Adromischus marianae f. herrei

Adromischus marianae f. herrei is a compact, slow-growing form of the highly variable Adromischus marianiae group, distinguished by its thick, strongly textured leaves. The foliage can range from green and grey-green through bronze, reddish-brown and deep red-purple, with the strongest colours generally developing under brighter light and drier conditions.

Highly Textured Foliage

The fleshy leaves are short, thick and irregular in shape, with a characteristically rough, warty surface that becomes increasingly pronounced as they mature. Individual leaves can vary considerably, from relatively rounded forms to longer, more tapered shapes, and may develop shallow grooves and ridges.

Colour is equally variable. New growth may emerge green before developing grey, bronze, pink, red or purplish tones. A natural waxy coating can also contribute muted grey tones to older foliage. The combination of irregular texture and changing colour gives mature clusters the heavily sculptured appearance characteristic of plants cultivated under the name herrei.

Growth & Flowers

Adromischus marianae f. herrei develops short branching stems and gradually forms dense clusters. Growth is relatively slow, with new leaves concentrated around the active growing points. Older plants can produce numerous branches, creating compact groups of differently shaped and coloured leaves.

Established plants can produce slender upright flower stems carrying small tubular flowers. The flowers are greenish to pale in colour with pink to reddish-purple markings around the lobes.

Taxonomy & the Herrei Name

The name Adromischus herrei was originally based on material collected in South Africa and was later treated as Adromischus marianiae f. herrei. Under current botanical classification, this name is included within the accepted Adromischus marianiae var. immaculatus.

The older name herrei nevertheless remains useful in cultivation for identifying the distinctive, strongly textured form traditionally grown under this name. We therefore retain the familiar horticultural name Adromischus marianae f. herrei for this plant.

Growing Adromischus marianae f. herrei

Grow in a very free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Good light helps maintain compact growth and encourages the stronger bronze, red and purple foliage tones characteristic of well-coloured plants. Acclimatise gradually before exposure to intense direct sun.

Water thoroughly when required and allow the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, particularly during cooler conditions. The thick leaves provide substantial water storage, and established plants tolerate periods of dryness well.

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 marianae f. herrei plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours, leaf shape and surface texture will vary naturally between plants and according to time of year and growing conditions.