Scientific Name
Adromischus hemisphaericus (L.) Lem.
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon hemisphaerica, Adromischus hemisphericus, Adromischus rotundifolius, Cotyledon crassifolia, Cotyledon hemispherica, Cotyledon rhombifolia, Cotyledon rotundifolia, Cotyledon rotundifolia, Sedum hemisphaericum, Sedum hemisphericum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Adromischus
Description
Adromischus hemisphaericus is a small succulent shrub with suberect or decumbent branches that bear grey-green leaves with or without darker spots and flaking wax. It grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Leaves are oblanceolate to obovate, rarely orbicular, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Flowers have pink fused petal lobes and green tubes and appear on erect, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall spikes.
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.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Peninsula and occasionally in the Hottentotsholland Mountains and eastwards from Caledon to Worcester).
Links
- Back to genus Adromischus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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