Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a lovely small plant with leaves that vary significantly in shape and size. The color of the flowers can also vary from one locality to another in its native habitat.
Scientific Name
Adromischus caryophyllaceus (Burm.f.) Lem.
Common Name(s)
Nentabossie (Little Nenta Bush) in Afrikaans.
Synonym(s)
Adromischus bolusii, Adromischus grandiflorus, Adromischus jasminiflorus, Cotyledon bolusii, Cotyledon caryophyllacea, Cotyledon jasminiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Adromischus
Etymology
The specific epithet "caryophyllaceus (pronounced kar-ee-oh-fil-AY-see-us) means "resembling clove" and refers to the resemblance of the flowers to cloves.
Origin
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is native to South Africa. It grows on dry, rocky slopes in the shade of shrubs from near Robertson to near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape province.
Description
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a small, usually slightly branched succulent with erect or decumbent branches that bear inversely egg-shaped to inversely triangular leaves. The plant has a tuberous rootstock that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Initially, the branches are green, but they turn grey-green as they age and can reach a diameter of up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The leaves are green, greyish green to greyish brown without dark spots, and have white margins. They have a flat to convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, measuring up to 1.2 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
During midsummer and fall, Adromischus caryophyllaceus produces flowers arranged in inflorescences with one to several branches, each bearing 1 to 3 flowers. The inflorescences can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The flowers have a grey-green, funnel-shaped tube and five ovate-triangular lobes that range from white to pink, usually with a mauve to deep plum-colored midstripe. The corolla tube is as long as 0.8 inches (2 cm), while the lobes can reach up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Adromischus caryophyllaceus
Light: Adromischus caryophyllaceus requires bright sunlight to thrive. If you are growing it indoors, placing it near a sunny window or using a grow light is best.
Soil: For optimal health, use well-draining soil. You can choose a commercial soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate high temperatures and cool, frost-free conditions in winter if kept dry. Adromischus caryophyllaceus grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, water the plant deeply enough for water to run out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. In winter, do not water the plant.
Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a water-soluble fertilizer only during the growing season to promote optimal growth.
Repotting: You do not need to repot this plant frequently. Repot it only when it outgrows its current pot or if the pot is becoming too shallow. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Propagation: You propagate Adromischus caryophyllaceus by stem cuttings, leaves, or seeds. It is best to take cuttings during the growing season, and spring is ideal for sowing seeds if you prefer to start the plant that way.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Adromischus.
Toxicity of Adromischus caryophyllaceus
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is non-toxic and safe in households with children and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Adromischus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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