What Temperature Should My Mother of Thousands Be Kept At?

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

By the Greg Editorial Team

Jun 08, 20245 min read

This article was created with the help of AI so we can cover more plants for you. May contain errors. See one? Report it here.

Discover the secret to a thriving Mother of Thousands with the ideal 65°F-75°F range! 🌡️🌿

Mother of thousands
  1. 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) is ideal for Mother of Thousands.
  2. Temperature stress leads to wilting, discoloration, and slow growth.
  3. Consistent temperatures are crucial for growth, propagation, and flowering.

Ideal Temperature Range and Effects

Mother of Thousands thrives in a sweet spot between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Stray outside this range, and you're asking for trouble. Too chilly or too toasty, and the plant's growth, health, and propagation prowess take a hit.

🌡️ Temperature Stress Symptoms

Watch for wilting, leaf discoloration, and sluggish growth as sluggish as a Monday morning. Flowering? Forget about it if the temps aren't steady. Consistency is your new best friend to keep stress at bay.

🌡️ Causes of Temperature Stress

Drafts are sneaky villains, and sudden temperature changes are like unwanted plot twists for your plant. Extreme temperatures? They're the archenemies. Keep them away from your leafy sidekick to avoid a botanical meltdown.

Healthy Mother of Thousands plant in blue pot on windowsill, with small plantlets growing along leaf edges.

Impact of Temperature on Propagation and Flowering

🌡️ Temperature's Role in Propagation

Temperature's Role in Propagation is a critical player in the propagation game for Mother of Thousands. Optimal warmth is a must for the tiny plantlets to develop healthy roots. The sweet spot? Generally, a cozy 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) encourages the best growth. Too cold, and the plantlets might as well be trying to put down roots in an ice rink—slow and sluggish. Too hot, and they're at a pool party without water—parched and struggling.

🌸 Flowering and Temperature: A Delicate Dance

When it comes to Flowering and Temperature, temperature takes the lead in this delicate dance. Mother of Thousands isn't a big bloomer, but when it does, it prefers conditions that aren't too hot to handle. A little on the cooler side, and you might just witness this rarity. Remember, it's not just about the heat—it's about the rhythm of the seasons and the plant's internal clock.

Real Talk: Consistency is Key

Let's not beat around the bush—consistency in temperature is like that reliable friend who always shows up. It keeps the Mother of Thousands stress-free and focused on growth and reproduction, rather than survival. Think of it as the plant's comfort zone, where it can kick back, relax, and do its thing without worrying about the next big chill or heatwave.

A Quick Nod to the Experts

Horticulturists have long known that temperature, along with day length, can be manipulated to coax plants into flowering. It's not just a Mother of Thousands thing—it's a plant thing. But let's not get sidetracked. The focus here is on keeping our Mother of Thousands in that Goldilocks zone—not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

A healthy Mother of Thousands succulent plant in a pot, with many small reddish-brown leaves and tiny plantlets along the leaf edges.

Maintaining the Ideal Temperature

Keeping your Mother of Thousands comfortable means maintaining a steady temperature range between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). During the chillier months, insulation is key. Thermal curtains or blinds can fend off the cold, while a space heater can add warmth without turning your living room into a sauna.

🌡️ Practical Tips for Temperature Control

Insulation and Heating

  • Use thermal curtains to minimize heat loss through windows.
  • Employ a space heater judiciously to warm the area around your plant without overheating.

Ventilation and Cooling

🌡️ Monitoring and Adjustment

  • A min-max thermometer can track temperature fluctuations, alerting you to extremes that could stress your Mother of Thousands plant.
  • Regularly check temperatures in your plant's vicinity, especially during seasonal transitions when indoor climates can shift unexpectedly.

Technology Aids

  • Smart AC controllers with Comfy Mode can automate temperature adjustments, keeping your green buddy in its happy zone.
  • Timers for heating devices can ensure nighttime temperatures don't dip too low.

Remember, consistency is the name of the game. Sudden temperature changes are a no-no, so when adjusting your plant's environment, do it with a gentle hand.

Mother of Thousands plant with tall stalk covered in small plantlets and large green leaves at the base, slight yellowing on some leaves

Brief Mention of Humidity

Mother of Thousands plants are resilient when it comes to average indoor humidity levels, but they do have a sweet spot.

💦 Understanding Humidity Needs

Moderate humidity complements the ideal temperature range for Mother of Thousands, promoting healthy growth and vitality.

🚿 Signs Your Plant Could Use More Humidity

Watch for browning leaf edges or a general lackluster appearance—these could be cries for more moisture in the air.

🌿 Tips for Managing Humidity

  • Grouping plants together can create a microclimate with higher humidity.
  • Misting can offer a quick humidity fix, but it's more of a band-aid than a cure.
  • A humidifier can be a plant's best friend in drier climates or heated homes.

🌡️ Humidity and Temperature: A Balancing Act

Remember, warmer air holds more moisture—so as you manage temperature, you're also indirectly influencing humidity. Keep them in harmony for a happy plant.

⚠️ When to Worry About Humidity

If your home is a desert or a rainforest, it's time to intervene. Most homes, however, sit comfortably in the Mother of Thousands' comfort zone.

🌵 The Takeaway

Don't overthink it. Mother of Thousands is not a diva when it comes to humidity. Aim for that moderate range, and you're likely to see your plant thrive.

⚠️ Safety First

This content is for general information and may contain errors, omissions, or outdated details. It is not medical, veterinary advice, or an endorsement of therapeutic claims.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant as food, medicine, or supplement.

Never eat any plant (or feed one to pets) without confirming its identity with at least two trusted sources.

If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Control (800) 222-1222, the Pet Poison Helpline (800) 213-6680, or your local emergency service immediately.

Spotted an error? Please report it here.

Ensure your Mother of Thousands thrives 🌡 by relying on Greg to monitor your home's environment and send you precise care reminders for optimal temperature and humidity.



You Might Also Want to Know...

What are some other names for the mother of thousands plant?

The mother of thousands plant is also known as the Mexican hat plant, alligator plant, and devil's backbone.

Does the mother of thousands plant need full sun?

Yes, the mother of thousands plant loves full sun, but it can also tolerate partially shaded locations.

How often should I water the mother of thousands plant?

Water the mother of thousands plant once the soil has completely dried out, and water deeply but sparingly.

What temperature range does the mother of thousands plant prefer?

The mother of thousands plant prefers temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and should be brought indoors if the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does the mother of thousands plant require high humidity levels?

No, the mother of thousands plant is fine with average room conditions and does not require high humidity levels.

How often should I fertilize the mother of thousands plant?

Fertilize the mother of thousands plant sparingly once a year with a succulent or cactus fertilizer at half strength.

How can I propagate the mother of thousands plant?

You can propagate the mother of thousands plant through offsets or plantlets that form on the leaves of mature plants, or by taking cuttings and planting them in succulent soil.

When should I repot the mother of thousands plant?

You should repot the mother of thousands plant when it has outgrown its current pot or when its offsets have taken root in the same pot.

Is the mother of thousands plant toxic to pets?

Yes, the mother of thousands plant is moderately toxic to pets if ingested, and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

What pests can affect the mother of thousands plant?

The mother of thousands plant can be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids, which can weaken the plant by sucking sap from the leaves.