Scientific Name
Aeonium smithii (Sims) Webb & Berthel.r
Common Name(s)
Smith's Giant Houseleek
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum foliosum, Sempervivum hispicaule, Sempervivum smithii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The specific epithet "smithii (SMITH-ee-eye)" honors Christen Smith (1785–1816), a Norwegian physician, economist, and naturalist, particularly botanist.
Origin
Aeonium smithii is native to the Canary Islands (Tenerife). It grows on rocks and cliffs, most commonly in forest zones at elevations from 490 to 7,050 feet (150 to 2,150 m).
Description
Aeonium smithii is a densely branched succulent shrublet with rather flattish rosettes of inverse kite-shaped leaves at the end of the densely hairy branches. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Rosettes are up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Branches are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The older branches tend to lose the hairs, which are up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long. The leaves are glossy above, with longitudinal brownish stripes mainly on the lower surface and conical cilia and some additional hairs along the margins.
The flowers are 8- to 12-merous, yellow with reddish lines, and appear in a many-flowered cluster on a leafy, up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall stalk in spring. The flower cluster is up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 4.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter.
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 them 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.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
