Kalanchoe Tubiflora

If you’re looking for a truly unique and low-maintenance succulent, the kalanchoe tubiflora is a fantastic choice. This fascinating plant, often called the “Mother of Thousands,” is a conversation starter and a joy to grow. Its ability to produce countless plantlets along its leaves makes it a rare succulent plant that feels both ancient and endlessly generative.

While it’s not the hardest to find, its distinctive growth habit sets it apart from more common succulents. It’s perfect for gardeners who appreciate unusual forms and easy propagation. Let’s look at how to care for this remarkable species.

This plant’s botanical name is Kalanchoe delagoensis, but it’s widely known as Kalanchoe tubiflora or Chandelier Plant. It’s native to Madagascar and features upright, tubular leaves that are a grey-green color with darker splotches. The real magic happens at the leaf tips, where tiny plantlets form, creating a delicate, fringed appearance.

Why It’s Called “Mother of Thousands”

Each of those small plantlets is a complete clone of the parent plant, complete with tiny roots. When they detach, they can root and grow wherever they land. This is a highly effective survival strategy in its native habitat, but it means you need to be mindful of where you place it in your garden.

It can become invasive in warm, frost-free climates.
The plantlets drop easily and will grow in nearby pots.
It’s best grown in a container to manage its spread.

Light Requirements for Healthy Growth

Like most succulents, kalanchoe tubiflora thrives in bright light. It needs plenty of sun to maintain its compact shape and vibrant leaf coloration.

Ideal: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Indoors: A south-facing window is best. East or west can work if the light is very strong.
Signs of Low Light: The stems will become stretched (etiolated), leaning toward the light source, and the leaves will be spaced further apart.

If you move it outdoors for summer, acclimate it slowly to prevent sunburn. Start in partial shade for a week before giving it full sun.

The Right Soil and Potting Mix

Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. This plant is highly susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. A standard cactus or succulent potting mix is a good start, but you can improve it.

Here’s a simple recipe you can make:

2 parts cactus potting soil.
1 part perlite or pumice.
1 part coarse sand (horticultural grade).

Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry out more quickly than plastic or ceramic.

Watering Your Kalanchoe Tubiflora Correctly

This is where most people go wrong. The kalanchoe tubiflora is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out completely between waterings.

Check the Soil: Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water Thoroughly: Water slowly until you see it running out of the drainage hole. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
Let it Drain: Empty the saucer under the pot after 15 minutes so the plant isn’t sitting in water.
Wait Again: Do not water again until the soil is completely dry.

In winter, when growth slows, you may only need to water once a month or even less. The leaves will look slightly wrinkled when it’s very thirsty, which is a safer state than being overwatered.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences

This plant enjoys warmth and does not tolerate frost. It’s suited to USDA hardiness zones 9-11 if grown outdoors year-round.

Optimal Range: 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C).
Winter Minimum: Keep it above 50°F (10°C).
Humidity: Average household humidity is fine. It does not require high humidity like some tropical plants.

If you live in a cooler climate, simply grow it in a pot and bring it indoors before the first fall frost. A bright, cool spot inside is perfect for its winter rest period.

Fertilizing for Strong Growth

Fertilizing needs are minimal. Too much can cause weak, leggy growth. A light feeding during the active growing season (spring and summer) is plenty.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply it once a month at most.
Do not fertilize in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant.

A gentle organic option is worm castings sprinkled on top of the soil in spring. This provides slow-release nutrients without risk of burn.

How to Propagate New Plants

Propagation is incredibly easy—the plant does most of the work for you! You have two main options: using the plantlets or taking stem cuttings.

Method 1: Using Plantlets

Gently remove a few of the larger plantlets from the leaf tips. They often fall off on their own.
Place them on top of a tray filled with well-draining succulent soil. Do not bury them.
Mist the soil lightly every few days to keep the surface slightly moist.
In a week or two, you’ll see tiny roots anchoring them to the soil. Once they are established, treat them as mature plants.

Method 2: Stem Cuttings

Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a healthy stem section that’s 3-4 inches long.
Let the cut end callous over for 2-3 days in a dry, shady spot. This prevents rot.
Plant the calloused end about an inch deep in dry succulent mix.
Wait a week before giving it a light watering, then care for it as usual.

Common Pests and Problems

This plant is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally have issues, especially when stressed or grown indoors.

Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony masses in leaf joints. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or an insecticidal soap.
Aphids: Sometimes they attack new growth. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually handles them.
Root Rot: The most common issue, caused by overwatering. Signs include mushy, blackened stems and leaves falling off. If caught early, you can cut off healthy stems to propagate and discard the rotten parts.
Leggy Growth: This is a sign of insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location and consider beheading the top to encourage a more compact plant.

Flowering and Special Care

Mature plants may send up a tall flower spike in late winter or early spring. The flowers are tubular, usually a grayish-pink or orange color, and hang in clusters. They attract hummingbirds outdoors.

After flowering, the main rosette that produced the bloom may die back. Don’t worry—by this point, the plant will have produced many offsets and plantlets to carry on. Simply remove the spent stem.

Safety Note: Toxicity

It’s important to know that kalanchoe tubiflora is toxic to pets (cats, dogs) and can be irritating to humans if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides.

Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
Wear gloves when handling cuttings or repotting if you have sensitive skin.
If you suspect ingestion, contact a doctor or veterinarian immediately.

Creative Display Ideas

Its architectural form makes it a great standalone specimen. Here are a few ways to show it off:

In a tall, narrow pot to accentuate its vertical growth.
As part of a succulent dish garden with other drought-tolerant plants (just be ready for its plantlets to pop up nearby).
In a hanging basket where the plantlets can dangle freely.

FAQ About Kalanchoe Tubiflora

Is Kalanchoe tubiflora rare?
While not extremely rare, its unique propagation method makes it less common than standard succulents like echeveria. It’s a special find for plant enthusiasts.

How fast does Mother of Thousands grow?
It grows moderately fast in ideal conditions. Under bright light and with proper care, you can see significant growth in a single season.

Can I grow it indoors?
Yes, absolutely. Just ensure it gets enough bright, direct light from a sunny window. A grow light can supplement if needed.

Why are the leaves on my plant turning brown?
Brown, crispy leaves often indicate sunburn from too-intense, sudden light. Soft, mushy brown leaves usually mean overwatering. Assess your care routine to find the cause.

How do I control its spread?
Growing it in a container is the best method. Regularly deadhead the plantlets from the leaves before they drop if you want to prevent them from rooting in surrounding pots.

Is it the same as Bryophyllum?
Yes, the genus Kalanchoe is closely related, and some botanists group plants that produce plantlets on their leaves into the Bryophyllum group. You might see it labeled either way.

With its striking looks and fascinating reproduction, the kalanchoe tubiflora is a rewarding plant to have in your collection. Its care is straightforward once you master the watering schedule and provide ample light. Just remember to give it a spot where its prolific nature can be appreciated—and maybe even managed. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing its plantlets with fellow gardening friends.