Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands: What’s The Difference?

Trying to decide between the Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands succulents, but aren't quite sure how they differ? These popular succulents share both differences and similarities. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton compares these two succulents, including what similarities they share, and how they differ.

Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands - Mother of Millions

The clash of the mother Kalanchoes starts with these two popular succulent plants, known for sporting baby plantlets that drop off the plants and grow into adults: Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands. Each has its own unique traits, but luckily, both are hardy and easy to care for. 

Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe delagoensis, previously known as Bryophyllum delagoensis) are succulent plants originating from Madagascar. They grow fast with little plantlets that grow at the ends of thin fleshy leaves. Each of these is able to start a new plant and any babies that drop off the ends can find a spot to grow nearby, spreading quickly. 

Similarly, Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana, previously Bryophyllum daigremontianum) has large green leaves with little baby plantlets forming on the margin of the leaves, also able to drop off and grow even in the harshest environments. Let’s dig more into each to see where they differ.

Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands

Specification
Scientific Name
Family
Mature Size
Native Region
Leaf Appearance
Leaf Color
Flower Color
Growth Difficulty
Soil
Exposure
Light Tolerance
Toxicity
Mother of Millions
Kalanchoe delagoensis
Crassulaceae
Up to 3 feet
Madagascar
Smooth Oblong
Multi-colored, Green Burgundy
Orange to Burgundy
Easy
Sandy, Loamy
Full sun to part shade
Min. 2 hours a day
Poisonous to animals and humans
Mother of Thousands
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Crassulaceae
Up to 3 feet
Madagascar
Wide with toothed edges
Green
Gray to Pink
Easy
Well-draining
Full sun to partial shade
Min. 2 hours a day
Poisonous to animals and humans

Botanical Characteristics 

These two plants are similar in that they produce tiny plantlets on the tips of their leaves. However, each plant is unique in its own way. Let’s take a closer look at each plant’s botanical characteristics to see how they differ.

Taxonomy 

Two succulent plants. The one on the left has leaves that are gray-green, smooth, narrow, and oblong, set opposite each other on a long stem. There are several small teeth on the ends of the leaves where groups of plantlets form in whorls along the edges. It grows in an upright fashion in a container that rests on a table covered in a red-orange table cloth. The succulent on the right has wide blue-green leaves with toothed margins where the little plantlets form. Tiny plantlets are growing on the edge of a few of the larger leaves.
Both of these plants are from the Kalanchoe genus.

Also called Mother of Millions, Chandelier Plant because of its drooping flowers, or Devil’s Backbone for its shape, Kalanchoe delagoensis is a fascinating plant. This succulent from the Crassulacea family has an upright growth habit and captivating leaves. 

Kalanchoe delagoensis will have the name Eckl. & Zeyh behind it to reference the botanists who first identified the plants. Eckl. refer to Christian Friedrich Ecklon (1795 –1868) a Danish botanist who collected many samples from Southern Africa together with Zeyh, which refers to Karl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher (1799 –1858) who was born in Germany and spent many years collecting plants and insects in South Africa. 

Kalanchoe daigremontiana is also known as Mother of Thousands, Mexican Hat Plant, and sometimes Alligator Plant. It’s a succulent like Mother of Millions from the Crassulacea family.

This species was named by French botanist Raymond Hamet (1890 – 1972) identified by Raym.-Hamet behind the name and Joseph Henry Alfred Perrier, identified with H.Perrier behind the plant name who specialized in plants from Madagascar. 

Native Area 

Two succulent plants growing in the wild. The one on the left has green, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves set opposite each other along a central stem. There are several small teeth that form on the edges of each leaf that are light brown. There are tiny plantlets on the ends of the topmost leaves that form in whorls along the edges. The succulent grows next to a tree with a smooth gray-brown trunk. The succulent on the right has wide green leaves with saw-toothed edges. Tiny plantlets grow on these teeth. Other succulents grow in the blurred background.
Madagascar is home to both of these plants.

Both these plants are native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe delagoensis is found in the central and southern regions and Kalanchoe daigremontiana can be spotted more to the west. They grow in desert environments in a dry subshrub biome. The locals will use these plants as poison for their toxicity. 

Appearance 

The appearance of Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands is quite different. The flowers, however, are very similar. The leaves are the best way to tell the two plants apart.

