Adromischus cristatus
key lime pie
A fun and easy-to-grow, clump-forming evergreen perennial succulent to around 30cm in height, forming rosettes of triangle-shaped, dark green fleshy foliage with crinkled ends, covered in small, silvery-white hairs. Star-shaped white flowers, flushed with pink, emerge from tall, green stalks in spring and summer. A great choice for children or budding new growers to try
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green Grey Silver White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Grey Silver White | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver White | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Adromischus are a genus of easily-propagated leaf succulents native to South Africa. Stems are thick and flowers bright green.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a sharply draining or proprietary cactus compost in full sunlight with good ventilation. Water during the growing season in spring to autumn, only when the soil has become dry. Withhold water altogether in the winter months and keep cool, but not lower than 7°C (45°F). A low nitrogen fertiliser can be applied two or three times during the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in spring, or by stem or leaf cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and greenfly
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to root rots in wet soil
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.