Adromischus festivus

Botanical Name —  Adromischus festivus

Common Name — Plover Eggs Plant, Club-adromischus

Plant Family — Crassulaceae 

Take One Home

Background

Adromischus festivus is a low growing succulent that is native to high altitudes in the mountains of the Eastern Cape.  To mimic this microclimate at home, we can provide them with a gritty well drained potting mix and an arid environment.  Adromischus festivus is listed as a form of Adromischus cooperi in which their differences lie in flower (inflorescence) and leaf form.  Over time mature plants will develop a large caudex.

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Give Adromischus festivus plenty of direct sun with partial shade during the harshest afternoon hours. It will not tolerate full shade.

• They thrive in morning or late afternoon sun. If possible give them a spot in a sill with south-eastern or south-western exposure. 

Temperature/ Humidity 

• This arid plant likes high temperatures and low humidity. It will thrive in temperatures above 75°F, but avoid consistent temperatures below 45°F. Keep it indoors in a sunny windowsill during cooler months. 

Water

• This plant is super low-maintenance from a watering standpoint. Succulent leaves retain plenty of moisture so be sure to let the soil dry out completely in between waterings then water thoroughly, fully saturating the soil. 

• In the winter, when these plants are not actively growing, ease up on watering even more. 

Soil/Roots

• Adromischus festivus grows best in a fast draining soil mix. Use cacti or succulent soil, or amend potting soil with sand or pumice up to 50% to improve drainage.

Flowering

• The plant sends out tall flowering spikes with small pinkish tubular flowers at the tips. 

• These plants flower during the spring and summer time, though they rarely bloom indoors. 

Fertilization

• Fertilization is not necessary, but if you are going to use one be sure to use one specifically made for cacti and succulents.

• Fertilize once every two weeks during the active growing season. Never fertilize in winter.

Propagation

• These plants will propagate easily by leaf cuttings.  Let leaf callus before planting in a gritty cactus/succulent mix.  Try to keep the leaf upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. Keep warm and moist while rooting.   

Health

Diseases

• This plant is most vulnerable to mealybugs and occasionally scale. 

• Root rot can occur if it is overwatered. 

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• These plants prefer to be root bound, so you’ll only need to repot once every two or three years.

• Handle with care since leaves can be detached easily.

Toxicity

• Adromischus festivus are known to be toxic if ingested by animals and humans. Keep out of reach of children and pets.