Origin
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa, particularly in the Numees region of the Richtersveld, a mountainous area in the Northern Cape Province. It thrives in rocky outcrops and crevices, as well as in sandy and gravelly soils.
Common Names
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is commonly known as the Numees crinkle-leaf plant, the Richtersveld crinkle-leaf plant, or simply the crinkle-leaf plant.
Uses
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is grown primarily as an ornamental plant. Its unique crinkled and wavy green leaves make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. It can be grown in pots or containers, and is often used in succulent gardens and terrariums. The plant is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal plant for busy individuals who want to add some greenery to their surroundings.
General Appearance
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is a small succulent plant that typically grows up to 10 centimeters in height. Its leaves are fleshy, crinkled, and wavy, and have a bright green color. The plant's stems are thin and delicate, and can break easily when the plant is handled. When it blooms, it produces tiny, tubular flowers that range in color from pink to purple. The plant requires bright but filtered light, and should be watered sparingly to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Light Requirements
The Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison plant requires bright light to thrive. A bright, direct sunlight for a few hours per day is ideal for its growth. However, it should be protected from the intense afternoon sun. A south-facing window or any brightly-lit area of the house is good for this plant. If the light levels are too low, the leaves may become soft and yellow, and the plant may start to rot.
Temperature Requirements
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is a succulent that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperatures between 65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C) during the growing season and cooler temperatures between 50°F-55°F (10°C-13°C) during the dormant season. During the winter months, it is crucial to protect the plant from frost damage. Extreme temperatures can lead to leaf loss, and long exposure to very hot temperatures can cause leaf scorching.
Soil Requirements
The Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that can drain excess water quickly. A mixture of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil in the ratio of 2:1:1 can be used. The soil should have the proper drainage, as this plant is susceptible to root rot. Before watering, make sure that the top inch of soil is completely dry. This will prevent overwatering and ensure that the plant stays healthy.
Cultivation of Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is a succulent plant that requires proper care and treatment to thrive. The plant is best grown indoors in a warm and bright location as direct sunlight can burn the leaves. It is a slow-growing plant that requires well-draining soil. When planting, ensure that the soil dries out between watering. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings and seeds.
Watering Needs
The Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is drought-tolerant and thus should not be overwatered. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, and ensure that the soil is well-draining by using a pot with drainage holes. During the winter, reduce watering slightly as the plant goes through dormancy. Avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to rotting.
Fertilization
Fertilize Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength, and apply to damp soil. Avoid fertilizing during the winter, as the plant goes through dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is not necessary as the plant is slow-growing and does not get large. However, you can remove any yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy and looking tidy. When removing leaves, ensure to use sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. The plant is known for its fragile, spoon-shaped leaves, which turn maroon in strong sunlight. To propagate this plant, there are several methods that can be followed:
Leaf Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to propagate Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is through leaf cuttings. To do this, simply remove a healthy leaf from the parent plant and allow the cut end to dry for a day or two. Once the cut end has dried, place the leaf cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the cutting sparingly and keep it in a warm, bright area until roots and new leaves have formed.
Stem Cuttings
If your Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison has grown tall and leggy, you can take stem cuttings to encourage more compact, bushy growth. To do this, simply cut a healthy stem from the parent plant, making sure to take a few leaves with you. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the cutting sparingly and keep it in a warm, bright area until roots and new leaves have formed.
Offsets
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison produces offsets, or baby plants, at the base of the parent plant. These offsets can be removed and planted on their own to create new individual plants. To do this, gently remove the offset from the parent plant and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the offset sparingly and keep it in a warm, bright area until roots and new leaves have formed.
Disease Management
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison is generally resistant to diseases, but it could occasionally be affected by fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew is caused by the Erysiphales fungal family and appears on the surface of leaves as a white or gray powdery growth. The fungus can affect the overall health of the plant, reduce photosynthesis, and cause defoliation, affecting the harvest. Avoid high nitrogen levels and high humidity environments, remove any infected leaves, and treat the plant with a fungicide recommended for powdery mildew.
Rust is another fungal disease that affects Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison. It appears as small yellow or brown spots on the leaf surface, turning black when mature and causing the leaves to dry and fall off. To manage rust, remove any infected leaves, increase air circulation, and treat the plant using a fungicide that controls rust.
Pest Management
Adromischus fragilis Hutchison var. numeesensis Hutchison may be susceptible to infestation by common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy insects that suck sap from the plant. They often appear in clusters on the leaf surface, and their feeding could cause yellowing and stunted growth. Remove the insects and their egg masses manually, spray insecticidal soap or a solution of alcohol and water on the affected plant, or introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and small, chlorotic speckles on the leaf surface. To manage spider mites, increase air circulation, remove any infected leaves, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites, or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
