Adromischus Cristatus var. Zeyheri

Adromischus cristatus var. zeyheri is an accepted botanical variety of Adromischus cristatus, distinguished by its broad, fleshy apple-green leaves with conspicuously widened, undulating margins. It forms compact clusters of short stems and has a noticeably greener appearance than many of the grey or heavily marked species within the genus.

Broad, Wavy Green Leaves

The fleshy leaves are broadly triangular to obtriangular, widening considerably towards the outer end. Their most characteristic feature is the expanded upper margin, which develops a gently wavy or crimped appearance and gives mature leaves their distinctive shape.

Foliage is predominantly light to apple green and generally lacks the conspicuous dark spotting seen in many other Adromischus. Leaf size, shape and the degree of waviness can vary naturally as plants mature and according to growing conditions.

Compact Growth & Flowers

Adromischus cristatus var. zeyheri develops short, reclining to spreading stems and gradually forms compact to moderately branched clusters. Unlike the typical form of Adromischus cristatus, which is well known for producing conspicuous reddish aerial roots along its stems, var. zeyheri lacks these characteristic dense aerial roots.

Established plants produce slender upright flower stems extending well above the foliage. The small tubular flowers are yellowish-green to cream, with white to pale pinkish lobes. Flowering occurs mainly from summer into autumn.

A Distinct Variety of Adromischus cristatus

Adromischus cristatus var. zeyheri is currently accepted as one of several botanical varieties within the naturally variable Adromischus cristatus complex. It was originally described as Cotyledon zeyheri in 1862 and was later treated as the separate species Adromischus zeyheri before being placed within Adromischus cristatus at varietal rank.

The variety is native to southeastern South Africa, with populations recorded from the Eastern Cape through to KwaZulu-Natal. It occurs naturally on quartzitic sandstone cliffs, rocky ledges and crevices, including sheltered and shaded river gorges. The name zeyheri honours German botanist and plant collector Carl Zeyher, who collected extensively in South Africa during the nineteenth century.

Growing Adromischus cristatus var. zeyheri

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. In its natural habitat this variety is frequently associated with sheltered cliff faces and shaded rock ledges, and it is well suited to bright filtered light or partial shade. Protect container-grown plants from prolonged exposure to intense Australian summer afternoon sun.

Water thoroughly when required and allow the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, particularly during cooler conditions. The fleshy leaves provide substantial water storage, while good drainage helps protect the roots and stems from remaining continuously wet.

Please note: From our experience growing, handling and shipping this variety of Adromischus, we consider it well suited to shipping. However, individual leaves can occasionally detach if the plant is physically disturbed during transit or unpacking. A small amount of leaf drop can therefore occur and does not in itself indicate that the plant is unhealthy.

In the wild, leaf detachment and subsequent rooting is a natural means of vegetative reproduction in Adromischus, helping the plants reproduce and persist in their natural habitat. If leaves become detached from your plant, simply lay the healthy leaves on the surface of a free-draining succulent mix in bright, protected light. New roots and shoots will often develop from the base of the leaf over the following weeks. Once roots and new growth begin to develop, gently nestle them into the growing medium and allow the new plant to establish.

Adromischus cristatus var. zeyheri plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours and leaf shape will vary naturally between plants and according to time of year and growing conditions.