Adromischus

Family. Crassulaceae.

Origin.  Found from central to southwest Africa.

Description.  Adromischus - small, slow growing succulent from South Africa. The stems are semi-recumbent, short, 3 - 7 cm long, with dense reddish-brown aerial roots. Sometimes you can also find stemless species, where the leaves form a rosette. The leaves are thick, cylindrical or hemispherical, vertically arranged, triangular, pale green, grayish or reddish, 3 - 6 cm long and 1 - 3 cm wide, covered with tiny hairs. Some species have foliage that is wavy along the crest. During the flowering period, the plant throws out a peduncle of impressive height, on which there are discreet, green, long, tubular flowers with reddish-white or white petals. Compact sizes allow you to assemble a large collection that takes up little space on the windowsill.

Height. Usually does not exceed 5 - 10 cm, grows slowly. 

Flowering time

Spring Summer. 

Reproduction

Leaf propagation is often successful. Leaf cuttings can simply be placed on the surface of the soil until roots appear. You can also use seeds. It will take more than 3 months to flower after the initial stem appears.

Adromischus care at home 

Watering 

The succulent tolerates drought well, like other representatives of this type of plant. Water regularly during the warm season, but make sure the soil dries out between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and keep the humidity low enough in winter to keep the leaves from shriveling. Drain off excess moisture that has accumulated in the tray a few minutes after watering. 

Maintenance of the house

As it develops, the center of the plant becomes exposed. Free it from the side cuttings and throw away the central part, and root the side shoots. In the warm season, take the plant outside. 

Soil composition 

The composition of the soil for succulents is approximately the same; the main requirement is its moisture permeability. Any well-drained soil, sandy substrate with a very small amount of organic matter (peat, humus) will do. Ideal drainage is essential. 

Temperature conditions

Tolerates cool temperatures in winter if kept dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves in winter - this will cause the plants to rot. Minimum temperature 5 ° C (withstand short-term frosts down to -7 ° C if located in dry soil). 

Lighting

In strong light, the growth remains compact, and the leaves acquire a reddish-burgundy hue; when grown in partial shade, the plants become loose and elongated. Variegated varieties require a lot of sun; in the shade their leaves turn green. Unfortunately, the main growth period occurs in the autumn-winter period, when lighting is poor, while the summer months are mainly devoted to flowering. 

Fertilizer

       Once a month, fertilize adromischus with a high potassium content. During the dormant period, when plants stop their development, feeding should be stopped.

Spraying

It tolerates even very dry air and does not need spraying. In autumn and winter, the air around the plant should be dry. 

Transplant

Every 2 - 3 years in very porous soil. Use a pot with good drainage. It is better to keep all species of this genus in small pots, since planting in large containers provokes the development of rot. 

Pests and diseases

Prone to rotting in case of excessive watering and insufficient drainage. 

The flower is vulnerable to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. 

Types of Adromischus:

Adromischus maculatus

      A compact houseplant characterized by the presence of dark, brown speckles on its green leaves. Along the edges of the rounded leaf plates, these specks merge into a continuous border. Young plants often do not have speckles. With age, this species forms a short stem up to 15 cm long. The flowers are tubular with pink petals, collected in tall spike-shaped inflorescences. 

Adromischus cooperi

    A succulent that develops a short and thick stem with age, often bearing aerial roots. The leaves of this species are distinguished by their oblong shape and resemble fingers, rounded in cross-section and narrowed at the base. The color of the leaves is light green, with a bluish waxy coating at the base, the edges have dark burgundy spots and a small wavy ridge. Flowers with a long floral tube and white, pink or purple small petals.

Adromischus cristatus

       This species probably has the most attractive and large leaves among all representatives of the genus. Flat at the top, the wide leaves have an attractive wavy ridge on top, which gives this plant its name. The short, thick stems that form as mature plants bear large numbers of reddish aerial roots. The flowers are tubular, up to 1.5 cm long, with small grayish-white petals.