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Image shows the lovely Kalanchoe diagremontiana plants |
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Kalanchoe diagremontiana
(Mother of Thousands, Devil's Backbone, Mexican Hat Plant) |
Synonym: Kalanchoe diagremontianum, Bryophyllum diagremontianum
Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Native to Madagascar
Light: Sun-part shade
Height: Up to 3'
Spread: 3-4'
Blooms: Sporadic flowering spike of pink, bell-shaped, umbrella-like
Foliage: Medium green with mottled purple underneath, 6-8" long
smooth, fleshy, opposite, oblong-lanceolate leaves with serrated edges that bear
young plantlets
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, gravelly
Water:
Drought tolerant when established
Propagation: Leaf or stem cuttings, offsets, layering
Uses: Xeriscaping, border, desert garden, containers , indoor
Caution: Plant is invasive
Comments: Kalanchoe diagremontiana or Kalanchoe diagremontianum or
Bryophyllum diagremontianum or Mother of Thousands or Devil's Backbone or
Mexican Hat Plant is an interesting vivaparous tropical perennial. It has
interesting plantlets growing on the edges of the leaves. These bulbils
can be removed and grown separately. One plant alone can provide you with
so many plantlets that you can share with your friends. Kalanchoe diagremontiana
is easily propagated from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings or layering. The
upper part of the Devil's Backbone tends to be larger and cause the top to bend
towards the soil and take root. Mexican Hat Plant makes an excellent xeriscaping plant for the landscaping garden.
Kalanchoe diagremontiana is carefree and low
maintenance and very easy to grow. Grown in masses, the crowning glories
of these plants in bloom make an impact in the border or desert garden or rock
garden and looks just as nice in a container as accent plant for the patio or as
an indoor plant. The blooms of Kalanchoe diagremontiana resemble Mexican
Hats. These plants die afer blooming. Protect plants from frost.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8b-11 |
