Each of these succulents is so similar that they are often confused with each other, and plant enthusiasts can hardly keep them straight. However, once you know what to look for, it's pretty easy to tell the difference between them.
The main difference is in the shape of the plant's leaves, with Mother of Thousands having leaves that grow wider and broader. Mother of Millions, on the other hand, has more slender leaves and plantlets growing near the leaf's end.
As a brief overview, this doesn't cover all the differences between the two plants. So let's get into the specifics of each plant now.
Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe Daigremontiana)
These small succulent-like plants are originally native to the region of Madagascar. It has a few nicknames, too, including the Alligator Plant and the Mexican Hat Plant. Many people like the look of these plants because they are lovely and unique.
Even though some people use these plants as décor in their gardens or even as potted plants, this plant is actually considered an invasive weed in some parts of the world. The plantlets that grow along the edge of its leaves can propagate and proliferate wherever there is enough soil, making a Mother of Thousands hard to contain in some cases.
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Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe Delagoensis)
Mother of Millions is very similar to the Mother of Thousands, hence why so many people get them confused. Like most kalanchoe succulents, the Mother of Millions is a rapidly growing plant that loves and tolerates intense heat.
In some cases, these two succulent plants may look very similar. Mother of Millions will have more narrow leaves, and plantlets only grow at the tips of its leaves instead of all along the edges. They may also appear less green than Mother of Thousands plants, coming in a pinkish, brownish, or reddish hue.
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Differences and Similarities
As we mentioned briefly in the introduction, the primary defining characteristic of the Mother of Thousands succulent is the broad leaves that grow plantlets all along the leaf edges. They are perfect for outdoor gardens in hot climates, as they are apt at handling the heat when they're properly planted.
Even more than its counterpart, the Mother of Millions plant is hardy succulent and drought resistant, allowing it to survive some of the hottest conditions on the planet. Succulent plants are perfect for high-heat environments, making them a go to add to the garden in hot and dry places worldwide.
With narrower leaves and fewer plantlets, you can quickly tell the difference between the two plants when they are side by side. They may be a bit more challenging to tell apart if you're viewing them separately, but remember that the Mother of Thousands has broader leaves, and the Mother of Millions has narrower leaves. When it is difficult to identify succulent species for you, feel free to CONTACT US.
As for similarities, both of these plants have a similar look to them. They both look like succulent-type plants, with bulbous, fleshy leaves and plantlets growing along them. They are also usually the same vibrant hue as succulents, although coloration may vary based on soil conditions and specific breed. Click here to learn more about factors of succulent color change.
The Mother of Thousands and the Mother of Millions are extremely heat resistant and can survive in some of the harshest conditions on the planter pots. They can go for weeks or months without water, as they've adapted to survive in dry drought conditions.
How To Care for These Plants
As both of these succulents originate from Madagascar, they've adapted to the same kind of environment and require similar care to survive and thrive. As these Kalanchoe succulents' ancestral home is a dry and hot place, they've become quite adaptable to most kinds of environments. Therefore, they should be able to survive in most places like most popular succulent plants, even places with frequent droughts or even mild frost and cold.
Watering for these succulents is pretty easy, as they only require minimal water to survive. You should be good with watering them only about once a week or simply letting the rain do your work if you live in a place that rains. If you notice the leaves of the plants start to yellow and fall off, you'll know that you're overwatering your succulents. Conversely, if the leaves start to appear brownish black and feel brittle, you'll know you need to water them more often. Click here to learn how to tell if you are overwatering succulent plants.
As they've adapted to live in high-heat environments, these plants will both require a healthy amount of direct sunlight. However, as they're hardy plants, they should also be able to do fine in places with less light. They do, however, require a healthy amount of sunlight.
Toxic Properties
The ASPCA has denoted both of these plants as being toxic to most animals, including cows, birds, cats, and dogs. If any of these animals ingest only a small portion of the succulent, they will experience minor gastrointestinal discomfort and possible vomiting and diarrhea. However, if a larger portion has been ingested, such as multiple leaves at once, then the effects can become much more severe.
In the worst cases, ingestion of these succulents plant may lead to heart failure and damage to other internal organs.
Mother of Thousands/Millions Invasiveness
Because the succulents that grow on both of these plants are so eager to spread, they have been categorized as invasive in many regions worldwide. If left to spread on their own, these succulent plants will quickly crowd out other plants and fill any open soil areas.
Once you've planted these plants in your garden, get ready to keep a constant eye on their plantlets, which can easily start growing in whichever soil they land in.
Conclusion
While both the Mother of Thousands and the Mother of Millions look quite similar, they are actually easy to tell apart. The former plant has thicker leaves with plantlets all along their edges, while the latter has narrower leaves with plantlets only at the tips.
With this introduction, we hope our short guide will help you choose which succulent plant is best for your garden!
