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.

Plant guide

Mexican Hat Plant.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

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

Also known as Alligator Plant, Devil's Backbone, Mother of Thousands, Mother-of-Millions, devil's-backbone

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.

At a glance

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.

Care

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%

Safety

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

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

Propagation: Plantlets, Cuttings
When to plant: Spring, Summer

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

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

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.

Is your mexican hat plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.