Mother-of-millions (Bryophyllum delagoense) is native to Madagascar.
It is an erect, smooth, fleshy succulent plant growing to 1m or more in height. Its mottled leaves are cylindrical and have a few small ‘teeth’ near their tips. Tiny plantlets are produced at the tips of its leaves. The drooping bell-shaped flowers (2-4 cm long) are usually red or reddish-pink. These flowers are borne in dense clusters at the top of the stems. The fruits contain many seeds.
Mother-of-millions is commonly spread by gardeners and in garden waste. The plantlets at the end of the leaves drop readily, develop roots and establish quickly to form a new colony. Broken leaf parts can also take root and give rise to new plants. Hand remove plants carefully, loosening the soil with a knife or trowel. Ensure all pieces are removed and disposed of in your FOGO bin.
Grow Me Instead
- Leek lily (Bulbine bulbosa): A native plant, leek lily is an attractive species with fragrant yellow flowers, suited to rockeries and cottage gardens.
- Blue Mexican hen and chicks (Echeveria glauca): A hardy, low growing Echeveria with orange/yellow flowers.
- Mexican firecracker (Echeveria setosa): A lovely clump-forming evergreen ground-cover succulent with spoon-shaped leaves and yellow-orange flowers in summer.
