Raisin Adromischus

A true curiosity of the succulent world, Adromischus marianiae var. herrei is a miniature, slow-growing plant that is highly prized by collectors. Its small, egg-shaped leaves have an incredibly textured, warty surface that resembles a dried raisin or a piece of ancient coral. The leaf colour can range from green-brown to a stunning deep purple-red when grown in bright light. Because of its small size and slow rate of growth, it is a perfect plant for a small, decorative specialist pot. In the UK, it must be grown indoors or in a frost-free conservatory (rated H2). In summer, it produces small, inconspicuous tubular flowers on a thin stalk. This plant is very sensitive to overwatering; it requires a very gritty, almost soil-less mineral mix to thrive. It is a fascinating example of how succulents have adapted to look like their surroundings (mimicry) and is a rewarding plant for anyone interested in the more unusual forms of the plant kingdom.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Extremely well-drained, gritty mineral mix.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.