Adromischus sphenophyllus

Adromischus sphenophyllus is a compact South African succulent with thick, wedge-shaped leaves held on short branching stems. The foliage is typically grey-green to blue-green, with the leaf margins and tips capable of developing reddish to burgundy colouring under brighter light.

Wedge-Shaped Foliage

The fleshy leaves are broad towards the outer end and taper gradually towards their attachment to the stem. Individual leaves can vary from relatively broad and rounded to noticeably longer and narrower, giving established plants considerable variation in foliage shape.

The species name sphenophyllus refers to this characteristic wedge-shaped foliage. Unlike some of the heavily spotted members of the genus, the leaves are generally unmarked, allowing their shape, grey-green surface and contrasting coloured margins to define the plant's appearance.

Growth & Flowers

Adromischus sphenophyllus develops a small branching shrub-like habit as it matures. New leaves form around the active growing points, while older stems gradually become more exposed and woody as the plant develops.

During the warmer months, mature plants can produce slender upright flower stems carrying small tubular flowers. The flowers are pale greenish to white, with pink to mauve colouring around the lobes and margins.

A South African Species

Adromischus sphenophyllus is an accepted botanical species native to South Africa's Cape Provinces. It was formally described by South African botanist Christo Albertyn Smith in 1939 and belongs to the Crassulaceae family.

Like other members of the genus, its fleshy leaves provide water storage that allows the plant to tolerate periods of dry conditions. Its naturally compact growth also makes it well suited to container cultivation.

Growing Adromischus sphenophyllus

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 colouring along the leaf margins and tips. 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. Reduce watering during cool conditions and avoid prolonged waterlogging around the roots. Plants growing in small containers may require more regular watering during warm, active growth.

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 sphenophyllus 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.