Mother of thousands care guide
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Quick answer
Water your mother of thousands when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Mother of thousands needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your mother of thousands every 75 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
Humidity30–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–28 °C (64–82 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a mother of thousands?
Water your mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a mother of thousands need?
Mother of thousands needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is mother of thousands safe for cats and dogs?
This plant can cause serious poisoning. Contact a vet promptly, even if your pet seems well. Keep mother of thousands out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Gerbera daisy, bloodleaf, pygmy date palm, or windmill palm.
Why is my mother of thousands turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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