Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pygmy Flame Plant Care
Adromischus alstonii (Schönl. & Baker f.) C.A.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Adromischus alstonii is a unique succulent known for its distinctive triangular leaves that have a silvery-green hue with red margins. Native to South Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Pygmy Flame?
Water Pygmy Flame every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Pygmy Flame Native To?
What Is the Pygmy Flame?
Pygmy Flame (Adromischus alstonii) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Adromischus genus. Pygmy Flame is native to the Succulent Karoo in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Pygmy Flame displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Pygmy Flame produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pygmy Flame?
Adromischus alstonii requires watering every 10–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pygmy Flame Need?
Pygmy Flame thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Pygmy Flame in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pygmy Flame Prefer?
Adromischus alstonii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Pygmy Flame prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pygmy Flame?
Well-draining succulent mix with sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Pygmy Flame to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pygmy Flame?
Feed Pygmy Flame every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pygmy Flame?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Pygmy Flame?
Pygmy Flame can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crassula cristata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pygmy Flame Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pygmy Flame, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pygmy Flame?
Pygmy Flame is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pygmy Flame Need?
Pygmy Flame grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Pygmy Flame is native to the Succulent Karoo in the Northern Cape, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Pygmy Flame as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Pygmy Flame is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Adromischus genus — compare its care with other Adromischus species on PlantoScan.
Adromischus is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Pygmy Flame thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Adromischus Species
Other Adromischus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Adromischus alstonii (Schönl. & Baker f.) C.A.Sm., family Crassulaceae (first published in Bothalia 3: 638 (1939)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pygmy Flame, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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