Last updated on June 1st, 2023 at 11:30 am
The adromischus alstonii is a succulent plant which is propagated by cuttings. Cut just below the node when mature and allow to dry for about two weeks before planting in well-drained soil mix. The plant will need full sun, watering only during periods of drought as it does not like saturated soils or being over watered.
Origin of Adromischus alstonii
The plant is native to and comes from Madagascar. It has been introduced to other countries in Africa, the Mediterranean region, Asia and Australia as an ornamental garden plant due to its drought-tolerant lifestyle.
How to propagate adromischus alstonii
The plant is propagated by seed, leaf cuttings and division. Cut a branch of the adromischus alstonii off near the ground after flowering has finished and remove all but two leaves from it. The cutting needs to be watered sparingly for at least four months before planting in sandy soil with good drainage. Adequate watering in summer will promote abundant new growth.
General care informationm for adromischus alstonii
Light requirements
These succulents are grown in bright, but indirect light. Too much direct sun will cause them to dry out and die. They may also need protection from cold drafts in the wintertime (near a window that doesn’t get too hot).
Succulents should be grown on a windowsill that is east-facing or in an unheated, south-facing window.
Soil/potting mix
A fast-draining soil or potting mix is best. A succulent pot with drainage holes in the bottom will help to prevent root rot, which these plants are usually sensitive to.
The container should be filled with a mixture of half cactus and aloe vera soil (or other similar type) and half coarse sand or perlite.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers should only be used when plants are flowering, as they can cause leaf burn.
The soil mixture will need to be watered at least once a week with warm water and fertilized every five weeks or so (during the spring/summer).
A good rule of thumb is that if plant leaves start looking dry or withered, water them.
A good time for fertilizing succulents is in the evening so that they have plenty of daylight to absorb nutrients from it before darkness falls and plants stop growing.
Watering your adromischus alstonii
The potting mix should be watered at least once a week with warm water. If the plant leaves start looking dry or withered, they need to be watered more often.
A good rule of thumb is that if you feel like your succulent needs watering and when in doubt just do it! These plants are very sensitive to drought conditions, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Temperature
Succulents do not like cold drafts, so it’s best to avoid growing these plants near large windows that don’t get much hotness.
These plants grow in subtropical environments and need a lot of heat during the day (but must be shaded from too much direct sun). In wintertime they may require protection from below-freezing temperatures.
Temperatures should be kept between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (between 15-32 Celsius) – anything below or above these levels will cause the plant to start to wilt, lose leaves and die eventually.
The temperature of a succulent’s location is very important for its health – it should always stay within this range.
A succulent’s pot should be on a heat mat that can maintain these temperatures, or in an unheated south-facing window during the wintertime and/or shaded from direct sunlight.
Humidity
Humidity should be maintained around 50%.
It’s best to mist the plants once or twice a week. This will help them retain moisture and keep their protective waxy layer from drying out.
A humidifier may also be necessary during dry winter months, when humidity levels are less than 30% (which is about as low as it gets).
Repotting your adromischus alstonii
It is best to repot succulents when they are flowering.
Succulent plants should be left in the pot until it becomes too small for them and roots start growing out of the drainage holes. When this happens, repotting must take place or the plant will become root-bound (which means that its roots have grown around the edges and are unable to take in any more water).
Repotting should be done when the plant is flowering, as this encourages new growth that will create a better looking pot. The container must have drainage holes for these plants because they are usually sensitive to root rot – so using a succulent pot with drainage holes or other similar type of container is recommended.
Pruning
Root rot is very common and should be avoided at all costs.
The best way to prevent root rot is by pruning the succulent’s roots when it starts growing in an unhealthy manner (usually this happens with heavy or compacted soil). Make sure that you always use sharp tools, as these plants are easily damaged during any type of cutting.
Pests and diseases of Adromischus alstonii
Adromischus alstonii is susceptible to mites, aphids and mealybugs.
