Scientific Name
Aeonium gorgoneum J.A.Schmidt
Synonym(s)
Aeonium webbii, Sempervivum gorgoneum, Sempervivum webbii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The specific epithet "gorgoneum (pronounced gor-GOH-nee-um)" means "like Gorgon" and probably refers to the branches with rosettes at the end, resembling the creature in Greek mythology with hair made of living, venomous snakes.
Origin
Aeonium gorgoneum is native to Cape Verde. It occurs in Santo Antão, São Vicente, and São Nicolau at 980 and 4,270 feet (300 and 1,300 m) above sea level.
Description
Aeonium gorgoneum is a succulent shrub that forms rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves at the end of ascending branches. It can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The branches are smooth, usually grow in groups, and can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The rosettes can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The fleshy leaves are green, strongly glaucous, often reddish along the midrib and margins, and take on a red tinge in full sun. They can measure up to 4 inches ( 10 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide, with a pointed tip and fine white cilia on the margins.
The flowers are star-shaped, 8- to 10-merous, and appear in large, conical clusters in late winter and spring. They are yellow, often with reddish markings. The flower clusters can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium gorgoneum
Light: A. gorgoneum grows best in full sun to partial shade. Indoors, give it bright indirect light as much as possible. A leggy, stretched plant is a sign of not getting enough light.
Soil: While most succulents do well when planted in a potting mix specifically formulated for succulents, sandy loam or regular potting mix amended with perlite is better for A. gorgoneum because it requires some more moisture.
Temperature: This succulent does not like hot or dry weather and may go dormant in summer. It prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (18 and 24 °C). A. gorgoneum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: A. gorgoneum requires more water than most succulents, but too much moisture can cause root rot. In spring and fall, water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Water more sparingly in winter. The plant does not need to be watered during its summer dormancy except in arid conditions.
Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a half-strength balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Do not feed A. gorgoneum when it is dormant in the summer months.
Repotting: If you grow A. gorgoneum in a container, repot it with fresh potting soil every two to three years. Choose a container with drainage holes to avoid standing water and root rot.
Propagation: This succulent is very easy to propagate from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is spring. Allow the cut end to dry for several days before placing it in the soil. It can also be propagated by seed. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium gorgoneum
A. gorgoneum is non-toxic to humans and animals.
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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