Scientific Name
Adromischus caryophyllaceus (Burm.f.) Lem.
Common Name(s)
In Afrikaans, commonly known as Nentabossie (Little Nenta Bush).
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon caryophyllacea, Adromischus bolusii, Adromischus grandiflorus, Adromischus jasminiflorus, Cotyledon bolusii, Cotyledon jasminiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Adromischus
Description
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a branched succulent with erect or decumbent stems and pale blue-green or grey-green to yellow-green leaves with maroon coloring often found close to the upper parts of margins. It grows up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall when in flower. Leaves are up to 1.2 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers are tubular, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, and open into 5-lobed corollas with bright pink or purple lines down the center of each lobe into the throat.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Many species are easy to grow in any free-draining, gritty compost. Their compact habit allows a collection to be maintained in a small space, and they grow well on any sunny window ledge or the top shelf of the greenhouse. Water mostly from spring to fall and let them dry out between waterings. Adromischus tolerates cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. It is well to keep water off the foliage during the winter. Mealybugs and vine weevils can be discouraged with a systemic insecticide.
Adromischus can be propagated from a single leaf, which should be placed against the pot's side so that the stem end is just touching the compost. Some species drop their leaves easily, and although each leaf will form a new plant, it can be a challenge to grow a large specimen. In other cases, leaves for propagation must be carefully detached with a sharp knife.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Adromischus.
Origin
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is native to South Africa. It occurs from Hermanus and Worcester, the southern Cape coastal area, and the Little Karoo to near Uniondale in the Western Cape province.
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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