Mexican hat plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana
ABOUT
Kalanchoe daigremontiana is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. It is a distinctive-looking plant that is known for its unusual, elongated leaves and small, plantlets that grow along the edges of the leaves.
Mexican hat plant is a distinctive-looking plant that grows to a height of around 12-18 inches and has a spreading habit. The plant has elongated, fleshy leaves that are green in color and are covered in small, plantlets. It produces small, pink or purple flowers in the spring and summer months.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Mother of thousands, Mexican hat plant, Flopper, Devil’s backbone, Alligator plant
Common names
Bryophyllum daigremontianum
- Toxicity
To humans
Some species of kalanchoe contain toxins called bufodienolides, which can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from bufodienolides may include vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, abnormal heart rhythm.
It is important to keep kalanchoe plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect that someone or a pet has ingested kalanchoe, it is important to seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.To pets
Some species of kalanchoe contain toxins called bufodienolides, which can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from bufodienolides may include vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, abnormal heart rhythm.
It is important to keep kalanchoe plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect that someone or a pet has ingested kalanchoe, it is important to seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink or purple
Height
Up to 18 inches
Spread
Up to 18 inches
Plant type
Succulents
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Madagascar
Benefits
- General Benefits
Mexican hat plant is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and can go for long periods without watering, making it a good choice for those who may not have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
Like many houseplants, Mexican hat plant is believed to have air purification capabilities, helping to remove toxins and pollutants from the air in your home.
The plant is a long-lived plant that can thrive for many years with proper care.
Mexican hat plant is a plant that is easy to propagate, making it a good choice for those who enjoy propagating plants. The plantlets that grow along the edges of the leaves can be easily removed and planted to produce new plants. - Medical Properties
Some people believe that Mexican hat plant may have wound-healing properties, and it has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for cuts, scrapes, and other wounds.
Mexican hat plant may have anti-inflammatory properties, and it has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
The plant may have antioxidant properties, and it has traditionally been used as a natural remedy to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals.
Mexican hat plant may have diuretic properties, and it has traditionally been used as a natural remedy to help promote the excretion of urine and flush toxins from the body.
It is important to note that the medical properties of Mexican hat plant are not well-established, and it is not recommended to use the plant as a substitute for medical treatment. If you are interested in using Mexican hat plant for medicinal purposes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it. - Air-purifying Qualities
There is limited scientific research available on the specific air purifying capabilities of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, but it is believed that the plant is effective at removing a number of common toxins and pollutants from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
- Other Uses
In some areas, Kalanchoe daigremontiana is used as a landscaping plant. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it a good choice for dry or rocky areas;
In some cases, Mexican hat plant is used as an aquarium plant. It is believed to help remove toxins from the water, and it is also believed to provide shelter and oxygen for aquarium inhabitants.
Interesting Facts
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
TAURUS
Kalanchoe daigremontiana is believed to be a good choice for Taurus, as it is believed to have a calming and grounding energy that can help promote stability and security.
- Water
As a succulent, it is able to store water in its leaves, stems, and roots, allowing it to survive in dry conditions. However, it is still important to provide the plant with adequate water to ensure its health and growth.
In general, Kalanchoe daigremontiana should be watered about once a week, but it is important to pay attention to the plant and adjust the watering schedule as needed. - Light
The best light for Mexican hat plant will depend on the specific environment in which the plant is grown, as well as the time of year. In general, it is a good idea to place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day, such as near a window that faces east, west, or south. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to become scorched or faded.
- Temperature
In general, it is a good idea to keep the plant in an area that has a consistent temperature of between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are growing Mexican hat plant indoors, it is important to avoid placing the plant in areas that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as near drafts, heaters, or air conditioners. - Pruning
Pruning can help to maintain the shape and size of the plant, as well as to remove damaged or diseased foliage. To prune Kalanchoe daigremontiana look for the new growth points on the plant, which are typically located near the base of the plant. These are the areas where new leaves and stems will emerge. Carefully cut away any excess growth that is outside the desired shape or size of the plant. Be sure to make clean, precise cuts to avoid damaging the plant. It is important to avoid over-pruning Kalanchoe daigremontiana, as this can stress the plant and reduce its ability to grow and bloom. Only prune the plant as needed to maintain its shape and size, and be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Like most succulent plants, it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The best soil for Mexican hat plant should be fast-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. A good soil mix for this plant would be a combination of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure.
It is important to avoid using heavy, clay-based soils for Kalanchoe daigremontiana, as these types of soils can hold too much moisture and lead to root rot. Similarly, it is a good idea to avoid using soils that are too sandy, as these soils may not retain enough moisture for the plant. - Repotting
In general, it is a good idea to repot Kalanchoe daigremontiana every two to three years, or whenever the plant becomes root-bound in its current pot. To determine whether the plant needs to be repotted, gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the root system. If the roots are tightly bound and filling the pot, it is probably time to repot the plant.
It is important to repot Kalanchoe daigremontiana as needed to ensure that the plant has enough room to grow and that it is growing in well-draining soil. - Humidity & Misting
In general, a humidity level of around 40% to 50% is considered optimal for Mexican hat plant. If the humidity level in your home is higher than this, you may need to take steps to lower the humidity around the plant, such as using a dehumidifier or increasing ventilation.
On the other hand, if the humidity level in your home is lower than this, you may need to increase the humidity around the plant. This can be done by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or by misting the leaves with a spray bottle of water. - Suitable locations
Indoor
All year round
Outdoor
While Mexican hat plant is typically grown as an indoor plant, it can also be grown outdoors in certain climates.
It is important to choose a location with plenty of sunlight, plant the plant in well-draining soil, protect the plant from extreme temperatures, and provide the plant with adequate water when growing Mexican hat plant outdoors. However, it is generally best to grow Mexican hat plant as an indoor plant in areas with climates that are not suitable for outdoor cultivation.Hardiness zone
9 - 11 USDA
- Life cycle
Like most succulent plants, it has a relatively simple life cycle and can be grown and maintained with minimal care.
The life cycle of Kalanchoe daigremontiana begins with the germination of its seeds. Once the seeds germinate, they produce small seedlings that grow into mature plants over time.
As the plant grows, it produces leaves and stems. The leaves are typically green and fleshy, and may be covered in small hairs or other protective structures. The stems are typically thin and flexible, and may be used to anchor the plant to its surroundings.
As the plant matures, it may produce flowers. The flowers of Kalanchoe daigremontiana are typically small and may be white, pink, red, or purple in color. The flowers are typically short-lived and may be replaced by new flowers as the plant continues to grow.
Overall, the life cycle of Kalanchoe daigremontiana is relatively simple and straightforward. With proper care, the plant can grow and thrive for many years, providing a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any home or garden. - Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
By SEEDS:
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure. Water the seeds well to help the soil settle around the roots and to provide the seeds with the moisture they need to germinate.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide the seeds with plenty of indirect sunlight to encourage germination.
By STEM CUTTINGS:
Select a healthy stem from the plant that is free of pests or diseases and has at least one set of leaves. Using a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors, cut the stem just below a leaf node (the point where the leaves are attached to the stem).
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure. Water the cutting well to help the soil settle around the roots and to provide the cutting with the moisture it needs to establish itself.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide the cutting with plenty of indirect sunlight to encourage root growth.
- Pests
Spider mite, Whitefly, Thrips, Scale insects, Mealybug, Aphid
- Diseases
Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot, Rust, Mosaic virus