Adromischus maculatus - Calico Hearts

Scientific Name

Adromischus maculatus (Salm-Dyck) Lem.

Common Names

Calico Hearts, Chocolate Drop

Synonyms

Adromischus mucronatus, Cotyledon alternans, Cotyledon maculata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Adromischus

Description

Adromischus maculatus is a low growing perennials leaf-succulent, forming small clusters or mats. The stem is very short, somewhat woody, decumbent to prostrate up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and up to 1.4 inches (35 cm) wide, rounded, usually wedge-shaped, and with horny margin all round the leaf, green, grey-green to gray-brown, glossy sometimes almost scarlet from the sun rays and with or without dark purple spots. The young plants are often without spots. The flowers are tubular and pale yellowish green in color.

Photo via cacti.co.nz

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 in spring/autumn and let them dry out between waterings. Adromischus tolerate cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. It is as well to keep water off the foliage during the winter. Mealy bugs and vine weevils can be discouraged with a systemic insecticide. Frost hardy to 19 °F (-7 °C).

Many species 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.