Kalanchoe laetivirens aka Mother Of Millions
Taxonomy
Kalanchoe laetivirens is a lushly green species of Kalanchoe, often mistaken for its parent plant, K. daigremontiana, due to the latter's spotted leaves. It is most likely a hybrid of K. daigremontiana and K. laxiflora, and is often referred to by invalid names such as Kalanchoe crenodaigremontiana or Bryophyllum crenato-daigremontianum. The Kalanchoe genus includes shrubs, herbaceous plants, and some annual or biennial varieties, with the tallest being Kalanchoe beharensis from Madagascar which can grow up to 6 meters tall. The flowers of Kalanchoe plants are unique in that they open by growing new cells on the inner surface of the petals to force them outwards, and on the outside of the petals to close them. They typically have 4 sections and 8 stamens, with fused petals forming a tube similar to other related genera such as Cotyledon. Kalanchoe plants are native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, and their succulent leaves help them store water during droughts, making them quite resilient and able to withstand occasional missed waterings.
Common names
Mother Of Millions, Kalanchoe, Green Kalanchoe, Hybrid KalanchoeHow to care for Mother Of Millions
Difficulty
Caring for Mother Of Millions is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Mother Of Millions does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
When growing the Mother Of Millions, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.
Lighting
Mother Of Millions requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Kalanchoe is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Mother Of Millions to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Humidity
Mother Of Millions plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.
Fertilizer
The Mother Of Millions should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Mother Of Millions’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Kalanchoe Genus
Kalanchoe pumila Flower Dust Plant
Kalanchoe longiflora Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe Widow's Thrill
Kalanchoe houghtonii Houghton's Hybrid
Kalanchoe beharensis Donkey's Ear
Kalanchoe prittwitzii
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Flapjacks
