Expert: Greg Simpson - 3/4/2004

Question
I had a plant given to me 2 years ago that was called an alligator cactus.  Sets of 2 leaves with jagged edges grow opposite each other up the stalk.  At each jagged edge of the leaf a new plant forms with "air" roots.  They fall off and plant themselves into everything nearby.  In November (after a cool snap & moving to a greenhouse) a bloom develops at the top with clusters of small green buds hanging down.  The salmon trumpet flowers begin to open in late December or January and continues on until March or April.  I have had them grow as tall as 8" before cutting.  New shoots come out from the old trunk.  Can you help with identifying this unusual plant?

Thank you in advance,
Julie

Answer
Dear Julie,

I am guessing (fantastic description on your part!), but I think your plant is a Kalanchoe daigremontiana or "mother of thousands". It is not actually a cactus, but a succulent plant from Madagascar. These are beautiful plants, but depending on where you live, they can become a weed.

Please go to the web page below and look at the pictures. There are many varieties of this plant, as it readily hybridizes. So flower color may be slightly different.
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Kalanchoe_daigremontiana.htm...
Hopefully this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg