The mother of millions or Bryophyllum Daigremontianum is a durable and fast-growing plant. Originally from Madagascar, it multiplies very easily in all sorts of places. It produces small plantlets which grow from the ends of the branches. So, how do you care for a Mother of Millions?
This plant is quite simple to take care of. Keep in mind the following essential tips:
- A ‘soak and dry’ method is good enough to meet its watering needs.
- Proper exposure to sunlight will do wonders.
- The best temperature is somewhere around 60º F to 85º F (15º C to 30º C).
- It’s a straightforward plant to propagate via the small plantlets at the edges of its branches.
Read on for more information on how to care for the mother of millions properly.
Mother of Millions Basic Caring Guidelines
Watering – How often should you water mother of millions?
It’s quite noteworthy that this plant can tolerate drought situations. It can tolerate most conditions, ranging from such drought and going all the way to some forms of frost.
When it comes to watering, the mother of millions is quite tough too. It doesn’t need too much attention. A ‘soak and dry’ method is enough. We should wait until the soil is completely dry and then drench the pot. Once the soil is dry again, then we can repeat the watering cycle and so on and so forth.
There are some mistakes to avoid when we’re watering and using the ‘soak and dry’ method:
Regular Schedules
Some people make the mistake of setting a tight and fixed schedule for watering. They decide, for example, to water every day at a certain hour. This is to be avoided. The problem with this approach is that it can cause the soil to get permanently moist. This is something that we generally want to avoid when dealing with succulents.
Shallow Watering
This is another point to be aware of. When we water succulents, including this one, we want to follow a drenching method. As stated earlier, we want to drench the pot with water, pouring at the base of the plant. Once the pot is drenched in water and there is water seeping through the drainage hole in the bottom, then it’s done.
A typical error is to do shallow watering. Such watering doesn’t soak the soil and is almost superficial. In fact, it can be even more damaging, because, as top layer dampness increases, so does the risk of fungus gnats.
Leaves Watering
It bears repeating that when watering the mother of millions, and indeed most succulents and cacti, we want to be watering at the plant’s base. Watering the surface of the leaves is not a good idea.
For one, it can be damaging to the plant, because the water on the leaves, together with the sun, may prove to be damaging to the surface. There is also the problem that the water will not really be reaching the roots. We may come to realize that it’s an ineffective watering altogether.
Humidity
The mother of millions can tolerate many conditions. These include humidity. Some mothers of millions can succeed in extremely humid and wet places, which is an oddity for a succulent. Obviously, a dry environment is best. Some ventilation will be useful if the place is very humid.
Soil
Note that the mother of millions benefits from good drainage. Therefore, it’s best potted in a good commercial soil mix. Some owners like to add sand in the pot, for better drainage.
In fact, there are several ways in which we can improve drainage. Avoiding soggy soil is always a good idea that allows for a good ‘soak and dry’ methodology. To achieve that end, owners may use sand, perlite, vermiculite and pumice. If the plant is going to be inside a pot, it’s always a good idea to avoid soil mix that includes peat moss or humus.
In pots, there is another way to achieve proper drainage. It’s possible to add a layer of pebbles at the bottom. Such a layer of stones can improve drainage and a ‘soak and dry’ approach.
Light
If the plant is going to be indoors, locate it in bright indirect light. Some owners like to take the pot outside during the summer too.
If it’s outdoors, the plant should do well, although it may be hurt by excessive direct sunlight exposure. One problem is when temperatures drop too low. A mother of millions under temperatures below 40º F (4º C) will not do well.
Temperature
The mother of millions is a resilient and durable plant. In principle, it works best in USDA hardiness zones 9-10, that’s quite true. It can grow in several others, though. As a good rule of thumb, temperatures somewhere around 60º F to 85º F (15º C to 30º C) are best.
Mother of Millions Advanced Caring Guidelines
Fertilization
The mother of millions doesn’t need fertilizer. If you wish to fertilize anyway, once every couple of months will do just fine.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is a very good idea. It can be an extremely fast grower and so can use occasional maintenance. In fact, pruning can end up encouraging denser and better growth. It thus serves several purposes, including keeping a good appearance.
