MOM vs MOT - What's the Difference?

When it comes to gardening, there are two main types of succulents that you may come across: Mother of Millions (MOM) and Mother of Thousands (MOT). In other words, MOM vs MOT. Both are low-maintenance plants that thrive in warm, sunny climates and require very little water, but what are the differences between them?

Mother of Millions is a member of the Kalanchoe family and is a succulent plant that features small, round leaves covered with tiny hairs. It has a cluster of rosettes at the base of the stem and can spread quickly, growing outward about a foot or more in any direction. MOM’s leaves are usually green and can be as small as a penny. The flowers of MOM are small and tubular and are often pink or reddish in color.

Mother of Thousands, on the other hand, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassula family. It has larger, thicker leaves and a more upright, branching growth habit. The leaves of MOT are usually grayish-green and can be up to two inches in length. The flowers of MOT are much larger than those of MOM and are typically white or yellow in color.

When it comes to growth habits, Mother of Millions is a fast-growing succulent that can spread quickly and take over a garden bed if left unchecked. It’s best to keep MOM in a pot or container to prevent it from spreading too much.

Mother of Thousands, on the other hand, is a much slower-growing succulent that needs more time to establish itself. It’s best to give MOT plenty of room to spread out in the garden bed and it may take a few months for it to reach its full size.

Both Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands are drought tolerant plants that don’t need a lot of water, but they do need well-draining soil. It’s important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated, as this can cause root rot. They both prefer full sun, but MOM can tolerate some shade while MOT needs more direct sunlight.

When it comes to care, Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands are both relatively low-maintenance plants. MOM needs to be trimmed back occasionally to keep it from taking over the garden bed, and MOT needs to be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth. Both plants benefit from occasional fertilizing in the spring and summer months.

So, what’s the difference between Mother of Millions and Mother of Thousands? While both are low-maintenance succulents that thrive in warm, sunny climates, MOM is a fast-growing plant with small, round leaves and pink or reddish flowers, while MOT is a slower-growing plant with larger, thicker leaves and white or yellow flowers. It’s important to provide each with well-draining soil, full sun, and occasional fertilizing. With the right care, both of these beautiful succulents can bring a unique look to your garden.