Leaf Shape and Color 

Two different succulent plants close up. The one on the left has green, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves with light green splotches along them that are set opposite each other along a central stem. There are tiny purple-gray plantlets on the ends of the topmost leaves that grow in whorls along the edges. This succulent grows next to a tree with blades of grass growing under it. The succulent on the right is close up and has wide green leaves with saw-toothed edges. Tiny plantlets grow on these teeth, and you can see where some have fallen off.
The biggest difference between these two plants is in the leaves, allowing you to quickly tell them apart at first glance. 

The leaves of Mother of Millions are smooth, narrow, and oblong-shaped, set opposite each other on long stems. They have a grey to silver sheen with splotches of red to reddish brown marks. These leaves are around 1-6 inches long and under an inch thick at their tallest. 

There are 3-9 small teeth on the ends of the leaves where groups of plantlets form in whorls along the edges. This is what this plant is most famous for. 

Mother of Thousands differs wildly from Mother of Millions in leaf shape and color. It has wide blue-green leaves with toothed margins where the little plantlets form. Just a little knock and the babies will fall off and anchor into the soil to grow. 

Flowers 

Bell-shaped flowers from two different Kalanchoe plants that grow upright and hang down in clusters, like chandeliers. The flowers on the left are reddish orange and grow from  green buds. The flowers on the right are pink and grow from gray-purple buds.
The best way to tell the difference between the two plants’ flowers is by the color.

Mother of Millions produces chandeliers of bell- or tubular-shaped flowers on the ends of tall stems in colors that range from yellow to orange and red. They dangle in clusters each about an inch long and bloom from late winter and into spring. 

Mother of Thousands also produces tubular flowers, but in grey to pink and purple, similar to the other Kalanchoes.

They are grouped together in clusters on long stems and hang down like chandeliers – often confused with Mother of Millions. But if you can’t quite tell which flower is which, the color should help you tell them apart. 

Growth Habit 

Two  upright growing succulent plants close up. The one on the left has dark green, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves with light greenish-red splotches along them that are set opposite each other along a central stem. There are tiny purple-gray plantlets on the ends of the leaves that grow in whorls. There are green ferns and other plants growing in the blurred background. The succulent on the right is close up and has wide green leaves with saw-toothed edges. Tiny plantlets grow on these teeth, and you can see where some have fallen off. The background is gray and blurred.
Since Mother of Thousands has larger leaves, it grows bushier than the thinner Mother of Millions.

These species are known for the plantlets they produce on the margins of the leaves. But there are other differences in growth habit that you can spot when the plants are large enough and in the right environment. 

Mother of Millions has an upright growth habit and is considered a medium grower in terms of growth rate. With its bigger leaves, Mother of Thousands tends towards a bushier habit to make space for the wider leaves. 

Care 

In general, succulents appreciate rather hot, dry, and sunny conditions. Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands are no different. These two Kalanchoes will thrive in conditions that mimic their homeland of Madagascar. They have higher success when grown as houseplants, but could survive in hardiness zones with a desert climate.

Light 

Close up of two different succulent plants in bright sunshine. The one on the left has dark greenish purple, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves that are set opposite each other along a central stem. The background is blurred. The succulent on the right has wide green leaves that open up like the mouth of an alligator. Tiny plantlets grow on tiny teeth, and there are small spaces where some have fallen off. The garden in the background is blurred.
Plenty of sunshine is ideal for growing both of these plants.

Both these plants prefer hot sunny temperatures and full sun to partial shade position outdoors. Indoors It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sun a day.

Both can also grow (although not as well) in a partially shaded area. If you don’t have the right amount of light, you can always supplement with grow lights for those committed to growing them indoors. 

They enjoy a bit of afternoon shade in hot climates as too much sun may scorch the leaves. Once that happens the leaves the damaged leaves will need to be removed. 

Water 

Close up of tiny plantlets growing on the end of a bright green leaf that have a few water droplets. The background is dark and blurred.
Water both of these plants with the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out.

Both plants have low water needs, only requiring additional watering when the soil just dries out. They also have the ability to tolerate periods of drought with ease thanks to their native habitats. 

Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands will grow better with regular watering. But it’s important to never let them stand in water or become waterlogged. Like any succulent, this will quickly lead to rot. If the plant’s leaves begin to crinkle, it’s a sure sign that they need more water. 

Make sure to inspect the plants regularly as any browning of the leaves may be a sign of root rot and overwatering. Cut off the damaged leaves and repot the plant in fresh soil with better drainage. Check the roots first and cut off any that are mushy and damaged.

