Invasive species: Mother of millions (Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe x houghtonii, also known as “mother of millions,” is an invasive species in Florida that negatively impacts our coasts. The plant grows many “plantlets” along its succulent-type leaves, each of which can separate and become a new plant. Because of this, the plant can easily spread and take over an area. Unfortunately, this plant does not have a strong root system, so it does not help stabilize our sand dunes and can prevent helpful, native dune plants from growing. Keep reading to learn more about this plant, as well as how to help fight against this invasive species.

What is the mother of millions plant?

Kalanchoe x houghtonii, also known as “mother of millions,” is an invasive species in Florida. There are over 100 species of plants belonging to the genus Kalanchoe. Most Kalanchoe species are native to Madagascar and tropical Eastern Africa, and several species have been brought to the United States as ornamental houseplants. Kalanchoe x houghtonii is a hybrid species derived from two species of kalanchoe originally native to Madagascar. It is listed as a category II invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council.

Mother of millions are succulents with thick leaves that help them retain moisture. The leaves are green with darker spots on the underside of the leaf and grow off a stem that can grow up to 2.5 feet tall. The edges of the leaves are covered with “plantlets” or “pups,” each of which can separate and become a new plant via clonal asexual reproduction. Because of this, the plant can easily spread and take over an area (hence the name “mother of millions”). Mature plants also produce red, bell-shaped flowers in the wintertime, making them easier to spot this time of year.

At the time of writing this (February 2026), we recently experienced a freeze. Currently, the mature mother of millions have lost most of their leaves along their stems but can be spotted by their red flowers, or in some cases the now brown, dried remnants of flowers at the top of the plant. If you look closer to the ground, you will see young plants that still have their leaves.

Three views of the mother of millions plant growing, showing their green succulent leaves, the mottled leaves on the younger plants, and the red bell-shaped flowers on the mature plants in winter. — Mother of millions plants growing in the sand dunes and grassy areas. Notice the plantlets growing along the edges and tips of the leaves. In the winter, mature plants produce red, bell-shaped flowers.

Why are mother of millions harmful to our sand dunes?

Coastal sand dunes are important because they protect our land and buildings from wave energy, erosion, and flooding. They also protect inland habitats and buildings from salt spray and are an important habitat for many plants and animals. Plants are a key component to coastal sand dunes. The leaves of dune plants capture wind-blown sand, helping the dunes grow taller. The deep roots of dune plants then act as a network to hold the sand in place, stabilizing our sand dunes.

It takes special types of plants to survive the harsh conditions of sand dunes. Some of our most important native dune pants include sea oats, bitter panicum, railroad vine, and saw palmetto – you can read more about the important plants that inhabit our dunes here. Unfortunately, although mother of millions can thrive in the sand dunes, they are not beneficial for our coastal dunes. Mother of millions has a weak root system, so it does not help stabilize our sand dune. Because they reproduce so quickly, they can take over the sand dune and prevent helpful, native dune plants from growing.

Mother of millions are also toxic to animals, meaning they do not provide a useful food source to animals. Pets should be kept away from these plants due to their toxicity when consumed.

Left: A pulled up, mature plant that has lost its leaves after freeze shows the shallow root system of the mother of millions. Right: a young plant pulled up shows several even smaller, younger plants that were already starting to grow along the base. — Left: A pulled up, mature plant (leaves lost after freeze) shows the shallow root system of the mother of millions. Right: a young plant pulled up shows several even smaller, younger plants that were already starting to grow along the base.

How do I properly remove mother of millions from my landscape?

Because mother of millions has a weak root system, they are fairly easy to remove mechanically, and the best way to remove them is pulling by hand.

Important tips:

Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants during plant removal. Be aware of other plants that inhabit similar habitats that can be painful if touched, such as cactus and sandburs.
Be careful not to remove or harm beneficial native vegetation during the removal process (especially if in the sand dunes!)
Go slowly and be thorough – it is important to remove the full plant as well as any leaves and plantlets in the area.
Do not shake the plant to remove sand/dirt, as this can result in planets falling off.
Ensure the full plant and all planets are disposed of in a plastic bag. This bag should be disposed of with household garbage, NOT yard waste. If it goes to yard waste, there is the potential that the plant will be spread further across the county and state.
For large plants, you may want to place a plastic bag around the plant from above and secure the opening at the base of the plant. This way, as you remove the plant, any plantlets that come loose will be caught in the bag.
Continue to check the area in the following weeks and months for any young plants and continue to remove.

Many mother of millions plants taking over an area. The plants do not have their leaves because of the freeze but still show their red flowers. — If left unchecked, mother of millions can take over the area! This image was taken shortly after a freeze, and the tall plants have lost their leaves. Some have red flowers whereas others have turned brown. There are still many younger plants closer to the ground growing as well.

How can I help?

We can all do something to help reduce the spread of mother of millions in Florida!

Remove invasive mother of millions on your own property to prevent the spread of this plant to neighboring areas.
Do not purchase mother of millions at stores or nurseries or give plants or cuttings to others.
Report sightings of mother of millions on sand dunes, parks, and other public areas using the IveGot1 app.
Share this information with others to help educate our coastal community. You can share this blog or this video

Sources and additional reading:

UF IFAS Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants: Kalanchoe species

Kalanchoe Species in Florida: Invasive Threats and Management

USF Atlas of Florida Plants: Kalanchoe

World of Succulents: Kalanchoe × houghtonii