Scientific Name
Aeonium diplocyclum (Webb ex Bolle) T.H.M. Mes
Synonym(s)
Greenovia diplocycla
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The generic name "Aeonium" (pronounced "ee-OH-nee-um") means "long-lasting" and refers to the enduring, perennial nature of the plants in this genus.
The specific epithet "diplocyclum" (pronounced "dy-plo-SY-klum") means "double-circled" or "double-ringed" and refers ot the distinctive double-layered appearance of the rosette of this species. The "double-layered" appearance is most pronounced during summer dormancy. To protect itself from heat, the plant pulls its leaves tightly together into a cup-within-a-cup arrangement: the outer leaves form a protective sheath (first "circle"), while the inner leaves remain tightly furled at the center (second "circle").
Cultivars of Aeonium diplocyclum
Origin of Aeonium diplocyclum
Aeonium diplocyclum is native to the Canary Islands (La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera). It grows on cliffs in the forest zone, preferably in shaded areas at elevations ranging from 165 to 5,580 feet (50 to 1,700 m).
This species is sometimes listed as a synonym of Aeonium aureum. However, Aeonium diplocyclum differs from Aeonium aureum in having larger flowers and a rosette that remains solitary and never produces offsets.
Description of Aeonium diplocyclum
Aeonium diplocyclum, formerly known as Greenovia diplocycla, is an attractive succulent that forms a solitary, monocarpic rosette of pale green leaves covered with a powdery bloom. The rosette can reach up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, spoon-shaped, and can measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) wide. The inner leaves are erect and tightly closed during summer dormancy, when the rosette closes cup-like, covered with dry beige-red leaf sheaths.
The flowers are deep yellow, star-shaped, 19- to 24-merous, and appear in flat-topped, many-flowered clusters on densely leafy stalks in spring. The flower stalks can grow up to 8.8 inches (22 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium diplocyclum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. Therefore, they may go dormant in summer and do not require any water except in very dry conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is winter to spring when temperatures are cool (65–75˚F / 18–24˚C) and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil is dry. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. Too much moisture or leaving them in wet soil will cause root rot.
A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents since Aeonium needs moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot them every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Propagate Aeoniums by stem cuttings, except for unbranched species, which die after flowering and are propagated from seed. Take cuttings when the plant is actively growing, usually in fall in USDA zones 9 through 11. Aeoniums go dormant in summer. Cuttings that are taken while plants are dormant do not root. Each rosette dies after it blooms.
See more at How to Propagate Aeonium.
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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