Scientific Name
Kalanchoe x houghtoniiD. B. Ward
Common Names
Alligator Plant, Houghton's Hybrid, Mother of Millions Hybrid, Mother of Thousands, Mother of Thousands 'Houghtonii', Mexican Hat Plant, Good Luck Plant, Devil's Backbone
Synonyms
Bryophyllum x houghtonii, Bryophyllum tubimontanum, Kalanchoe hybrida, Kalanchoe 'Hybrida', Kalanchoe 'Houghtonii'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe x houghtonii is a monocarpic succulent with an erect, unbranched stem that grows up to 30 inches (75 cm) tall. Leaves are fleshy, boat-shaped with serrated margins. They are emerald green to brownish-green, usually with purple splotches beneath. Plantlets are produced at the margins of leaves. Fowers are red, orange, or yellow-pink, drooping, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
This succulent is often confused with Kalanchoe daigremontiana.
Etymology
The hybrid epithet "houghtonii" honors Arthur Duvernoix Houghton (1870- 1938), a medical doctor and a botanist specializing in cacti.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Kalanchoe care is minimal but be cautious about light levels. Intense sunlight can burn the tips of the leaves. Place pots in partial sun to light shade areas when growing Kalanchoes.
The flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the growing season. Water moderately from fall to winter when the growth is most active. Reduce watering during the hottest summer months when the plants are mostly dormant and winter when the growth slows down significantly. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.
These small plants require repotting every few years. When repotting, take additional care in handling as the leaves are somewhat brittle and can snap easily. Clay pots work exceptionally well for planting Kalanchoes. Ensure pots can drain well, and saucers can empty easily.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Origin
Kalanchoe x houghtonii is a hybrid of Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis, and it can be identified by the V-shaped leaves.
Forms and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
