Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) is a variegated sport of Aeonium tabuliforme. It is a rare, striking plant with an attractive, perfectly flat, disc-shaped rosette that grows flush against the soil surface.
Taxonomy of Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated)
Scientific Name
Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) – an informal descriptive name
This plant is not found in the wild and therefore cannot be classified as a distinct form. Its variegation is unstable, and it does not meet the criteria for recognition as a distinct cultivar under the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP)🡕.
Accepted Scientific Name
Aeonium tabuliforme (Haw.) Webb & Berthel.
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 "tabuliforme" (pronounced "tab-yoo-LEE-form-ee") means "table-like; flat, plate-like" and refers to the distinctly flat, disc-shaped rosette of this species.
Origin of Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated)
Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) is a sport of Aeonium tabuliforme selected in cultivation for its variegated foliage.
Description of Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated)
Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) is an attractive succulent that forms a compact, flat rosette of overlapping, irregularly variegated leaves. The rosette can reach a diameter of 16 inches (40 cm). The fleshy leaves are light green with irregular creamy-white markings. They can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.
Usually in late spring, Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) produces star-shaped, pale yellow flowers in clusters on an upright, leafy stalk that can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall. The flower cluster can reach a height of 15 inches (30 cm) and a nearly equal diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated)
Light: Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, during the summer months, especially in the hotter afternoon hours, it may benefit from light shade. If growing indoors, ensure the plant receives plenty of bright, indirect light to prevent it from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid using pre-made soil mixes designed for succulents, as they typically provide less moisture than this plant needs.
Temperature: Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in the spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Stop watering during summer dormancy, except in arid conditions.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength to stimulate growth and enhance the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If you're growing Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) in a container, repot it every 2 to 3 years in the spring. Always choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: Aeonium tabuliforme is a plant that typically does not produce offsets and dies after it flowers. Therefore, it is usually propagated from seeds. While it is possible to grow Aeonium tabuliforme from seeds, the variegation is rarely true to the parent plant. When a variegated plant produces seeds, the resulting seedlings typically revert to the normal form. Additionally, this plant can be propagated from healthy, mature leaves. However, even if you successfully sprout a plantlet from a leaf of a variegated Aeonium tabuliforme, the offspring will likely revert to the normal form as well.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated)
Aeonium tabuliforme (variegated) is considered non-toxic, making it safe for children and pets to grow around.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Aeonium.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.