Adromischus marianae var antidorcatum

Adromischus marianae var. antidorcatum is a compact form of the highly variable Adromischus marianiae group, grown for its thick, elongated leaves and strongly variable colouring. The foliage can range from green and grey-green to deep burgundy and red, often developing contrasting pale mottling across the leaf surface.

Variable Colour & Markings

The fleshy leaves are generally elongated to somewhat cylindrical or club-shaped, with rounded to slightly pointed tips. Their surface may be relatively smooth or develop a slightly roughened texture, and individual plants can vary considerably in leaf length, thickness and shape.

Colour is particularly variable. Plants may remain predominantly green under milder conditions or develop bronze, red, burgundy and purple tones with stronger light and seasonal changes. Pale grey-green or whitish mottling can contrast strongly against darker foliage, as seen in the plants shown in our images.

Growth & Flowers

Adromischus marianae var. antidorcatum is slow growing and develops short branching stems, gradually producing additional growing points and compact clusters. Older plants may become more irregular in form as the stems branch and the leaves develop their naturally variable shapes.

Established plants can produce slender upright flower stems carrying small tubular flowers. The flowers are generally pale greenish to white with pink to reddish-purple colouring towards the lobes.

Taxonomy & the Antidorcatum Name

The plant was originally described as Adromischus antidorcatum and was later classified as Adromischus marianiae var. antidorcatum. Under current Kew classification, this name is treated as a synonym of the accepted Adromischus marianiae var. immaculatus.

The name antidorcatum nevertheless remains in horticultural use for plants traditionally cultivated under this designation. We retain the familiar name Adromischus marianae var. antidorcatum to identify this particular form in our collection.

Growing Adromischus marianae var. antidorcatum

Grow in a very free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Good light helps maintain compact growth and can encourage stronger red, burgundy and purple foliage colouring, although plants should be acclimatised 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: 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 var. antidorcatum plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours, markings, leaf shape and surface texture will vary naturally between plants and according to time of year and growing conditions.