Adromischus Cristatus (ad-ro-MIS-kus kris-TAY-tus), or “Crinkle Leaf Plant,” is a small, gray, or green succulent found in the eastern part of South Africa.
The Adromischus genus consists of 28 succulents native to South Africa.
While it is a perennial plant in its native habitat, it is not highly frosted tolerant and is best grown as a container plant in most regions of the United States.
Quick Facts On Adromischus Cristatus
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: Not frost hardy, Zone 10
- Water: Infrequent watering
- Fertilizer: Occasional fertilizer during the growing season
- Propagation: By cuttings or Seeds
- Common Problems: No major pests. Plants may rot if overwatered.
Adromischus Cristatus Care
What Does The Adromischus Plant Look Like, and How Big Does It Grow?
Adromischus cristatus is a succulent with short triangular leaves covered with hairs.
In the spring, cristatus will sprout a slender stem from which a white, tubular flower will blossom.
The plant can grow as large as a foot and a half (18″ inches) tall and can grow up to 2″ feet (24″ inches) around.
More common specimens grow to a height of about 6″ inches.
When Does Adromischus Cristatus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Cristatus sends up long, slender stems which develop white, tube-shaped blossoms.
Sometimes the white flowers have red dots on them.
Adromischus blooms in the spring, but its flowers are not very fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Like other plants of the genus, cristatus requires full light to develop its foliage color to the best advantage.
As a result, the plant will not thrive in partial or full shade and will take on an unremarkable green color.
Indoors, place your Adromischus in a sunny spot on your plant bench or window ledge.
Succulent Adromischus prefers a warm temperature, but it can tolerate some cold.
However, temperatures below 20° degrees F will probably kill the plant.
Cristatus does not like still, stagnant air, so it is probably best to ensure that the place you choose for your plant has good air circulation.
How and When to Water And Fertilize Adromischus?
Adromischus cristatus is a plant that loves a dry environment.
It is prone to rot if it is overwatered. Therefore, water it only when the soil has completely dried out.
In the winter, the plant will enter a dormant phase, and between December and February, there is no real need to water it at all.
Adromischus is not a heavy feeder. An occasional dose of liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month will be ample.
As with watering, the plant should not be fertilized in the winter.
What Is The Best Soil For The Crinkle Leaf Plant And When Should You Transplant?
Like many succulents, Adromischus lives in an arid environment in its natural habitat. Therefore, it wants a soil-sand mix.
A potting soil meant for cactus would be a good choice. A mix of soil, sand, perlite, gravel, or pumice would also be acceptable.
Cristatus Adromischus can be repotted if it outgrows its container, or it can be propagated by cuttings. There is no need to repot it otherwise.
Does Cristatus Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Adromischus cristatus doesn’t require any particular special grooming or maintenance.
How To Propagate Crinkle Leaf Plant?
The Crinkle Leaf Plant, Adromischus cristatus, can be grown by cuttings or seeds.
Of the two methods, propagating the plant by cuttings is probably easier, as the seeds can take a long time to germinate.
To grow Adromischus cristatus from cuttings, here’s how to do it:
- Gently pull a leaf from the stem. It must be completely clear of the plant, and no part of the leaf must remain on the stem.
- Once you have removed a whole leaf, allow it to sit for a day or two to develop a callus.
- Once the leaf has hardened its cut, put it in the pot with the rest of the plant, cutting side down in the soil. The leaf will soon grow roots and can be treated like another plant.
Occasionally, Adronischus cristatus will drop leaves, and these can also be propagated in the same fashion by allowing the leaf a day or two to harden and then putting it in the soil.
To grow Adromischus cristatus from seeds, be sure that the plant has a warm temperature or that you are using a grow lamp or a soil heater.
Here are the following tips to remember:
- Plant the seeds in February or March for the best results.
- Seeds should be sown in a soil and sand mix that drains well.
- Water the plants whenever the soil is dry.
It may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate, so you may wish to be patient.
Adromischus Cristatus Pests And Disease Problems
Adromischus cristatus has no serious pest or disease problems. However, very occasionally, white flies may be a nuisance.
Simply take the plant outside and rinse it off to remove flies and larvae. If the plant is overwatered, it may begin to rot.
Extensive rot may kill the plant, but small patches of rot can be trimmed off with a knife or scissors.
Suggested Crinkle Leaf Plant Uses
Crinkle Leaf Plant or Adromischus cristatus is only hardy in the southern part of zone 9 and zone 10 of the United States.
North of these zones, the plant must be grown as a container plant that can be brought in during the winter.
Adromischus cristatus might tolerate a mild frost. However, temperatures below 20° degrees Fahrenheit can be lethal to the plant.