Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' is a stunning plant with strong variegation in its leaves. It is easy to care for and relatively slow-growing, and it can be grown either outdoors in a sunny position or indoors in a bright spot.
Scientific Name
Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium arboreum var. albovariegatum, Aeonium 'Albovariegatum', Sempervivum arboreum var. albovariegatum, Sempervivum arboreum var. variegatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
This plant was formerly treated as a variety of Aeonium arboreum, and it was established as a cultivar by B.K Boom in the Dutch journal Succulenta in 1959.
Description
Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum', also sold as Aeonium 'Albovariegatum', is a stunning succulent shrub that forms dense rosettes of variegated leaves at the end of its branches. It can reach a height of up to 20 inches (50 cm). The leaves are fleshy, spoon-shaped, and lime green and have irregular cream to pale yellow outer portions with curved cilia on the margins. The new leaves are mainly yellow with a thin stripe of green, but they become more green as they mature. During the summer, the outer portions of the leaves take on a pink hue.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum'
Light: Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires a sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents since it needs more moisture than they typically provide.
Temperature: Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during its summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: Apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength only during the growing season to stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' in a container, repot it every two to three years during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum'
Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' is considered non-toxic, so growing around children and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
