Aeonium URBICUM

Aeonium URBICUM - Urban aeonium, Aeonium urbicum.

Aeonium is a large genus of succulents developing as compact shrubs or herbaceous plants. The genus includes about 40 perennial, highly ornamental houseplant species in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). These are true long-lived plants that can grace room interiors for decades. As with all succulents, aeoniums are characterized by fleshy, water-storing leaves and shoots. The stems are sturdy, erect, branching or growing singly, gradually becoming woody and sporting scars from shed old leaves that resemble marks. Some aeonium species form spectacular aerial roots. The height of these plants ranges from a modest 10–15 cm (4–6 in) to nearly 1 m (3.3 ft). Depending on the species, stems may be prominent, resembling woody shrubs, or almost completely concealed beneath low-growing leaf rosettes.

The fleshy leaves are always sessile, narrowing toward the base, resembling petals or rhombuses in shape. Sparse down or a completely glossy surface is paired with margins trimmed with fine white cilia or small denticles. The leaves assemble into very dense, flower-like rosettes, arranged imbricately in a patterned fashion. Rosettes range in diameter from a few centimeters to nearly 1 m (3.3 ft), but are always located at the ends of stems. Leaf coloration varies from plain light green to diverse reddish, brownish, and purplish shades, most often distributed unevenly across the leaf blade. Under indoor conditions, aeonium blooms very rarely. The pyramidal racemes of bright yellow inflorescences are very showy and long-lasting. Yet the lack of flowering also has its upside: species that form a single solitary leaf rosette most often die after blooming.

Aeonium urbicum is native to the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands off the western coast of Africa belonging to Spain.

Propagation by seeds can be done year-round in a sandy substrate. The seeds are sown on the surface, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Both overwatering and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided.

Special notes: The seeds are small!

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In winter, cool maintenance is desirable. With low air humidity, the plant can tolerate quite a substantial drop in temperature. At other times, normal room temperature is required. The plants need a sunny spot year-round, requiring shading only from the harshest direct midday rays. In winter, they should be kept in a very brightly lit location, which helps maintain foliage color.

During active growth, watering is done as the soil dries out. In the period of winter dormancy, watering frequency is reduced. Stagnant water, which must be avoided even in summer, is even more hazardous during the cold season, as it can cause rot and lead to the plant's death. In spring and autumn, fertilizer for cacti is applied once every 2 weeks. Repotting is carried out in spring or autumn once every 2 years. Soil consisting of 1/3 peat, 1/3 fertile soil, and 1/3 sand with a pH around 6.5 is used. Damaged parts and faded inflorescences must be removed.