Photo: Justin PonderCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spotted Adromischus Plant Care
Adromischus maculatus Lem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Adromischus maculatus, also known as the Calico Hearts plant, is distinctive for its thick, triangular leaves that are green with maroon spots. This succulent hails from South Africa and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique leaf coloration and compact growth habit.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spotted Adromischus?
Water Spotted Adromischus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Spotted Adromischus Native To?
What Is the Spotted Adromischus?
Spotted Adromischus (Adromischus maculatus) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Adromischus genus. Spotted Adromischus is native to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. Spotted Adromischus is also known as Calico Hearts.
Spotted Adromischus displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spotted Adromischus produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spotted Adromischus?
Adromischus maculatus requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spotted Adromischus Need?
Spotted Adromischus thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Spotted Adromischus 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 Spotted Adromischus Prefer?
Adromischus maculatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Spotted Adromischus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spotted Adromischus?
Well-draining succulent mix with sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Spotted Adromischus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spotted Adromischus?
Feed Spotted Adromischus 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 Spotted Adromischus?
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 Spotted Adromischus?
Spotted Adromischus can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pygmy flame plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spotted Adromischus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spotted Adromischus, 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 Spotted Adromischus?
Spotted Adromischus 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 Spotted Adromischus Need?
Spotted Adromischus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Spotted Adromischus is native to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Spotted Adromischus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Spotted Adromischus 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.
Spotted Adromischus 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 maculatus Lem., family Crassulaceae (first published in Jard. FIeur. 2(Misc.): 60 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spotted Adromischus, 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: Justin Ponder, 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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