Adromischus cristatus

Adromischus cristatus

Family: Crassulaceae
Common Name: ravioli plant, crinkle-leaf plant
Origin: Adromischus cristatus originates from the succulent thickets of Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is uncommon in its natural habitat, which includes shady rock outcrops and rocky slopes.
Description: A. cristatus is a dwarf succulent with a distinctive appearance from which the common name “ravioli plant” is derived. It develops loose rosettes of thick, triangular leaves with crested or wavy edges, resembling a ravioli. Covered in a light coating of hair, the leaves possess a glaucous coloring and a felt-like texture. Flowering usually occurs in spring, resulting in small off-white or red flowers blossoming from a tall stem in the main plant.

Interesting Features:
- Despite its innocuous appearance, all parts of A. cristatus are poisonous to humans and animals when consumed. Therefore, care must be taken when siting to avoid poisoning, which includes symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Uses: Due to its toxicity, the ethnobotanical value of the ravioli plant is unknown. However, it is very popular in cultivation, being the easiest species to grow within the Adromischus genus of succulents with unusual forms.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- A. cristatus should be watered more often than cacti, but less than other succulents – about once every 1-2 weeks during the spring, summer, and fall.
- In winter, reduce watering drastically, only providing enough to sustain the plump leaves.
- Water thoroughly and allow to completely dry in between waterings to avoid root-rot or fallen leaves.
Soil: Provide a sandy, porous, succulent or cactus soil that is well-draining. Although a pH of 6.1 to 7.8 is tolerated, the best growth will be observed under slightly acidic conditions.
Lighting: A. cristatus prefers full sun and a warm environment, but should be protected from afternoon sun and extreme heat.
Propagation: The ravioli plant can be propagated through semi-hardwood and leaf cuttings, seed, and by dividing the root-ball.
- While A. cristatus can easily be grown from a single fallen leaf, it is often difficult to form large plants.
Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b
Special Accommodations: If protected from frost and moisture during the winter, the ravioli plant will tolerate cold temperatures.
- However, do not fertilize in fall or winter to avoid fertilizer burn, and only use a liquid succulent or cactus fertilizer.

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