Change the watering schedule and wait for the plant to recover. Otherwise, you can discard the plant and propagate new ones from the babies. 

Soil 

Round white container holding a soil mix that is dark with small gray pearl light granules. A wooden shovel with an orange spade is partially inserted into the soil mix.
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix is good for growing either of these plants

These plants will grow in almost any soil conditions, from well-composted loam to dry sand, as long as the soil drains well. For the best result in pots, plant in well-draining succulent and cactus soil mix with large particles and a gritty texture. 

Make sure the container you choose has enough drainage holes so the soil can drain freely when watering. 

Fertilizer 

Close up of the leaves of two different succulent plants. The one on the left shows tiny plantlets growing on the tips of two green oblong-shaped leaves that grow from a central stem that is blurred. The plantlets have tiny light brown roots emerging from them. The succulent on the right has wide blue-green leaves that have tiny plantlets growing on tiny teeth, and there are small spaces where some have fallen off. The rest of the plant in the background is blurred.
It is not typically necessary to fertilize either of these plants.

These plants are very light feeders and will only need an annual feed with a very weak fertilizer used for cacti and succulents. Too much fertilizer will burn their roots, so it’s best to keep the strength weak. 

Temperature and Humidity 

Close up of two different succulent plants growing outdoors in bright sunshine. The one on the left has dark greenish purple, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves that have light green markings with sawtoothed edges. The leaves are set opposite each other along a central stem. The background is a blurred rock garden near a brick sidewalk. The succulent on the right has wide, triangular-shaped green leaves that open up and away from the central stem. Tiny plantlets grow on tiny teeth on the edges of the leaves, and there are small spaces where some have fallen off. There is green foliage in the blurred background.
Hot, dry conditions are ideal for growing most succulents, including these.

Although both these plants will grow in wide temperature ranges, they must be protected at temperatures below 40°F. They need little to no humidity and can actually struggle if humidity is too high. 

In colder climates, grow these succulents indoors or grow them in pots that you can move indoors when the cold hits. Keep away from extremes in heat, especially from indoor heat sources like radiators. 

Repotting 

Close up of two different succulent plants in pots. The one on the left has dark green, smooth, oblong-shaped leaves that have light greenish-red markings. The leaves are set opposite each other along a central stem. This plant is in a round, textured, white pot with small blue speckles throughout. The background is blurred. The succulent on the right has wide, triangular-shaped green leaves that open up and away from the central stem. Tiny plantlets grow on tiny teeth on the edges of the leaves, and there are small spaces where some have fallen off. This succulent grows in a round terra cotta pot set on a wooden table.
Neither of these plants should need to be repotted very often, only when they outgrow their pot.

Both these plants have shallow root systems, so they do not need re-potting very often. They also like to be tight in their pots, but if the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, you can give them a new home with fresh succulent and cactus mix. Do this in spring and choose a pot one size up only. 

Propagation 

Close up of green tiny Kalanchoe plantlets with small white brown roots that have fallen off the plants and onto the surface of moist, dark soil. The plantlets have tiny round leaves that grow opposite each other.
Both of these plants are considered invasive in many countries because of how easily they propagate.

The biggest benefit of these succulents is that they are so easily propagated from the plantlets that form on the leaves. Just falling off the plant will begin the cycle of growth, as long as the plantlet touches the soil. Growing them indoors controls the spread of the plantlets so that they do not become a problem. 

It’s important to know that in some countries, these plants have become invasive, and declared noxious weeds. They are also poisonous for grazing livestock like cattle. All parts of the plants need to be kept away from children and pets. The plants contain chemical compounds called Bufadienolides that cause cardiac arrest and heart failure. 

It has been said that Mother of Thousands has lost the ability to produce seeds, but with the literally thousands of plantlets clinging to the leaf margins ready to spring into action should they fall onto the soil, the lack of seeds has little impact. 

If you want to propagate little plantlets yourself, pick a few off from the leaves. They will come away easily if they are ready. Then simply drop these plantlets into moist soil to replicate how they spread naturally. Once they have rooted, transplant them into their own pots with a well-draining soil mix to continue growth. 

Final Thoughts 

These fascinating plants are interesting to watch grow while they desperately try to increase their own numbers by producing thousands and even millions of smaller plants on their own, without the intervention of humans. They are also both easy to care for and will grow with little maintenance or interference. 

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