Scientific Name
Aeonium percarneum (R.P.Murray) Pit. & Proust.
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum percarneum, Aldasorea percarnea
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Description
Aeonium percarneum is a few-branched succulent shrub that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall, forming rosettes of dark green leaves at the end of the stems. The rosettes are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. They are often reddish variegated along the margin. The nicely dense and pyramidal inflorescences bear star-shaped, rose-white flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 Aeoniums need 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 native to the Canary Islands.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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