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Guide botanique

Mexican Hat Plant.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Prononciation kal-an-KOH-ee day-gremon-tee-AN-uh

Aussi appelée Alligator Plant, Devil's Backbone, Mother of Thousands, Mother-of-Millions, devil's-backbone

Alligator Plant
Photo de Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

The Mexican Hat Plant is a unique succulent known for its prolific production of plantlets along the edges of its leaves. It's a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill a pot or spread in suitable climates. This plant is primarily grown for its fascinating form and reproductive method.

En un coup d'œil

Care level
Easy
Plant type
Succulent Perennial
Light
Bright indirect light, some morning sun is tolerated.
Indoor light
bright-indirect
Water
Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size
Up to 2 feet tall.
Growth rate
fast
Hardiness
USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time
Winter to early spring, if conditions are favorable.

Entretien

Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Protect from frost as it is not cold-hardy.

Watering
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter.
Feeding
Feed once every two months during the growing season with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Pruning
Prune as needed to maintain shape or remove dead/damaged leaves.
Repotting
Repot when root-bound, typically every 1-2 years.
Soil
Well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral.
Temperature
10 to 30°C
Humidity
30 to 60%

Sécurité

People
Mildly toxic; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Pets
Mildly toxic; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Edibility
Not intended for human consumption.

Comment l'identifier

  • Broad, fleshy leaves with serrated edges.
  • Numerous tiny plantlets form along leaf margins.
  • Leaves are green to grayish-green.
  • Trumpet-shaped flowers, usually pinkish or reddish.
  • Upright, succulent growth habit.
Height
0.3 to 0.6m
Spread
0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves
Green, Gray-green, evergreen
Flowers
Pink, Red, 1 to 1.5cm

Problèmes courants

  • Root rot Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to mushy stems and leaves.
  • Mealybugs Small, white, cottony pests that feed on plant sap, often found in leaf axils.
  • Spider mites Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing.

La cultiver

Propagation
Plantlets, Cuttings
When to plant
Spring, Summer

None typically needed as it's often grown as a specimen or in its own container.

Espèces similaires

  • Mother of Thousands This is another common name for the same species.
  • Bryophyllum delagoense Very similar in growth habit and prolific plantlet production, though leaves are more cylindrical.

Science

Family
Crassulaceae
Genus
Kalanchoe
Order
Saxifragales
Class
Magnoliopsida
Native range
Madagascar

It thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, often found in rocky crevices or disturbed soils, where it reproduces rapidly via its plantlets.

Uses
Ornamental, Houseplant

Au fil des saisons

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

Repères écologiques

Salinity
2/9
Soil reaction
6/9
Light
7/9
Temperature
7/9
Moisture
3/9
Nutrients
4/9

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

How do I propagate Mexican Hat Plant?
Simply place the fallen plantlets on moist soil; they will readily root and grow into new plants.
Why are the leaves yellowing?
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or insufficient light.
Can I grow this outdoors?
Yes, in frost-free climates where it can be planted directly in the ground or in pots.

D'où vient le nom

The scientific name 'Kalanchoe' is derived from the Chinese name for one of the species, while 'daigremontiana' honors the French botanist Henri Daigremont.

Bon à savoir

  • It's also known as Mother of Thousands or Mother of Millions.
  • The plantlets can travel surprisingly far when they fall off.
  • In its native habitat, it can become an invasive species.

Ton mexican hat plant a mauvaise mine ?

Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.

Télécharger l'appli

Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.