Tolmiea menziesii (TOL-mee-uh men-ZEE-see-eye) is a flowering hairy-leaved herbaceous perennial that often grows as a groundcover in wetlands and forests and along rivers and streams.
The foliage resembles maple leaves and forms a thick groundcover.
The plant is relatively fast-growing. The mature plant forms baby plantlets where the leaf meets the stem.
These baby plantlets eventually fall and root in the soil. This unique process gives the plant its common names of Piggyback and Youth on age.
They also multiply by rhizomes, a horizontal underground stem from which lateral shoots grow.
Native to the western part of North America, Tolmiea menziesii needs high humidity and moist soil to thrive.
As a plant usually found in the Redwoods of the Pacific coast, it does well as an outside plant in zones 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, and 9a.
However, it is also happy as an indoor plant in any climate. Because of its creeping nature, it does best in a hanging plant but will do fine in a shallow, wide pot.
The most popular varieties of Tolmiea menziesii are:
- “Taff’s Gold” – its leaves are variegated with gold
- “Variegata” – has creamy yellow mottling
Tolmiea menziesii is a relatively easy plant to grow, whether inside or out. It can live for many years in suitable conditions and as long as it’s repotted as necessary.
One thing to note- it’s not officially listed as a poisonous plant, but it does have a low chance of giving contact dermatitis in humans.
Therefore, you may want to wear gloves when handling the Piggyback plant to avoid any possible redness, itching, or blisters.
Some of the common household names of tolmiea menziesii are:
- Youth on age
- Pick-a-back-plant
- Piggyback plant
- Thousand mothers
- Curiosity Plant
- Mother of Thousands
Quick Facts On Tolmiea Menziesii
- Family: Saxifragaceae
- Light: Moderate to bright light
- Temperature: 50° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering needs
- Fertilizer: Liquid or controlled-release fertilizer twice a month
- Propagation: Leaf cuttings or division
- Common Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, leaf miners
Tolmiea Menziesii Care
What Does The Piggyback Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The maple-shaped leaves of tolmiea menziesii form dense foliage as a creeping hanging plant or a fast-growing groundcover.
The Piggyback plant is a low-growing plant, reaching only 8″ to 10″ inches. However, what it lacks in height, it makes up for in width.
It spreads reasonably quickly as a groundcover given the right conditions.
The stems grow over the hanging basket as an indoor plant, giving an attractive appearance.
When Does The Piggyback Plant Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Piggyback plant blooms in the spring with small purple-brown flowers in a cluster. The small and pretty flowers attract bees and butterflies but are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Piggyback plant is unique in that it can do just as well in the shade as it can in sunlight.
It thrives in moderate to bright light. Therefore, many gardeners like to place the plant in dappled sunlight or partial shade
The more important thing is that the plant is exposed to adequate temperatures. It thrives in forest-like temperatures from 50° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to temperature, tolmiea menziesii loves high humidity. Some gardeners keep their plants in a kitchen or bathroom for adequate moisture.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Piggyback Plant?
It’s essential to keep your Piggyback plant adequately watered, especially in the summer.
If the top 2″ inches of your soil are dry, it’s likely time to water again.
Feed your tolmiea menziesii plant with liquid or controlled-release fertilizer twice a month to promote healthy and robust growth.
Feeding your plants in the winter is unnecessary and can also reduce watering.
What Is The Best Soil For Tolmiea Menziesii, And When Should You Transplant?
The Piggyback plant is not particularly fussy about soil, so any commercial potting soil is fine
If you are deciding whether to repot, if you see the plant’s roots growing into the pot, it’s time.
Spring is the best time to repot, and you can also simultaneously divide your plant for propagation.
Does Tolmiea Menziesii Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
While no grooming is required, if you want to keep your Piggyback plant from taking over your house, you may want to prune back some of the runners carefully.
In addition, if you see any dead or damaged leaves throughout the year, you can prune them accordingly.
How To Propagate Curiosity Plant?
Curiosity plants are straightforward to propagate.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, take stem cuttings with a single mature leaf with a fleshy stem intact.
- Prepare a small pot with potting soil.
- Then, put the cutting into the potting soil.
- Moisten the soil.
- Put the pot in a place where the temperature is 50° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is high.
You will notice new growth emerging after a few weeks.
You can also easily propagate via root division and leaf cuttings.
Tolmiea Menziesii Pests And Diseases
Tolmiea Menziesii’s hairy leaves are susceptible to aphids and spider mites, so it’s essential to check your plant’s leaves occasionally.
Treat your plant with a mild insecticide or neem oil if you notice signs of aphids or spider mites.
Regardless, insecticide or neem oil should treat the problem quickly.
Mother Of Thousands Plant Uses
The Mother of thousands plant makes for a fantastic groundcover for woodland gardens or a shady path along a stream or river.
However, if you live in a cooler climate where you can’t plant it outdoors, you can keep it in a hanging basket or container.
It should be a relatively easy plant to maintain wherever you keep it. A piggyback plant is a perfect beginner plant for indoors or out!