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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Gynelle Leon

Houseplant of the week: mother of thousands

Kalanchoe daigremontiana in white pot

Why will I love it?

The Kalanchoe daigremontiana, also known as mother of thousands or Mexican hat plant, has captured the hearts of many. It propagates itself effortlessly, and with its distinctive, succulent leaves and tiny plantlets growing along its edges, this hardy plant adds a touch of marvel to your room.

Light or shade?
Bright, indirect sunlight.

Where should I put it?
A south- or east-facing windowsill is ideal.

How do I keep it alive?
It is an adaptable plant that can thrive in various conditions, but it has a few preferred needs. First, it is important to avoid placing it near any cold draughts or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. It thrives in bright, indirect light and warm, stable environments of between 18 and 23C, although it can handle some direct sunshine. It is also important to let a mother of thousands dry out between waterings and not be overwatered, as this can cause root rot.

Did you know …
Pronounced “ka-lan-ko-ee”, the genus name is supposedly derived from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese phrase “kalan chauhuy”, which means “that which falls and grows”.

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