Adromischus triflorus (grey form)

Adromischus triflorus (Grey Form) is a compact South African succulent with thick, fleshy leaves distinguished by their pale grey-green to silvery colouring and contrasting reddish-brown markings. This is the greyer of the two forms of Adromischus triflorus we grow, with the foliage generally retaining a much paler overall appearance than our burgundy-red form.

Grey-Green Foliage & Horny Margins

The fleshy leaves are broadly obovate to almost heart-shaped, narrowing towards their attachment to the stem and becoming considerably broader towards the outer end. Their surface ranges from greenish-grey to pale silvery grey, with variable reddish-brown to burgundy spots and markings concentrated particularly towards the tips.

A characteristic feature of Adromischus triflorus is the pale, firm or “horny” margin around the upper portion of the leaf. This feature, together with the broad leaf shape and variable spotting, can help distinguish the species from other spotted members of the genus.

Colour and markings vary naturally with season, light and growing conditions. Our Grey Form generally retains its pale grey-green appearance even when the reddish-brown markings become more pronounced.

Compact Growth & Summer Flowers

Adromischus triflorus is a slow-growing perennial succulent that generally remains around 10 cm tall in vegetative growth. Its short stems branch and may gradually spread along the growing medium, with the active growing tips turning upwards and producing compact clusters of leaves.

During summer, established plants can produce slender upright flower stems extending well above the foliage. The small tubular flowers range from white to pink, with greenish outer colouring and pink to purplish tones towards the lobes.

A Western Cape Species

Adromischus triflorus is an accepted botanical species native to South Africa's Western Cape. It is particularly associated with the Little Karoo but also occurs in the Robertson Karoo and western Great Karoo, where plants grow naturally on gravelly lower slopes, among rocky outcrops and in protected rock crevices.

We grow two distinct forms of this species. This is our Grey Form; our Adromischus triflorus (Red Form) develops considerably stronger burgundy-red pigmentation. From our experience growing the two forms side by side, the Grey Form also appears to grow somewhat faster.

Growing Adromischus triflorus

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Good light helps maintain compact growth and the characteristic foliage markings, although plants should be acclimatised gradually before exposure to intense direct sun. Some protection from intense Australian summer afternoon sun can help prevent scorching, particularly for container-grown plants.

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 triflorus (Grey Form) plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours, markings and leaf shape will vary naturally between plants and according to time of year and growing conditions.