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