Adromischus cristatus(ad-roh-MIS-kus kris-TAY-tus), aka “Key Lime Pie”, “Pillow Feet”, and “Crinkle Leaf Plant” is native to lower Baviaanskloof and Langkloof west of Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The plant has approcametley 28 species known.
The botanical name is from the Latin cristatus meaning “crested”, This succulent was described by Antoine Charles Lemaire in Jardin Fleuriste in 1852.
Because of its African roots, Adromischus tolerate cool conditions during the winter if kept dry. While hardy down to freezing temperatures (32 °F or 0 °C), Be sure to avoid exposure to frost.
Water mostly in spring/autumn and let them dry out between waterings.
The Crinkle Leaf plant is a small slow growing succulent with up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, branching stems and triangular pale green leaves covered in tiny hairs.
During the springtime, it sends up long narrow stalks for its flowers, which are tubular in shape and white in color with hints of red.
Try to keep water off the foliage during the winter!…
Propagation Of The Crinkle Leaf
Leaf Cuttings
Many species can be propagated from a single leaf. Some species drop their leaves easily and although each leaf will form a new plant it can be a slow-growing challenge to grow a mature specimen.
Hold a lower leaf and wiggle it gently until it comes loose from the parent plant. Be sure the leaf is intact and doesn’t tear.
In other cases, leaves for propagation must be carefully detached with a sharp knife.
Set the leaf aside for a few days until the end dries out and forms a callus. Without a callus, the leaf absorbs too much moisture and is likely to rot and die.
Lay the callused leaf on top of a walking stone layered with dry cactus potting soil.
Place the stone in bright, indirect light. Avoid intense sunlight and moisture.
Propagation By Seeds
There is no pre-treatment of the seeds required.
The seeds are sown in perlite in plastic-pots. Larger seeds need to be covered with the mineral soil, small seeds should remain on the surface.
Then put the plastic pot in a ziplock bag. Add tap water with a few drops of universal fertilizer, so that after the absorption of the substrate a small amount of water remains on the bottom.
Then close the ziplock bag. You have created a greenhouse effect.
Watering is not required because no moisture evaporates through the ziplock bag.
Put the ziplock bag on the windowsill or in a small greenhouse in partial shade, daytime temperatures at about 73-83 F. You want slightly lower at night to be 68-72 F. The resulting micro-climate provides ideal conditions for germination.
Root Formed Offspring…
Many members of the Crassulaceae family grow prominent aerial roots along branch stems. If the branch bends over sufficiently to contact the soil, the branch roots into the ground at the point of contact.
All you need to do is to cut the connection with the mother plant, dig the new plantlet up and give it a pot of its own.
Growing Crinkle Leaf Indoors…
These succulents are ideal for use in your home or office. A succulent garden will add life to desks, tables, centerpieces, and window sills without needing intensive maintenance.
Adromischus cristatus prefers cool high-light areas to grow.
This can be achieved by placing your plants near Eastern and Southern facing windows if possible. Or take them outdoors on occasion.
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