Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Learning how to take care of your adromischus hemisphaericus can be hard because of the many different species that exist, but there are some general tips that can be applied across the board.
With its round, succulent leaves and gorgeous flowering spikes, Adromischus hemisphaericus adds a dash of color to any room in your home or office in which it’s displayed. This attractive South African succulent plant can make great houseplants if you provide them with the proper care.
Adromischus hemisphaericus plants are extremely low-maintenance, making them perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time or space to take care of their plants. Not only that, but they look beautiful and brighten up any room they’re in! These plants are also easy to grow, as long as you pay attention to a few crucial details.
Origin and distribution
Native to Africa, Madagascar, and South Africa, Adromischus hemisphaericus belongs to a group of succulents known as crassulas. Members of that genus are popular among collectors due to their abundance of colorful leaves and adorable names like polka dot plant and carpet plant.
They often resemble hens and chicks in appearance with tightly packed clusters of tiny leaves in the shape of rosettes. The flowers usually only last for one day but can come in many colors including red, yellow, white, pink or purple.
Synonymns
Sedum hemisphaericum, Adromischus rotundifolius, Cotyledon rotundifolia, Cotyledon crassifolia, Cotyledon hemisphaerica, Sedum hemisphericum, Cotyledon hemispherica, Cotyledon rhombifolia, and Cotyledon rotundifolia.
Adromischus hemisphaericus propagation
Adromischus hemisphaericus is fairly easy to propagate. In a dry season, cuttings can be taken from stem tips or entire growths and planted in full sun. Cuttings should not be removed during rainy periods. The plants are small, so they do well in small pots and tend to suffer little transplant shock.
They enjoy being watered once the soil surface dries out. If necessary, the potting mix can be lightly misted with water before watering it. These plants prefer filtered light but will tolerate higher levels of light if needed.
Plants should be fertilized every two weeks during their growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Avoid overfeeding because too much nitrogen could cause a problem called Nitrogen Deficiency.
Occasionally this plant might need some pruning to keep it shapely and at an appropriate size for its pot.
Adromischus hemisphaericus care information
Though Adromischus hemisphaericus looks tough and sturdy, it is actually very sensitive to being overwatered. Be sure to always water your plant thoroughly, but do not continue to water if there are already wet spots in the soil.
Overwatering can cause root rot and kill your plant. In addition, you should ensure that you expose your plant to lots of indirect sunlight and avoid direct sunlight at all costs; direct sunlight can burn plants like Adromischus hemisphaericus.
Light requirement
Like most succulents, Adromischus likes partial shade and cannot handle full sun. Ensure that it is never placed in direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves. Give your plant 2-3 hours of indirect sunlight per day. If you live in a very hot climate, place it in an area with shade during mid-day when temperatures are at their highest.
Soil/potting mix
Adromischus hemisphaericus prefers a soil mix that’s well-draining and isn’t overly moist. Add in a good drainage layer to help prevent root rot and keep your succulent happy. A good general ratio for adromischus hemisphaericus is two parts cactus soil to one-part sand or perlite. Make sure the pot has adequate space for the roots to grow, but not too much space so it doesn’t dry out.
First, fill the pot with about an inch of soil and plant the succulent so it sits at least half an inch below the rim of the pot. Fill in around it with more dirt until you have at least three inches of dirt all around it.
Watering
The best time to water is early in the morning, once a week. Adromischus hemisphaericus thrive in medium-moisture environments but don’t over-water as it can cause root rot.
A good way to test for proper watering is to stick your finger one inch into your soil. If it feels dry you should give it some water, if there is moisture you do not need to worry about watering just yet.
Fertilizer
Adromischus hemisphaericus will benefit from a slow-release fertilizer, ideally one that includes micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc. Topping up with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks is also recommended.
Another way to feed your adromischus hemisphaericus (once it has grown to over 10cm) is to give it a weak solution of seaweed extract. Use 1 teaspoon of the powder mixed in 1 liter of water for each plant per week.
You can either apply this through a spray bottle or by immersing the entire pot in the solution for 30 minutes once a week.
Temperature
While Adromischus hemisphaericus can thrive in a wide range of temperatures if you’re growing it indoors a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If your house is particularly cold or hot, place your plant in an area that receives sunlight but has some shade.
Adromischus should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch and make sure not to overwater them.
Humidity
Too little or too much humidity can harm Adromischus hemisphaericus, so it’s important to find just the right amount. Humidity that is too low will cause stem rot and leaf tip burn (brown tips), while high humidity levels may lead to root rot.
Monitor your Adromischus hemisphaericus’s environment throughout its life cycle and adjust based on conditions.
The ideal humidity range is between 50% and 80%. When caring for an Adromischus hemisphaericus plant, make sure you mist leaves with water every few days. If you notice the leaves turning brown at their edges or developing brown spots, increase humidity by using a humidifier or placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath your plant.
Pruning
Adromischus hemisphaericus are fairly low-maintenance plants. When they’re young, they will grow prodigiously and can fill up a pot in no time at all. They’ll also need frequent watering to prevent wilting.
Once your plant has matured though, it will take care of itself and only require watering once every week or two when the soil is dry to the touch.
When to repot
This succulent is a slow grower and repotting may not be necessary for several years. If you see roots or buds pushing up through drainage holes, or if your plant has been in one pot for five years or more, it’s time to give it a bigger home. Fill a new container about halfway with potting soil.
Dormancy/Winter rest
To prevent rot during dormancy, store your Adromischus plants in a dry, well-ventilated space. Be sure to check your plants throughout their dormant period. If they need water, it should be given. They will lose less moisture through their leaves when humidity is low.
The plant may need more water if temperatures are below 60F and little light is available. Although most succulents prefer full sun, an Adromischus can survive with only 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. They do not require the intense heat that other types of succulents might require.
Adromischus plants grow best in a porous potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming soggy or wet. A good mix includes soil such as peat moss, sand, or perlite for air pockets and drainage.
After watering the plant thoroughly to make sure the roots have absorbed all the water, wait until the surface is dry before watering again.
Adromischus hemisphaericus flower & fragrance
Adromischus hemisphaericus have fragrant flowers, which attract nectar-eating birds. In general, though, these plants are not very showy and do not have much to offer in terms of colorful blooms or sweet smells.
Growth rate
Adromischus hemisphaericus is an herbaceous perennial that grows rapidly. It can grow one foot per month in its first year of growth, so new plants should be planted a minimum of 18 inches apart and staggered if possible for optimal coverage.
If you have existing Adromischus hemisphaericus plants that need to be separated, gently dig around each plant’s roots until you can remove it from its pot.
USDA hardiness zones
Adromischus hemisphaericus thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It can be propagated by cuttings. The succulent should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch, and fertilized every few months with a diluted cactus fertilizer.
Pests and diseases
Whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids are a few of a plant’s biggest threats. If your plant begins to show signs of infestation (sticky leaves, white residue on leaves), try any combination of these three strategies: blast them with water from your hose; spray them with insecticidal soap; and/or introduce ladybugs (or another type of beneficial insect) to prey on their eggs.
Fungal or bacterial infections can also cause leaf drop or distortion. If this is the case, you may need to replant the affected area in fresh soil and start over.
Remember that plants will look different during different seasons so be sure to take note of how your plant looks at its optimal state for a better idea of what it should look like when it is healthy!
