Adromischus hemisphaericus is a perennial, succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family. It is commonly called Brosplakkies. The species is endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa.
Adromischus hemisphaericus has moderate disease resistance but is relatively sensitive to humidity. High humidity makes it more prone to illness, and it is liable to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Adromischus hemisphaericus tolerates drought yet requires more frequent watering in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely while the plant is dormant. Adromischus hemisphaericus is appropriate for growers with some experience, as it can be challenging to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to those who can commit time to its maintenance throughout the winter months.
How to keep Adromischus Hemisphaericus.
Light
Adromischus hemisphaericus is native to habitats with filtered light, such as the understory of forests or shaded rocky sites that provide natural shade. It does best in partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.
Water
To care for Adromischus hemisphaericus, you need to water it carefully, taking into account its condition and the weather. During hot or dormant periods, water the plant every 1–2 weeks, and make sure to keep it away from high temperatures. Pay attention to the leaf symptoms and soil moisture to assess when it needs watering. Adjust the watering frequency based on the type of pot to ensure optimal moisture retention.
Temperature
Although Adromischus hemisphaericus can tolerate some heat, it mainly thrives and grows in cooler periods and goes dormant in summer. In very hot summer conditions, provide shade to prevent scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest season to avoid root rot. The plant grows vigorously in winter and spring, and as long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
Adromischus hemisphaericus benefits from light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during its growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or during summer dormancy. After repotting, cut back on fertilizer and wait a couple of months before resuming feeding. Regular fertilization helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.
Pruning
Adromischus hemisphaericus is a succulent known for its thick leaves. To encourage growth, it's best to prune it in early spring. During pruning, focus on removing any dead leaves and leggy stems, but avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the plant. Make sure to clean your tools before pruning to prevent infection. After pruning, water the plant lightly to aid its recovery.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Adromischus hemisphaericus, choose a pot a little larger than the current one with adequate drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, brush away excess soil, and place it at the same depth in the new pot. Wait a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep the plant in a brightly lit location.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Adromischus
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 8 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm
- Leaf Color
- Pale Green, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- South Africa