Synonyms:

Adromischus pulchellus
Adromischus subrubellus
Adromischus triebneri
Cotyledon alstonii

Habitat:

South Africa, from Witpiitz in south-western South Africa-Namibia, to the north-western Cape province (Garies); usually growing on upper slopes, and often associated with rock outcrops.

Description:

It has prostrate to erect stems, much branched, with fibrous roots. The leaves are oblanceolate, cuneated, rounded-shaped, and often mucronated (which means that they have a little spike on the top) with horny margins usually restricted to the upper part. Inflorescence is a 20 to 50 centimeters long spike. The little flower are green with brown shades.

Cultivation:

As the other species of the genus Adromischus, A.alstonii requires a free-draining gritty compost to grow in. It can be grown in a small space thanks to its compact habit, and it grows very well in a shelf close to a sunny window, as it prefers bright spots. If his soil is kept dry, during the winter it can bear temperatures until 5°C.

Propagation:

Leaf cutting is the best way to propagate A. alstonii. It’s recommended to place the leaf attached to the border of the pot, so that the stem end is just touching the compost. The leaves used for the propagation must be carefully detached, using a sharp knife. Wait untile the leaf you put in the compost dries up: that usually means that it has put roots

Curiosity:

The name “Adromischus” comes from the ancient Greek adros (=thick) and mischos (=stem).

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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