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Piggyback Plant
Also known as: Youth on Age, Thousand Mothers, Bristle Flower, Curiosity Plant, Piggy Back Plant, Piggy-back Plant
Piggyback Plant (Tolmiea menziesii) gets its name from the little leaflets that “piggyback” at the base of each bigger leaf. It’ll look fantastic either outside in your garden or as a hanging plant indoors. The flowers are an unusual chocolate purple color. You’ll see it in the wild in expansive pine forests where the soil is moist. You also see it beside rushing streams.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
6 mm to 1.02 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Copper
Fruit Color
Green, Brown, Purple, Red
Flower Color
Green, Purple, Brown
Stem Color
Evergreen
Leaf type
15 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Piggyback Plant

Distribution of Piggyback Plant

Distribution Map
Piggyback Plant is native to the temperate rainforests of western North America. It has since been introduced to and cultivated in regions of Europe and South America, thriving particularly in areas with similar climates to its place of origin. Piggyback Plant adapts well to cultivation, which has allowed for its spread beyond its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Moist woods, stream banks
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Piggyback Plant, including the following common varieties :

Quickly Identify Piggyback Plant

1
Maple leaf-shaped foliage forming thick ground cover up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall.
2
Distinct tubular purplish-brown flowers in discreet racemes attracting pollinators.
3
Emergent plantlets at leaf junctions propagate via autonomous rooting.
4
Hairy-textured, vibrant green leaves with 5-7 lobes and unique vein pattern.
5
Stems with hairy coverage, branching pattern, reaching 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height.
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Care Guide for Piggyback Plant

Every week
Water
Partial sun
Sunlight
15 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Potting Mix, Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Piggyback Plant thrives in consistently humid environments, requiring evenly moist soil and weekly watering. Typically grown indoors, it benefits from regular misting to replicate its native habitat. Its growth cycle is linked to water availability, flourishing with ample hydration.
Fertilize: For piggyback Plant, apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer, using a diluted half-strength solution. Reduce feeding in fall, pausing in winter. Always water the soil before application to protect piggyback Plant's roots and avoid over-fertilization, which can cause root burn.
Pruning: Piggyback Plant benefits from occasional pruning in early to late spring to enhance growth and appearance. Focus on removing leggy stems, damaged leaves, and maintaining a bushy form. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage and disease, ensuring the plant remains healthy and visually appealing.
Propagation: The piggyback Plant is a perennial that propagates easily by dividing plantlets formed on the mother plant's leaves. To propagate, separate rooted plantlets and plant them in well-draining soil with moderate light and moisture. Avoid deep planting, and maintain regular watering for successful establishment.
Repotting: Repot piggyback Plant every 2-3 years in spring, using a pot 20% larger for growth. After repotting, water thoroughly and provide indirect light to minimize stress. With proper care, piggyback Plant will flourish and thrive beautifully.
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