Page 33 - Intra Muros June Issue 2025

GARDENING

Why you should avoid planting it
While tempting to have as a low-
maintenance ornamental plant, the risks
outweigh the benefits in ecologically
sensitive areas like South Africa. Planting
or gifting Mother of Thousands contributes
to its spread, especially when people
unknowingly dispose of plant material in
garden waste or near wild areas.

Sustainable alternatives
If you’re looking for water-wise plants
for your garden, consider indigenous
succulents like Aloe ferox or Crassula ovata
(jade plant), which provide similar aesthetic
appeal without the ecological risks.

Control of Mother of Thousands
(Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
As stated, this plant produces flowers, each
of which is capable of producing thousands
of seeds. The plant can also be propagated
vegetatively, so it is not always easy to get
rid of this plant in your garden. Seal the plants in a black bag and leave the South African citrus thrips (Scirtothrips
in the sun for a few days to kill them aurantii). It is a significant pest of citrus,
Mechanical control can be achieved by hand before discarding with household waste. mangoes and bananas, causing damage to
weeding. Take care to remove the whole Cover the soil with clear plastic sheeting leaves and fruits. If plants are located near
plant, including the roots. If a seed bed has for four to six weeks during hot months. citrus production regions, this thrips species
already been established, or some portion The heat will kill seeds and plantlets in could potentially help control the plant in
of the plant remains in the soil or breaks off the soil. question as it feeds on young leaves and
and lands on the soil, the hand weeding will fruits, potentially stunting growth. However,
have to be repeated again, until the area is Of interest is that a natural enemy of this if the plants are not in a citrus-growing
free from germinating plants. plant is the bane of all citrus producers, area, the thrips will likely not be present or
abundant enough to offer significant control.

Chemical control using a glyphosate-
containing herbicide (such as RoundUp) will
be highly effective in controlling the plant.
Take great care when applying the herbicide
to prevent spray drift deposits onto nearby
plants or lawns, as the product interferes
with the photosynthesis process. This means
all green plants will be affected if you aren’t
careful.

Play your part
The Mother of Thousands may be a fascinating
plant, but in South Africa, its beauty masks a
serious environmental threat. Please do not
plant this species in your garden or keep it
inside your home. Thank you for helping to
keep Silver Lakes environmentally friendly.

Sources:
www.planetdesert.com
www.capecontours.co.za

INTRAMUROS JUNE 2025 | 31