Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Calico hearts
Also known as: Chocolate drop
Adromischus maculatus, the calico hearts, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, which is endemic to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. Growing to 34 cm, it is a mat-forming succulent perennial with thick spade-shaped leaves growing from a short, prostrate, woody stem. Plants are variable in coloring. Some are plain green, while others have leaves which are covered in maroon or brown blotches - hence the specific epithet maculatus, meaning 'spotted'. In summer (December-January), tubular green inflorescences are borne on 25 to 30 cm long branches, with pink or white lobes. Adromischus maculatus grows on the sunny, sandstone slopes of South Africa's Langeberg Mountains. It is widely cultivated but does not tolerate prolonged frost, so in temperate regions, it is usually grown indoors as a houseplant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Perennial
Lifespan
Succulent
Plant Type
Spring, Summer
Bloom Time
15 cm
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
Green, Red
Leaf Color
1.5 cm
Flower Size
Yellow, Green
Flower Color

Images of Calico hearts

Distribution of Calico hearts

Distribution Map
Calico hearts is indigenous to the southern parts of the African continent. It has been introduced and is cultivated in various temperate regions globally, where it thrives in environments similar to its native habitat. This plant's propensity to adapt has led to its naturalization in several areas outside its original range, often frequented by collectors and enthusiasts of succulent plants.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Sandstone slopes
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Care Guide for Calico hearts

Every 3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Calico hearts thrives in arid conditions, requiring watering only every three weeks. It prefers well-draining soil to avoid root rot, making it suitable for low-maintenance care. This evergreen plant is often grown indoors and is drought-tolerant, ideal for those seeking resilient greenery.
Fertilize: For calico hearts, apply Succulents and Cacti Food bi-monthly during spring and summer at half strength to promote growth and root health. Reduce feeding in fall-winter, and apply to damp soil. Adjust amounts for the size and age of calico hearts to prevent over-fertilization.
Pruning: To maintain the shape of calico hearts, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and fall using knives or scissors. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, treat the cut with sulfur powder, and plant after healing. Keep the soil slightly moist.
Propagation: Propagation of calico hearts is most effectively achieved through leaf cuttings in spring or fall. Cut a healthy leaf and lay it on slightly humid soil, ensuring it receives bright, scattered light and a temperature of 25℃ (77°F). A bud typically emerges within one to two weeks.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Calico hearts
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app