Origin and Natural Habitat
Adromischus marianae v. herrei is native to the Little Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape of South Africa, but this is a nursery grown selection of the species.
Plant Characteristics
A small compact growing form of Adromischus. It has prune-like leaves that are red or maroon in colour. It can grow up to 10 cm tall. Flowers are white with a slight pink tinge.
Care Guide
Light
This species prefers semi-shade, and they do well under 40% shade cloth or with full morning sun to maintain their shape and colouration.
Soil
Adromischus tend to do quite well in an organic mix, preferably with coco peat and perlite.
Water
In cultivation, Adromischus can be watered throughout the year. This plant should receive a thorough soaking of water every 7-10 days during the active growing seasons of autumn and spring, but only if the soil is mostly dry. Reduce watering somewhat in mid-summer and mid-winter.
Pot size
Adromischus are dwarf succulents and will grow comfortably in a 10cm pot. Their root systems are fibrous, and this means that the plants are not too fussy about their pot size and depth. However, do not give them too large of a pot, as this will cause the pot to retain too much moisture.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 15 – 25*C. It can tolerate 5 – 30*C. It is however sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Adromischus are sensitive to too high levels of humidity, particularly during winter and summer. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during spring and summer. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Adromischus grow actively in autumn and spring, but their growth slows down in summer and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from September until November, and March until May.
Propagation
Adromischus are best propagated from leaf and stem cuttings.
Leaf propagation: Simply twist off a leaf as close as possible to the stem, let it dry for 3 days, then rest it on some soil. It will produce roots and eventually small plantlets will form.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, clean knife, cut one of the stems of the Adromischus from the main stem. Let this dry for 10 days, then plant it.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in autumn. Plant them in a loamy mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out.