The method to prune is quite simple. We want to trim the top above the leaf. It’s crucial that we remove the little plantlets that drop off. These little ones will take root and start growing themselves if we’re not careful.
Repotting
We know that the mother of millions grows fast. What then does this say about repotting? We’ll find that if we house this plant in a pot, it may be necessary to repot quite soon.
There are some signs that we need to repot. First of all, we may begin to notice that roots begin to poke through drainage holes. Another sign that repotting is needed is very poor draining of water. Poor growth is a clear sign that excessive roots are not letting the plant get the proper nourishment.
Finding the right pot
While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about the right pot. It’s a great idea to pot the mother of millions. It’s such a fast-growing succulent that it’s probably a good idea to keep it in a pot, lest we lose control of it.
When looking for the best pot, there are some things to take into account. A terracotta pot is usually a great idea. First of all, we need to make sure that it has a good drainage hole in the bottom.
Some owners like to leave a small saucer collecting water under the pot. This is seldom a good idea. The problem is that moisture may end up seeping, so to speak, back inside the pot and therefore throwing our watering method off balance. It also increases the risk of root rotting.
Methodology of Repotting
The methodology of repotting itself is actually quite simple. First of all, we want to remove the plant from the pot. Once we have the plant outside, we must remove excess soil from the roots. Afterwards, it’s essential to check the roots for signs of rot or disease.
Now it’s time to place the plant in the new pot. As mentioned earlier, there are several things that owners can do to achieve proper drainage: a layer of pebbles on the bottom or a good drainage soil mix are a good start.
Propagation
The mother of millions multiplies via the small plantlets at the edges/ends of branches. Such little plantlets detach from the plant, take root elsewhere and start growing on their own. It’s easy to see how fast they can reproduce in this manner.
In many ways, it’s quite accurate to say that the challenge with the mother of millions is not propagating it. The challenge may be to have it grow how and where we want it, without excess growth.
It’s safe to say that propagating the mother of millions will be simple. The key is in the little plantlets which it produces. These are essentially ready to go, complete with roots, when they appear. They actually produce very durable seeds, but propagating is really the simple way to go.
Having said that, there’s a proper procedure for propagation. First of all, pick off some plantlets and then put them in a container. Then, slightly water them and cover them, to lock in moisture and heat. Place this container in a location with good sunlight. Once these plantlets have grown to about one inch (2.5cm), then we can take them and pot them individually.
Pest Prevention
When it comes to pests, prevention is always the best strategy. Overwatering, as we know, is a killer of succulents. It’s also a way to bring about pests to plants. So, for starters, we need to get watering under control. If we do get pests, we can always clean up with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mother of Millions look like?
The mother of millions has a very unusual look. It has long stems and a sort of puffed up look. However, what’s most striking about this plant are the plantlets on the ends of its branches. These little plantlets are very easy to propagate. In fact, it may be as simple as them dropping into the ground to start new growth and new plants.
How big do the mother of millions get?
The mother of millions can go up to about 3 feet tall (1 meter).
Is Mother of millions poisonous?
Yes, the mother of millions can actually be toxic. Cats, dogs, cattle and birds may find the mother of millions to be toxic. Although the level of toxicity is generally moderate (in small amounts), it’s always a good idea to take this into account when considering pets or children who come into contact with these plants.
What is the mother of thousands?
The mother of thousands is an unusual plant with large leaves with baby plantlets along the edges of the leaves.
What is the difference between the mother of thousands and the mother of millions?
These two plants are often confused. The main difference between the two is the shape of their leaves.
The mother of thousands has wide and broad leaves which grow in pairs. It also has plantlets of sorts, which can be found along the edges of its leaves.
On the other hand, the mother of millions has narrower leaves with plantlets along the tips of the leaves/branches.
Is the mother of millions an invasive weed?
Well, this depends on who you ask. The issue with the mother of millions is that it can grow and thrive in many different places. It can also grow very fast. It can actually multiply rapidly, with barely any intervention or care. The seeds can also remain in the soil, and be viable, for a very long time. Some people love this and others find it annoying.
