Adromischus caryophyllaceus

Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a compact South African succulent with thick, fleshy green to grey-green leaves carried on short branching stems. The foliage varies naturally from bright yellow-green to muted blue-green and grey-green, sometimes developing reddish to maroon colouring towards the leaf margins under brighter growing conditions.

Thick, Rounded Foliage

The fleshy leaves are generally rounded to obovate and can vary considerably in size and proportions as the plant develops. New growth is often brighter green, while older leaves can develop more muted grey-green or blue-green tones.

Under brighter growing conditions, reddish to maroon pigmentation can develop towards the upper leaf margins and tips. Leaf colour varies naturally between individual plants and according to season, light levels and growing conditions.

Branching Growth & Flowers

Adromischus caryophyllaceus develops short erect to spreading stems and gradually forms a low, branching succulent shrublet. Established plants can become increasingly dense as new shoots develop from the older stems.

Flowering plants produce slender upright inflorescences carrying small tubular flowers. The flowers are white to pale pink, with pink to purplish lines extending along the corolla lobes towards the throat.

A Western Cape Species

Adromischus caryophyllaceus is an accepted botanical species and a South African endemic occurring naturally in the Western Cape. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and has also been known historically under several botanical names, including Adromischus bolusii, Adromischus grandiflorus and Adromischus jasminiflorus.

The Afrikaans common names Nentabos and Nentabossie are also recorded for the species.

Growing Adromischus caryophyllaceus

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Good light helps maintain compact growth and can encourage stronger reddish to maroon colouring around the leaf margins. Acclimatise plants 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 succulent leaves provide substantial water storage, allowing established plants to tolerate periods of dryness.

Please note before purchasing: Leaves on this variety of Adromischus can detach relatively easily when physically disturbed. Although plants are carefully selected and packed for shipping, please be aware that some leaf drop may occur during transit or unpacking and should be expected with this variety. Several detached leaves can occur without significantly affecting the plant and do not in themselves indicate that it 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 caryophyllaceus 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.