Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe Delagoensis) Indoor Care Guide

The Kalanchoe Delagoensis, commonly known as Chandelier Plant or Mother of Millions, is a plant native to Madagascar. This plant has long, thin leaves that hang down from the stem like a chandelier, hence the name. Sizes vary from specimen to specimen, but the long leaves curve inwards to form an incomplete cylinder in most cases.

Each leaf has leopard spots that run along its length. The texture is waxy, almost rubbery, and it can grow up to 3 feet tall when left outdoors in the summertime.

But what’s most interesting about these leaves is definitely the plantlets. There are five to six protrusions at the very end of each leaf. Each of these spikes produces plantlets when the succulent matures, and each plantlet can form its own plant.

Chandelier Plant Main Characteristics

Common Name	Chandelier Plant, Mother of Millions
Botanical Name	Kalanchoe delagoensis
Synonyms	Bryophyllum delagoense
Family	Crassulaceae
Genus	Kalanchoe
Type	Succulent
Native Range	Madagascar
USDA Hardiness Zones	10b to 11a
Mature Size	Height: 4 feet, Spread: 2 feet
Bloom Time	Winter
Foliage	Evergreen
Propagation methods	by plantlets
Sun	Full sun to Part shade
Soil	Dry, Well-drained
Toxicity	Mildly Toxic

Chandelier Plant Care

Kalanchoe Delagoensis is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any succulent collection. This plant is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. It is a perfect plant for those who are new to growing succulents as it doesn’t need nor want much help when growing.

It can grow indoors and outdoors, in pots or gardens. Be careful, though, as just like its cousin, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, this plant can propagate by itself and quite quickly too. You don’t want this plant taking over your outdoor space; it can crowd out even the hardiest of plants. There is a reason why it’s considered invasive in tropical climates.

Light and Location

Chandelier plants enjoy plenty of bright light. They will tolerate some shade but prefer bright, indirect light. If the plant isn’t getting enough light, the leaves will start to stretch and become leggy. If you are growing this plant indoors, move it by a sunny window where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight.

Watering

This succulent is very drought tolerant and can go long periods without water. It’s best to let the soil dry out completely between watering. Water only when you feel the soil has dried out; use a finger to check. Overwatering is one of the main stress factors for these plants, but it rarely kills the plant. But too much water will still cause the plant stress.

Temperature

Chandelier plants prefer warm temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They will go dormant in winter and won’t need as much water. It’s best to keep them above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, so they don’t die off. Frost’s tolerance is low. 

Humidity

This plant doesn’t require high humidity levels and can tolerate dry air conditions. But it prefers moderate humidity, around 50%. As a result, average room conditions are usually acceptable. 

Fertilizer

This plant doesn’t need much fertilizer but if you want to give it a little boost, use a succulent fertilizer about once a month during the growing season. Be sure to dilute it to half strength or less, so you don’t burn the roots.

Overwintering

If temperatures tend to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, it’s best to grow your chandelier plant indoors. Move the plant inside and place it in a location where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. Cut back on watering and only water every few weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Pruning

You can prune your chandelier plant anytime to keep it looking its best. These plants don’t require much pruning, but you can remove any dead leaves or stems as needed. You can also trim back leggy growth to encourage the plant to grow fuller.

Propagating Kalanchoe delagoensis

Kalanchoe delagoensis is very easy to propagate from plantlets. Simply remove the plantlets from the mother plant and pot them up in well-draining succulent soil. Water lightly and place the pot in a location where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. The plantlets will root quickly, and you’ll have new plants in no time.

You can also propagate this plant from stem cuttings. First, cut a 4-inch piece from a healthy stem and allow it to callus over for a few days. Then, pot it up in well-draining succulent soil and water lightly. Place the pot in a location where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. The cutting will root quickly, and you’ll have a new plant in no time.

Note: Propagation using plantlets is heavily preferred as these offset root readily, are easily available, and you don’t have to damage the original plant to get them. 

Potting and Repotting Chandelier Plant

Kalanchoe delagoensis doesn’t need to be repotted often, but it will benefit from being repotted every few years. When choosing a pot, pick one with plenty of drainage holes, preferably clay. Use well-draining succulent soil and only move the size up one pot size at a time. Water lightly after potting and place the plant in a location where it will receive bright light. But not direct sunlight.

Chandelier Plants are typically potted in 2-inch pots and then moved up to 4-inch pots when they’ve outgrown their previous home. These plants don’t get too large, so they don’t need to be moved up to larger pots very often.

Common Pests

Chandelier plants are susceptible to mealybugs. These pests are small, fuzzy white insects that feed on plant sap. They can quickly infest a plant and cause it to become weak and stunted. 

If your plant is infested with mealybugs, you can remove them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.

The Complete Guide To Caring For Your Chandelier Plant (Video)

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