Aeonium arboreum 'Albovariegatum' is a stunning plant with strong variegation in its leaves. It is easy to care for and relatively slow-growing. This plant 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 was established as a cultivar by Boudewijn Karel 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, with irregular cream to pale yellow outer portions and curved cilia on the margins. The new leaves are mainly yellow with a thin green stripe, but they become greener 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 the plant receives as much bright, indirect light as possible to prevent it 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°F to 50°F (- 1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in the spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. 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-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 2 to 3 years in the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot from occurring.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut ends 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
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