Adromischus triflorus (red form)

Adromischus triflorus (Red Form) is a compact South African succulent with thick grey-green leaves that develop prominent burgundy to deep reddish-purple markings. This is the more strongly coloured of the two forms of Adromischus triflorus we grow, with mature foliage developing particularly dark pigmentation towards the tips and upper portions of the leaves.

Spotted Foliage & Horny Margins

The fleshy leaves are broadly obovate to somewhat elongated and are arranged closely along short branching stems. Their surface ranges from green and grey-green to silvery green, with variable burgundy spots, blotches and darker pigmentation.

A characteristic feature of Adromischus triflorus is the pale, firm or “horny” margin that develops around the upper portion of the leaf. This feature, together with the leaf shape and markings, can be useful in distinguishing the species from other spotted members of the genus.

Colour varies with season, light and growing conditions. In this red form, stronger pigmentation can produce extensive burgundy colouring across the upper leaves and growing points, while periods of softer growth generally produce greener foliage.

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 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 burgundy-red form; our Adromischus triflorus (Grey Form) has similar foliage but remains considerably greyer in colour. 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 encourages the stronger burgundy and reddish foliage colouring characteristic of this form. 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 (Red 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.