The chandelier plant, also known as Kalanchoe delagoensis or mother of millions, is an easy-to-grow succulent that makes a striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space. With its cascading strands of fleshy leaves dotted with plantlets, it’s not hard to see where the chandelier plant got its common name.
Caring for a chandelier plant is focused on providing the right growing conditions to mimic its native habitat By understanding what makes this unique succulent thrive, you can keep your chandelier plant healthy and filled with eye-catching blooms
Light Requirements
The chandelier plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Outdoors, situate it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun daily. Filtered sunlight from an east or west-facing window also works well indoors. Insufficient light leads to weak, lanky growth.
Rotate indoor plants regularly so all sides receive even light exposure. Move outdoor chandelier plants out of intense midday sun which can scorch the leaves. More sunlight equals more compact, vigorous growth.
Soil Needs
Like most succulents, the chandelier plant requires a fast-draining soil mix. Prepare a gritty cactus potting mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite or pumice. Terracotta pots also improve drainage. Avoid rich, moisture-retentive potting soils that can lead to rot.
Watering Correctly
Water chandelier plants only when the top inch of soil is completely dry. Soak the soil fully whenever you water, then allow excess moisture to drain away. Less water is needed in winter during dormancy.
Take care not to overwater, as wet soil quickly leads to root rot. If leaves start drooping, increase watering frequency. Letting the soil dry out between waterings prevents most issues.
Ideal Temperature
Chandelier plants thrive in warm temperatures between 60-80°F. Cooler temps below 50°F can damage the plant. In temperate climates, they grow best outdoors in zones 10-11 and should be overwintered indoors. Avoid drafty spots and prevent soil from getting too cold.
Humidity Preferences
Average humidity suits the chandelier plant well. Avoid excessively dry or wet air. Use fans for airflow in humid climates. Prevent soggy soil, which creates a damp environment around the plant. Move outdoor chandelier plants into lower humidity conditions indoors during winter dormancy.
Fertilizer Needs
Fertilizing is optional, but a balanced houseplant or cactus fertilizer applied monthly during spring through fall helps chandelier plants thrive. Dilute to half-strength. Flush the soil periodically to prevent salt buildup. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that drive excessive growth.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune chandelier plants in early spring to remove dead leaves, shape as desired, and encourage bushier regrowth. Always sterilize pruners between cuts. Take care when pruning not to dislodge the tiny plantlets that form on leaf edges. Removing spent flower stems keeps plants tidy.
Propagating Your Chandelier Plant
Chandelier plants self-propagate from plantlets that form on the leaves. Gently remove any that drop off and pot them up individually. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring, let them callous over, and root in potting mix. Or remove offsets that form at the base of the plant.
Repotting
Repot chandelier plants every 2-3 years in spring when they become rootbound. Choose a pot one size larger and replant in fresh cactus mix. Avoid burying the base too deeply. After repotting, allow the plant to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.
Common Problems
Potential problems include leaf drop from overwatering, leggy growth from insufficient light, and mealybugs. Address issues promptly by adjusting care. Overall, chandelier plants are quite tough and resistant to pests and diseases if their needs are met.
With its trailing ropes of foliage studded with plantlets, the chandelier plant provides uniqueness and texture whether grown outdoors or indoors. Follow these care tips to successfully grow this eye-catching succulent!
How to fertilize Chandelier Plant
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Chandelier Plant after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Chandelier Plant thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Chandelier Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Chandelier Plant is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Chandelier Plant is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Chandelier Plant prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Chandelier Plant is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!
Chandelier Plant should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Chandelier Plant to go dormant in the summertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Chandelier Plant is native to Madagascar and Tropical Africa.
USDA Hardiness Zone Chandelier Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with Chandelier Plant. These plants are very sensitive to wet soil so if you notice your plant becoming squishy or translucent, overwatering is the likely culprit.
Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Finding light for Chandelier Plant in your home
Chandelier Plant love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Chandelier Plant does not tolerate low-light .
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Chandelier Plant in your home .
The Complete Guide To Caring For Your Chandelier Plant
FAQ
Why is my chandelier plant drooping?
Ensure your Chandelier Plant is not too close to drafts or heat sources, as these can cause stress and lead to droopy leaves.Nov 8, 2024
Is a chandelier plant a succulent?
Enter the world of Kalanchoe delagoensis or Chandelier plant, which is also known as the Mother of Million plants. The reasoning behind the name of the succulent is the plant’s capacity for mass reproduction. The teeth-like structures along the leaf edges form numerous plantlets or embryoids.
How do you prune a chandelier plant?
Prune chandelier plants in early spring for optimal growth and health. ✂️ Signs to prune include leggy growth and dead leaves; act promptly! Post-pruning care is vital: water, monitor health, and provide indirect sunlight.