctor first as it could also treat inflammations, gastrointestinal issues and skin diseases while providing antioxidant properties and decreasing heart disease risks.
Easy to propagate
The Alligator Plant, also referred to as Mother of Thousands Plant or Devil’s Backbone or Mexican Hat Plant is an impressive succulent that produces thousands of baby plants on each of its leaves, known as pups. This feature makes propagation easy.
Alligator plants are highly adaptable plants that can thrive indoors and outdoors. While they require plenty of light, they’re tolerant of shade. When grown as houseplants it is best placed in an indirect sunlight spot as too much direct sun can cause leaf scorch which makes the plant appear leggy. A grow light may help supplement its lighting requirements during the winter months when sunlight levels can drop significantly.
To propagate an alligator plant, remove several of its leaves with baby plants attached. You can do this by running a dull knife or flat stick around where it touches soil; this will loosen it and allow baby plants to fall off more easily. Place those leaves into a new pot filled with fresh potting mix and water them regularly afterwards.
Alligator plants can easily be propagated using their seed capsules. Each brown seed holds thousands of plantlets within it. Propagating it is quick and simple; seedlings will grow within days. Aside from being an attractive houseplant and lush green landscape addition, alligator plants also serve many medicinal uses; including helping prevent premature labor during pregnancies as well as treating infertility, cancer, skin diseases and inflammations.
While low maintenance plants, alligator plants still require ample amounts of water and fertilizer in order to thrive. You should ensure the soil stays moist without becoming saturated; water to fertilizer ratio should be 1:1; you can also mix perlite into the soil to improve drainage.
The alligator plant can be easily propagated using cuttings or by harvesting any small plants that form on its edges. Propagation should occur between April and July when growth is most robust.
Grows well in warm climates
Kalanchoe daigremontiana, more commonly known as Alligator plant, is a low maintenance succulent that thrives in warm environments. Often grown as houseplants or propagated easily by watering alone, Alligator plant’s unique foliage is popular with gardeners: thick green leaves with purple coloring underneath feature small spurs at their margins that grow into plantlets; its bell-shaped flowers range in color from pink to orange with four tiny follicles that contain seeds; alligator plant blooming periods lasts between 39 inches (1 meter).
Alligator plants are tropical evergreen succulents that make an excellent houseplant or garden addition. While they can thrive outdoors during warmer climates, frost or freezing temperatures cannot withstand them and must be brought indoors during winter for protection. You can propagate alligator plants using spurs on their margins, stem cuttings or seedlings for propagation purposes – perfect for low maintenance succulent plants that withstand hot temperatures and drought conditions.
Cacti flourish in sunny environments with good air circulation. Although they’re not particular about soil types, regular potting soil mixed with sand or pumice gravel works great as a well-draining mix – or you could try special cactus soil. Water them lightly between waterings.
If you live outside hardy zone 10, keep in mind that alligator plants may start showing signs of stress when temperatures dip below 55oF (13oC). Without protection from harsh temperatures, their leaves could wilt and die prematurely; sunshades or any makeshift shade should be used to help shield it from harsh elements.
Alligator plants are easy to take care of, yet should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Alligator plants produce daigremontianin a toxic steroid which may lead to digestive issues, tremors and seizures when consumed in large doses; inhaling its vapors could also result in respiratory issues; therefore it is strongly advised that you wear gloves when handling this plant.
Easy to care for
Alligator Plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is an easy-care succulent suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing conditions, preferring bright conditions with full sunlight but needing indirect light; to prevent leaf scorch it’s important that this spot receives several hours of indirect light daily instead. Although drought tolerant it requires regular watering.
Alligator plants are among the easiest plants to propagate due to their many small plantlets on their leaves, which quickly attach themselves to soil and can produce thousands of baby plants from one mother plant. You can propagate alligator plants using stem cuttings, off-sets or seeds; making this plant perfect for anyone wanting to add something special and original into their garden or home environment.
Like other succulents, alligator plants require plenty of light. When growing it as a houseplant, make sure it receives at least five to six hours per day of direct sunlight. Water should only be applied if necessary – for best results use warm or room temperature water when watering to help minimize root rot risks.
The alligator plant makes an excellent addition to a garden, but needs protection from frost. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, outdoor alligator plants should be covered during winter; otherwise they may show signs of stress if temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The alligator plant is an attractive succulent that is both decorative and medicinal in its use. Pregnant women often turn to it to prevent preterm labor; cancer, skin diseases and inflammations may also benefit. Container gardening enthusiasts will find that this versatile species thrives. However, as it’s an invasive species it should be kept out of reach of children and pets; also remember it can be toxic if eaten directly!
