Kalanchoe tubiflora (kal-un-KOH-ee too-bih-FLOR-uh) is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. It’s a fast-growing plant that is low-maintenance and easy for gardening novices.
The plant grows upright with a single stem, sometimes up to 3′ tall. It thrives in crowded conditions similar to its native habitat.
The plant grows well outside, assuming you live in a warm, dry climate. Otherwise, it makes a great windowsill plant.
Its most extraordinary power, though, is its incredible ability to self-propagate.
In contrast to other plants that need help propagating, the Kalanchoe tubiflora requires no effort on your part to produce new succulents.
Because of its ability to self-propagate, the plant is commonly referred to as the Mother of Millions.
Kalanchoe tubiflora plants are grown for their unique foliage and ability to self-propagate.
It’s important to know that although the plant is easy to grow, maintain, and propagate, it is toxic to humans and animals.
Unfortunately, the plant killed many grazing cattle in the mid-1990s due to its bufadienolide cardiac glycosides.
Kalanchoe tubiflora is synonymous with Kalanchoe delagoensis.
The common names of Kalanchoe tubiflora are:
- Mother of millions
- Chandelier plant
- Devil’s backbone
Quick Facts On Kalanchoe Tubiflora
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Light: Bright morning sun; afternoon shade
- Temperature: 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Drought-tolerant; Weekly watering
- Fertilizer: Diluted well-balanced houseplant fertilizer
- Propagation: “Baby” plants
- Common Problems: Black patches, drooping or pale leaves
Kalanchoe Tubiflora Care
What Does The Mother Of Millions Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Kalanchoe tubiflora plant has cylindrical green leaves that grow on single stems.
The cylindrical leaves connect at the base of the stem and stand upright in an irregular pattern.
Some say that the plant’s shape resembles a chandelier, hence its common name, the Chandelier plant.
A mature Kalanchoe tubiflora plant can grow up to 3′ to 4′ feet tall with a spread of about 2′ feet. The length of a mature leaf is approximately 5″ inches.
When Does The Mother Of Millions Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Kalanchoe tubiflora plants have drooping bell-shaped flowers with individual stalks. The flowers can be many different colors, from pale pink to red.
The drooping flowers grow in circular clusters at the top of the “chandelier.”
The plant flowers in winter needs an optimum temperature of around 60° degrees Fahrenheit to enhance blooming.
Unfortunately, while the blooms are pretty, they have no fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Mother of millions is an easy-to-maintain plant that loves a sunny spot but is sensitive to full afternoon sun, including direct sunlight through a window.
Therefore, protect the kalanchoe tubiflora from the harsh afternoon sunlight by providing shade (if outside) or moving the plant to a shady spot (if indoors).
In contrast, if your plant shows leggy growth or pale leaves, the plant likely needs more sunlight.
The Mother of Millions plant does best in temperatures between 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a colder climate, you will want to keep your plants indoors.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Mother Of Millions Plant?
Kalanchoe tubiflora plants are very drought tolerant. However, it appreciates a weekly watering during the growing season.
To avoid overwatering, ensure the soil is dry before watering again. Also, you don’t want your plant to sit in excess water.
To prevent this, you can place pea gravel at the bottom of your pot to ensure proper drainage.
You’ll know if you’ve accidentally overwatered your plant if the leaves begin to droop. If that happens, give watering a break and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
While the Mother of millions plant doesn’t need any fertilization to thrive, a monthly feeding will provide extra nutrition and enhance the plant’s growth.
A diluted well-balanced house plant fertilizer is a good fertilizer option. When feeding Kalanchoes, read the instructions carefully to not over-fertilize the plant.
What Is The Best Soil For Kalanchoe Tubiflora, And When Should You Transplant?
Like many plants, the Kalanchoe tubiflora needs well-drained soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix.
If you use an ordinary houseplant mix or potting soil, you may want to add some sand for better drainage.
In addition, good, well-drained soil is an equal mixture of a cactus mix, perlite, and coarse sand.
It’s unnecessary to repot Mother of millions annually for fresh nutrients and new soil every second or third year.
Does Kalanchoe Tubiflora Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
To maintain your Kalanchoe tubiflora, you can prune it a few times yearly. However, when pruning Kalanchoe tubiflora, the best time is right after blooming.
How To Propagate Mother of Millions Plant?
The Mother of Millions plant can self-reproduce, which makes it so fascinating.
Small baby plants are created at the edges of the leaves, then they fall off and take root where they land.
When the baby plants fall off, plant them in separate single pots or with multiple pods in one pot. Make sure that they’re in well-drained cactus soil.
Once they’ve grown, move the healthiest ones to their own pots.
Kalanchoe Tubiflora Pests And Diseases
Kalanchoe tubiflora is not susceptible to many pests or diseases but will occasionally have mildew.
If this happens, you’ll notice black patches on the leaves. Use a fungicide to remove the mildew, and the black patches should disappear.
However, mildew usually grows on the Mother of millions plant because of dry air, so make sure you mist the plant regularly to keep it moist.
Also, if you notice that the leaves begin to droop, you probably need to reduce your watering.
Often, overwatering can cause drooping leaves and the plant to reproduce before it’s ready.
Lastly, if the Mother of millions plant appears leggy or sparse, it likely needs more sunlight. Move the plant’s location to get bright morning sun with afternoon shade.
Chandelier Plant Uses
Kalanchoe tubiflora can be grown outdoors in tropical settings and makes a nice bedding or edging plant.
However, this succulent is typically kept as a houseplant in pots or hanging baskets.