Adromischus fallax

Scientific Name

Adromischus fallax Toelken

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Adromischus

Etymology

The specific epithet "fallax" (pronounced "FAL-laks") means "deceptive, deceitful; fallacious, spurious" and likely refers to how closely this species resembles others, making it easily mistaken for them.

Origin

Adromischus fallax is native to South Africa.

Description

Adromischus fallax is a small succulent with decumbent branches and thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves. The branches can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The leaves are grey-green with purple speckles, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in width.

The flowers are tubular, whitish with some reddish markings, and appear on branched stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall in late winter and spring.

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 as 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 side of the pot 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Adromischus.

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