(This plant has only a minor placement within this project, only a few species form rosettes -- and even those rosettes aren't the typically tight and compact forms which other crassulaceae form).
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Sub-Class Rosidae
Order Rosales
Family Crassulaceae
Genus Adromischus
Species Approximately 50
A
South African member of the
succulent family
Crassulaceae (making them relatives of
kalanchoe and
jade plant). In general,
Adromischus leaves are
dainty, mottled, and detach easily from the plant. The form the plant takes depends upon species: some form low shrubs, some form loose rosettes. The summer-time
flowers of this
genus are usually small,
trumpet-shaped, and grow on long
inflorescences, and range in colour from white to red. Some
adromischus species may form a bulbous
caudex (a swollen
stem) with age.
COMMON NAMES:
"Clam Plant", "
Calico Hearts".
CONDITIONS PREFERRED:
Adromischus will tolerate brief and mild frosts, but extended time in temperatures below 40° (
fahrenheit)
will kill the plant. As with most
Crassulaceae,
adromischus can tolerate poor
soil conditions, so long as it is well draining.
Adromischus should be placed in bright but filtered
sun. In very warm areas such as
Phoenix, the plant should be placed in the
shade or the plant may
scorch and
die.
Due to wide variance between species, specific care and condition depends upon the species.
PROPAGATION:
In
cultivation it is most common for the grower to propagate this
genera with
seeds. Other methods may or may not work, depending on the
species.
PRUNING AND GENERAL CARE:
Pruning:
No pruning is necessary except to remove any leaves which have
died. This will help to avoid
rot and bugs. Avoid touching the healthy leaves of the
plant, as they tend to detach easily
Tips:
- Make sure you know the characteristics of the species you are growing. Get to know your plant.
Problems:
In the event of an unhealthy plant, the first thing to examine is your watering habits. The most common problem is root rot due to overwatering. If the
soil is too
wet, don't hope it will safely dry out so long as you don't water it for a while. Replace the soil immediately, but be very careful in handling your
adromischus, it's leaves may fall off at a touch.
One of the most common pests to
houseplants is the mealybug, and your
adromischus may fall prey to this pest. The symptoms of a mealybug infestation is slowed or stopped growth (though in winter this is a normal sign of
dormancy). If this occurs without apparent cause, remove the plant from the pot and examine the roots and stem-leaf junctions. A white cottony substance is a sure sign of mealybug infestation. Remove all
soil and wash the roots gently. Remove any roots which appear damaged with a sharp
sterile knife or
scissors. Let them dry very throroughly before replanting. Remove cottony patches with a
q-tip dipped in
rubbing alchohol.