Mother of thousands Plant (Kalanchoe daigremontiana): Introduction Classification, Distribution, Description, Chemical constituents, and, Care
Introduction
The succulent plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana, also known as The Mother of thousands, Alligator plant, Devil’s backbone, the Crown of thorns, or Mexican hat plant, is indigenous to Madagascar. It was formerly known as Bryophyllum daigremontianum. It can reproduce vegetatively through plantlets that form on its leaf margins, as well as by upshoots from lateral roots, seeds, and other Bryophyllum species (now included in the genus Kalanchoe). This species contains a very poisonous steroid called daigremontianin in all of its components.
Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Species: K. daigremontiana
Scientific name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Common Name: The Mother of thousands, Alligator plant, Devil’s backbone, the Crown of thorns, or Mexican hat plant,
Distribution
Many Kalanchoe species are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions, but they are originally endemic to South Africa, India, China, and Brazil. K. daigremontiana, a native of Madagascar, is regarded as an invasive pest in dry areas. In the semiarid northeastern region of Guanajuato, as well as in Querétaro and Hidalgo, Mexico, it is frequently found in disturbed sites.
Description
1. A glabrous herb with the common name “Mother-of-Thousands,” Kalanchoe daigremontiana, reproduces by growing complete plantlets on leaves.
2. Plants can reach a height of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) and have opposing, whorled, fleshy, oblong-lanceolate leaves that can reach lengths of 20 cm (8 in) and 32 mm (1+1/4 in). They have purple spots underneath and are green on top.
3. Spoon-shaped bulbiliferous spurs on the leaf margins carry plantlets that have the potential to become roots while still attached to the leaves.
4. On the main stalk of a plant, lateral roots may also form up to 10-15 cm (3.9-5.9 in) above the ground.
5. A plant’s main stalk may slant downward due to the growth of its higher leaves. Later, when the lateral roots have fully rooted themselves, the original shoot may produce additional vertical shoots that will grow directly above the soil.
6. Both seeds and plantlets that fall from Kalanchoe daigremontiana’s leaves have the potential to disseminate the plant.
7. A compound cyme of tiny bell-shaped, greyish pink (or occasionally orange) flowers makes up the terminal inflorescence (terminal inflorescence) of Kalanchoe daigremontiana.
8. However, flowering is not a yearly occurrence and very sometimes, if at all, occurs on some stems. The beginning of a warm season is when flowering is most frequently seen, especially in climates with noticeable seasonal temperature variations.
9. Early winter is the time when indoor plants start to bloom, as well as balcony plants that have been brought inside to survive the winter.
10. Succulent plants, like K. daigremontiana, can endure extended dry spells with little or no water.
11. The leaves of this plant exhibit nutritional deficiency signs, such as stunted development and pustule-like lesions, when they are not given the required nourishment during growth phases with higher temperatures and greater water supply.
12. Due to its vulnerability to cold, the plant usually perishes in areas with below-freezing temperatures.
Chemical constituents
various kinds of secondary metabolites have been identified from Kalanchoe spp. Alkaloids, anthraquinones, bufadienolides, carbazoles, coumarins, lactones, lignans, phenyl naphthalene, saponins, quassinoids, and stivenes are a few of them.
Uses
For several species in the genus, antitumor, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties have been noted. Bufadienolides are cardioactive steroids whose efficacy against heart disease was already recognized by the ancient Egyptians, while flavonoid glycosides are plant pigments with antioxidant potential.
How to Grow Kalanchoe Cuttings
It’s enjoyable to grow kalanchoe plants from cuttings. The vegetative stems grow the best plants and take the shortest time to root. The bottom few leaves should be removed from a 2- to 3-inch (5-7.5 cm) segment of the plant. To produce a callus on the end, let the cutting dry out in a warm, dry area. Up to the first leaf, bury the cutting in a mixture of pre-moistened peat and perlite. To create a little terrarium and retain moisture, completely enclose the pot in plastic. Put the plant in a window with good light from the outside. Cuttings can be transplanted when they have been rooted for 14 to 21 days. Up to the first leaf, bury the cutting in a mixture of pre-moistened peat and perlite. For a miniature terrarium and to keep the moisture in, completely enclose the pot in plastic. The pot should be placed in a window with good light. Cuttings become rooted and ready for transplantation in 14 to 21 days.
How to Take Care of a Kalanchoe
Plants can thrive year-round in southern Florida or throughout the summer in USDA zones 8 to 10. Care for kalanchoes is minimal, although light intensity should be considered. The tops of leaves can be burned by a southern sun’s intense light. Kalachoe plants should be grown in pots in regions with a light shade to partial sunlight. 60 percent peat moss and 40 percent perlite make for the ideal planting mixture. Cut back lanky growth and discard wasted flower stems to force a compact plant. Deeply water the plant, let it dry fully, and then provide it with more hydration. During the growing season, fertilize with houseplant food once a month.
Kalanchoe Care for Second Bloom
Growing kalanchoe succulent plants have attractive foliage, even without flowers, but the flowers put on the most impressive show. You have to convince the plant that winter has passed to get it to bloom once more. The days are short enough in October and the first few weeks of March to organically push flower buds. During other times, you will need to keep the plant inside a closet or a dimly lit area for most of the day. Only bring it out in the morning, then after a few hours, put it away. For the plant to develop magnificent new blossoms, it requires six weeks of 12 to 14 hours of darkness.
Flowers grow best at temperatures between 40 and 45 °F (4 and 7 °C) at night and 60 °F (16 °C) during the day. The care of kalanchoe plants that have buds on them is identical to that of flowering plants.