Mother of Millions
Kalanchoe tubiflora · Crassulaceae
How it looks
Mother of Millions is a succulent whose narrow, long fleshy leaves bear rows of tiny plantlets (offsets) along their edges. The leaves are dark green with purple spots, and it grows 1–3 ft (30 cm–1 m) tall. The plantlets drop off and propagate very rapidly, earning the name "mother of millions."
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Mother of Millions contain bufadienolides (cardiac toxins); ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea along with cardiac effects such as arrhythmias. Recovery without treatment is unlikely, so an immediate vet visit is needed.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Mother of Millions usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides) in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Kalanchoe tubiflora
- Common name
- Mother of Millions
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides)
- Source
- ASPCA
