Adromischus maculatus aka Spotted Adromischus

Taxonomy

Genus Adromischus Family Crassulaceae Order Saxifragales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Adromischus maculatus, also known as the spotted adromischus or calico hearts, is a perennial succulent native to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. It forms a mat-like structure, growing up to 35 cm in height, with thick spade-shaped leaves emerging from a short, woody stem. The coloration of the leaves varies, with some being plain green and others adorned with maroon or brown blotches, hence its specific epithet "maculatus," meaning "spotted." During the summer months, tubular green inflorescences with pink or white lobes appear on long branches. This plant thrives on the sunny sandstone slopes of South Africa's Langeberg Mountains. While it is widely cultivated, it cannot withstand prolonged frost, making it suitable for indoor cultivation in temperate regions. Adromischus maculatus has been honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The succulent has a sparsely branched brown caudex and features lance-shaped bright green leaves that are often spotted or mottled with deep reddish-purple. The leaves have horny margins and measure up to 5 cm in length. In summer, spike-like cymes of tubular green flowers, about 1.5 cm long, with pinkish-white or pale purple lobes, bloom. Referred to as the "chocolate-drop," Adromischus maculatus displays fairly flat wedge-shaped leaves, thick in texture, and beautifully marked with chocolate-colored spots, giving them a marbled appearance. It is a relatively easy succulent to grow, with some tolerance for frost compared to other Adromischus species. As it ages, it develops a sizable caudex. However, it rarely blooms indoors. The plant has a short, woody, decumbent to prostrate stem, typically measuring up to 15 cm long. The leaves are obovate, spatulate, or oblanceolate, with a dorsiventral flattening and an obtuse tip that is often mucronate or notched. They range in size from 30-100 mm in length and 20-40 mm in width, and are rounded with a horny margin all around. The leaf coloration can vary from green to grey-green or greyish brown, with a glossy appearance. Under the sun's rays, the leaves may even turn almost scarlet. Some leaves may have dark purple spots, while others remain spotless. Young plants often lack spots altogether.

Common names

Spotted Adromischus, Calico Hearts

How to care for Spotted Adromischus

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Spotted Adromischus due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Spotted Adromischus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Spotted Adromischus is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Spotted Adromischus thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Spotted Adromischus.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spotted Adromischus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Spotted Adromischus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Spotted Adromischus is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spotted Adromischus’s native range is Southern Africa.

More info:
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More Species in Adromischus Genus

Adromischus triflorus

Adromischus marianae Namibian Kaakara

Adromischus schuldtianus

Adromischus cooperi Calico Hearts

Adromischus trigynus

Adromischus filicaulis marlothii Adromischus Filicaulis Subsp. Marlothii

Adromischus maculatus Spotted Adromischus

Adromischus Adromischus Oviforme

Adromischus filicaulis

Adromischus cristatus Crinkle Leaf Plant