Aeonium undulatum (Stalked Aeonium)

Scientific Name

Aeonium undulatum Webb & Berthel.

Common Names

Stalked Aeonium

Synonyms

Aeonium youngianum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aeonium

Description

Aeonium undulatum is a succulent, evergreen subshrub, one of the larger species of Aeonium with somewhat metallic-green wavy up to 10 inch (25 cm) long spoon-shaped leaves that form large rosettes on stout-stems often over a 3.3 feet (1 m) from the ground. Other rosettes do not branch off this stem (normally) but grow from the bottom, unlike most Aeoniums. Flowers are a dark yellow in a terminal cluster rising up to 20 inches (50 cm) above the foliage, usually in summer..The plant is monocarpic so the flowering stem will die when it flowers which is normally after about 5 years.

Photo via flickr.com

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 really hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in very dry 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 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Aeonium