Piggyback plant bears long-stalked, hairy, heart-shaped, apple-green leaves with toothed margins. A baby plant is produced from the center of each leaf and, as it grows, its weight causes the leaf to trail. A variegated version is also common.

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piggyback plant
Piggyback plant grows quickly and is easy to propagate.
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This plant is not hard to grow if good air circulation can be provided during periods of extreme heat. Baby plants cut off and pressed onto the surface of a moist potting mix will quickly grow to adult size.

Piggyback Plant Quick Facts:

Scientific Name: Tolmiea menziesii
Common Names: Piggyback Plant, Mother of Thousands, Youth-on-Age
Light Requirement for Piggyback Plant: Bright Light to Filtered Light
Water Requirement for Piggyback Plant: Evenly Moist
Humidity for Piggyback Plant: Average Home
Temperature for Piggyback Plant: Cool to Cold
Fertilizer for Piggyback Plant: Balanced
Potting Mix for Piggyback Plant: All-Purpose
Propagation of Piggyback Plant: Division, Layering, Leaf Cuttings
Decorative Use for Piggyback Plant: Hanging Basket, Table
Care Rating for Piggyback Plant: Easy

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Larry Hodgson is a full time garden writer working out of Quebec City in the heart of French Canada where he grows well over 3,000 species and varieties. His book credits include Making the Most of Shade, The Garden Lovers Guide to Canada, Perennials for Every Purpose, Annuals for Every Purpose, Houseplants for Dummies, and Ortho’s Complete Guide to Houseplants, as well as other titles in English and French. He’s the winner of the Perennial Plant Association’s 2006 Garden Media Award.