How to Propagate the Devil's Backbone Plant

Devil's backbone, Kalanchoe xhoughtonii, is a succulent plant that grows to a mature height of up to 3 feet. The toothed, lanceolate foliage is about 10 inches long, with each leaf producing up to 20 plantlets that may be used to propagate new plants. The plant blooms with tubular, 1-inch-long, downward-hanging inflorescences. Devil's backbone is a native of Madagascar and is also commonly referred to as kalanchoe. The invasive potential of devil's backbone often makes the plant hard to control in gardens.

Tweezers
3-inch pot
Medium sized pot
Potting soil
Potting compost

Instructions

- 1
  Water your devil's backbone plant well a day prior to removing the plantlets. The plantlets grow on the edges of each leaf.
- 2
  Prepare the rooting medium by filling a small, 3-inch pot with potting compost. Water to moisten.
- 3
  Use clean tweezers to lift off a few plantlets from each leaf. Take care not to ruin the overall appearance of the leaf in the process. Do not take too many plantlets from a single leaf, and avoid damaging the plantlets as you handle them.
- 4
  Lay the plantlets on the surface of the compost, leaving a couple of inches between each to allow room for growth.
- 5
  Water enough to keep the compost moist during the rooting process. Do not overwater. Place in a warm bright area, but out of direct sunlight. It will take a few weeks for the plantlets to produce roots.
- 6
  Transfer rooted plantlets to individual small containers filled with potting soil. Let plants get well established if you wish to transplant to a permanent spot in the garden.

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