Key Lime Pie Plant
Adromischus cristatus
A small clumping succulent with plump, wedge-shaped green leaves whose ruffled, crinkled tips look like pie crust. Reddish aerial roots fuzz the stem like cinnamon.
- Light
- Bright indirect to some direct sun
- Water
- Sparingly; let soil dry fully
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Key Lime Pie Plant is a charming dwarf succulent grown for its fat, fan-shaped green leaves edged with a distinctive wavy, crinkled crust along the tip — the feature that earns it both the "key lime pie" and "crinkle-leaf" names.
It forms low, dense clumps, with short stems often covered in fine rusty-red aerial roots that add to the dessert-like charm. The whole plant rarely exceeds a few inches tall.
Slow but tough and forgiving, it is an excellent small-space and beginner succulent that handles a bit of neglect well.
How to identify it
- Small, plump wedge- or fan-shaped green leaves with a ruffled, crinkled top edge
- Leaf surface is often slightly fuzzy or velvety
- Short stems clad in fine, rust-red aerial roots resembling cinnamon dusting
- Low, clumping habit, usually under 4-6 in (10-15 cm) tall
- Slender flower spikes bearing small tubular white-to-pinkish flowers
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light with some gentle direct sun; good light keeps it compact and colorful.
Water: Water sparingly and let the soil dry out fully; it is very drought-tolerant and rots if kept wet.
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining succulent mix.
Temperature: Warm, dry conditions; protect from frost.
Feeding: Minimal — a dilute feeding once or twice a year is plenty.
Propagation: Easy from leaves; a single plucked leaf laid on dry mix sprouts a new plantlet.
Habitat & origin
Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, arid sites, tucked into crevices and lean, well-drained ground.
Its compact form and drought tolerance suit this dry, rocky habitat. It is grown worldwide as a small container and windowsill succulent.
Uses & benefits
Grown as a small ornamental houseplant, valued for its quirky pie-crust leaves and tidy clumping form.
It is ideal for dish gardens, small pots, and collections, and its easy leaf propagation makes it simple to multiply and share. It has no notable culinary or medicinal use despite its dessert-inspired name.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it look like it has cinnamon on the stems?
Those rusty-red fuzzy patches are harmless aerial roots that naturally form along the stems — part of the plant's pie-like charm.
How do I propagate the Key Lime Pie Plant?
Gently remove a healthy leaf, let the end callus for a day or two, and set it on dry, well-draining mix. A new plantlet forms at the base.
Why are the crinkled leaf edges fading?
Too little light or overwatering can soften its look. Brighter conditions and a strict dry-out routine keep the leaves plump and crisp-edged.
Is it slow growing?
Yes, it's a slow grower, but it's tough and long-lived, gradually forming a dense little clump.
Key Lime Pie Plant guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Key Lime Pie Plant.
