Piggyback Plant Harvesting:
Optimal Time and Technique

The piggyback plant, also known as the mother of thousands (Kalanchoe diagremontiana), is a fascinating succulent that can easily propagate itself through adventitious plantlets that grow along the leaf margins. This unique characteristic makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts who enjoy propagating their own plants. However, knowing the optimal time and technique for harvesting these plantlets is crucial for ensuring successful propagation. In this article, we will explore the best practices for piggyback plant harvesting.

Understanding the Growth Cycle

Before we delve into the specifics of harvesting, it’s important to understand the growth cycle of the piggyback plant. Like many succulents, the piggyback plant goes through distinct growth stages.

1. Vegetative Growth: During this stage, the plant focuses on foliage development and establishing a strong root system. It is in this stage that the plantlets, or “piggybacks,” start to form along the leaf margins.

2. Flower Formation: Once the plant has reached maturity, it enters the flowering stage. The piggyback plant produces clusters of small, tubular flowers on long stems.

3. Seed Production: After blooming, the flowers produce seed pods that contain numerous tiny seeds. These seed pods eventually burst open, dispersing seeds for potential new plants.

Understanding these growth stages is essential for determining when to harvest piggybacks successfully.

Optimal Time for Harvesting

The ideal time to harvest piggyback plantlets is during the vegetative growth stage when they are fully developed but still attached to the mother plant. Harvesting too early may result in underdeveloped plantlets that struggle to establish themselves, while harvesting too late may lead to detached piggybacks that have already rooted independently.

To identify when the piggybacks are ready for harvesting, look for the following signs:

1. Size and Development: The plantlets should be at least 1 inch long with visible roots forming at their base. They should also have a sufficient number of leaves to support their growth.

2. Color and Texture: The piggybacks should have a healthy green color, indicating they are receiving adequate nutrients from the mother plant. Avoid harvesting any yellowed or wilted plantlets as they may not survive transplantation.

3. Stability: Gently tug on the piggybacks to check if they are firmly attached to the mother plant. If they come off easily, they are likely ready for harvesting.

Once you have identified the ideal time for harvesting, it’s crucial to employ the correct technique to ensure a successful transition for the piggybacks.

Harvesting Technique

To harvest piggyback plantlets, follow these steps:

1. Prepare Tools and Materials: Gather a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, a clean container filled with well-draining soil or a suitable propagation medium, and some water.

2. Sterilize Tools: Before making any cuts, sterilize your tools by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This prevents the introduction of harmful pathogens that could potentially harm the mother plant or the piggyback plantlets.

3. Choose Plantlets: Select the piggyback plantlets that meet the criteria mentioned earlier: adequate size, development, color, texture, and stability.

4. Make Clean Cuts: Using your sterilized scissors or pruning shears, make clean cuts as close to the base of the piggybacks as possible without damaging the mother plant. This ensures that the piggybacks retain their roots and have a higher chance of successful transplantation.

5. Plant the Piggybacks: Immediately after harvesting, carefully place each piggyback in a prepared container filled with well-draining soil or propagation medium. Gently press the soil around the base of the plantlet to ensure good contact.

6. Provide Optimal Care: Place the newly planted piggybacks in a warm, brightly lit area with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the delicate plantlets. Water lightly and monitor the moisture levels to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

7. Monitor and Transplant: Regularly check the piggybacks for signs of growth and root development. Once they have established a strong root system and are growing well, you can consider transplanting them into individual pots or other desired locations.

By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and propagate piggyback plantlets, ensuring the continuation of this unique succulent species in your garden or plant collection.

Conclusion

Piggyback plant harvesting requires careful observation of growth stages and proper technique to maximize success. By understanding when to harvest and how to do it correctly, you can enjoy propagating new piggyback plants and expanding your succulent collection. Remember to be patient and provide optimal care for the newly harvested plantlets to ensure their healthy growth and development.