Adromischus maculatus (Salm-Dyck) Lem.
Calico Hearts / Mottled Adromischus
Adromischus maculatus, Calico Hearts, is a small South African succulent from the Western Cape and Montagu region, easily identified by its peltate to flat leaves bearing abundant dark purple spots on a bright green background. It is one of the collector favorites in Adromischus for its vivid coloration and relatively easy propagation.
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© David J. Stang
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Adromischus |
| Growth Habit | Flat, compact rosette plant 4–10 cm tall; slow branching; leaves arranged in near-horizontal plane. |
| Conservation Status | Not assessed by IUCN; moderately restricted distribution in the Western Karoo and Western Cape. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Type | Calcareous-sandy to quartzitic, poor, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Peltate-orbicular to obovate leaves, very flat, 2–5 cm long; upper surface glossy green with rounded dark purple to brownish-violet spots; lower surface paler; no farina; apex obtuse.
ecoVery short stem (1–3 cm), compact, slowly producing basal offsets; grey epidermis with horizontal leaf scars.
ecoErect spike 15–25 cm; small tubular flowers white to pinkish with violet streaks; summer to autumn flowering.
ecoThin, shallow fibrous roots; the plant compensates for limited root development with leaf storage.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Calcareous-sandy to quartzitic, poor, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Choose a flat, rounded leaf of A. maculatus with well-defined purplish-brown spots; remove it with a gentle twist to clean the base
- 2 Place the leaf in a warm, dry spot with partial shade for 2–3 days until the cut is calloused
- 3 Set the leaf on dry mineral substrate (perlite + coarse sand); do not bury any part of it
- 4 Mist once a week; roots and small basal rosettes appear in 3–5 weeks
- 1 Sow on the surface over fine sand mixed with perlite; do not cover the seeds
- 2 Keep under a humid cover at 20–23 °C; germination occurs in 2–4 weeks
- 3 Ventilate daily for 5 minutes during the second week to harden the seedlings
- 4 Transplant when seedlings show 2–3 true leaves and measure at least 1 cm
The purplish-brown spots intensify with more direct sunlight
Watering in winter, which causes root and stem base rot
Every 2–3 years in spring, always using unglazed terracotta pots for better evaporation.
Very diluted cactus fertilizer (25% of recommended dose), once in spring; no fertilizer the rest of the year.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxicity; safe for humans and domestic animals.
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"The spot pattern in A. maculatus varies significantly between populations: specimens from the Montagu region show larger, confluent spots, while those from the central Karoo have small, dispersed spots. This clinal variability is taxonomically debated as to whether they constitute distinct varieties."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.