A Comparison of Mother of Millions vs. Mother of Thousands

The names of these two plants are so intriguing! However, the name of the plant itself creates confusion as to differentiate them. When this happens, gardeners assert the need to call these plants by their scientific names to avoid confusion. However, these two plants also have the same scientific name. Confusion, alert!

With these two being always in the center of attention among people when talking about plants, it’s time we settle their differences and similarities so that we can take care of them better.

The alternate leaf pattern is actually quite common in plants. This alternate system ensures that all the leaves get the sunlight that they need.

If you happen to have a Mother of Thousands or Kalanchoe daigremontiana, you will see that they actually have little ridges. These little ridges are where the baby plantlets form, making this plant a mother. You will know if your Mother of Thousands along with its leaves are healthy if the leaves have a full complement of babies around the edge of it. However, you must also take note that when leaves are damaged or if they are about to die, they will rush to make babies or plantlets.

On the other hand, the Mother of Millions or also called the Kalanchoe daigremontiana (yup, the same as the Mother of Thousands) has very narrow leaves as opposed to the broad leaves of the Mother of Thousands.

If you have seen a Mother of Millions, you will notice that it has 4 leaves which all grow from the same place on the stem which is called the node. Unlike the Mother of Thousands, these leaves do not alternate. The plantlets or the babies only grow at the end of the leaf, near the tip. There are usually 2-4 babies or plantlets on each leaf.

Aside from the shape of their leaves, their second and final difference is the behavior of their growth. The Mother of Thousands has a central, single stalk, which grows up towards the sunlight. Chances are, it will fall over because of the heavy weight of the leaves, but it will still continue to grow. On the other hand, the Mother of Millions has several stalks going upwards from the same plant.

Let us first talk about their origin! Both the Mother of Thousands and the Mother of Millions come from Madagascar. They both enjoy the same treatment as with most succulents in the aspects of sun, water, and soil. They love to be under or exposed to bright and direct sunlight. However, they also do pretty well even if they are in indirect light. Both of these amazingly beautiful succulents also enjoy the same kind of water schedule with most succulents which is infrequent and heavy watering.

When it comes to the soil that they use, they both want loose and fast-draining soil. By the way, these are two soils we recommend you check out for your mothers or for any of your succulents.

The Superfly Bonsai mixes different components from the best places. This potting mix contains ¼ hard Japanese Akadama, ¼ USA Pumice, ¼ New Zealand Pine Bark, and ¼ Haydite. With all these non-organic ingredients combined (no dirt!), your succulents are provided with optimal drainage, water retention, nutrient uptake, and air to the roots (which succulents super love).

Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil Gritty Mix. Your succulents will absolutely love this potting soil. This soil is not only fast-draining, but it is nurturing as well. This soil is also good at preventing root rot and overwatering. This potting soil is in demand among both succulent hobbyists and experts.

With all these preferences of the Mothers being said, you will be surprised to know they will thrive wondrously even in neglect. A lot of people usually spot them growing in sidewalk cracks. Some even sprout up in a dark corner after falling from their mother. Talk about a mother’s charm and care, right?

List of Mother of Millions Plants

Other than that, there are plenty of sites and platforms on the Internet that sell these two mothers.

You can check out these sites: