Invasion of the Landscape Snatchers: Mother of Millions

Invasion of the Landscape Snatchers: Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii)

Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii)

The Mother of Millions gets its name because of the hundreds of offspring it produces and spreads across the landscape. This specific plant has been problematic for Nassau County’s coastal ecosystems by displacing the natural plant material along the coastal dunes. You can easily recognize Mother of Millions because of its succulent appearance. It has succulent, green leaves with purple or black spots on the undersides of the leaves.

When looking carefully at the plant, you may notice all the babies growing along the edge of the Mother of Millions’ leaves. These are called “pups”. The pups grow along the parent plant’s leaf margins until they drop onto the ground and begin to root into the soil. You may also recognize the Mother of Millions because of its tall, upright, orange/red bell-shaped flowers. Avoid purchasing these plants in the big box store and remove any from your landscape by pulling them out.

Look closely, Mother of Millions’ baby plantlets, or pups, adorn the edge of other plant’s leaf margins.

Control

Preventative

Avoid purchasing or trading Mother of Millions from any nursery or vendor.

Mechanical

Physically removing Mother of Millions will be the most effective control measure. Disposing all parts of the plant into trash bags is critical to its control. Do not place the Kalanchoe into your compost piles or yard waste. Therefore, you should put any removed plants into trash receptacles.

Biological

There is no biological control from this invasive species.

Chemical

Cultural and mechanical controls should help reduce the spread of the Mother of Millions. If not effective, select herbicides labeled for their use. Always remember, the label is the law.

Conclusions

Mother of Millions spreads quickly, especially within Nassau County’s coastal community. Therefore, if you or someone you know is having issues managing this invasive or any other invasive plants within your landscapes, reach out to your county extension office for more information. The invasion of the landscape snatchers has begun, but we can stop it!