Adromischus cooperi aka Calico Hearts

Adromischus cooperi is a small perennial succulent in the Crassulaceae family. Its common names include plover eggs and club-adromischus. It comes from South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The source places it at Soutvlei, north of Grahamstown. This site lies in the Zuur Mountains. The plant grows there among succulent thickets. Older names include Cotyledon cooperi and Echeveria cooperi. Both names refer to this same species.

The plant branches freely and stays close to the ground. It reaches about 0.07–0.23 feet [0.02–0.07 metres] tall. Its spread is about 0.49 feet [0.15 metres]. Short, grey-brown stems spread out and sometimes form aerial roots. The thick leaves narrow toward their bases and widen near their tips. Their colour ranges from silver-grey to grey-green or blue. Large, dark purple patches mark the upper leaf surface. The leaves are smooth, glossy, and free of hairs. Opposite leaf pairs sit at right angles to each other. A pale, hard edge forms slight waves near each tip. Leaves measure about 0.08–0.16 feet [0.025–0.05 metres] long.

Flowers appear in summer, well above the low leaves. The flower stalks reach 1.15 feet [0.35 metres] or more. Each tubular flower combines green and red beneath a thick surface bloom. Pink or purple lobes have white edges. Small, club-shaped hairs grow inside the throat and on the lobes. The fruit is a dry follicle that holds many seeds. The spotted leaves and low form provide its main visual interest.

In cultivation, give this plant partial shade and soil that drains well. Let the soil dry before soaking it again. Its wild habitat receives most rain in spring and autumn. The source also calls for very dry air. It recommends a minimum growing temperature of 5°C. It reports brief survival at -7°C under dry, well-drained winter conditions. That short cold tolerance does not imply tolerance of wet winters.

Mealybugs can attack this species, while scale occurs less often. Rot may start at the swollen base or old flower stalks. Older plants can lose growth at the centre. Side cuttings offer a way to replace a bare plant. Growers also raise new plants from single leaves or stem cuttings. They use seed less often.