Aeonium mascaense

Scientific Name

Aeonium mascaense Bramwell

Synonym(s)

Aeonium ×mascaense

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium

Description

Aeonium mascaense is a cute small multi-branching succulent with rosettes of fleshy lime-green leaves with a strong red stripe down the middle. It grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide, forming a nice mound. Rosettes are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Flowers are greenish-white and appear in clusters up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in arid 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 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C), and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or 2 (2.5 to 5 cm). Too much moisture or allowing them to sit 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 some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting soil.

Feed during the growing season with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so. Do not feed while dormant.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.

Origin

This species is found growing in Masca, Tenerife. It is thought by some to be a natural hybrid resulting from the cross between Aeonium haworthii and Aeonium sedifolium.