Scientific Name
Aeonium undulatum Webb & Berthel.
Common Name(s)
Stalked Aeonium
Synonym(s)
Aeonium youngianum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Description
Aeonium undulatum is a succulent shrub with glossy green wavy leaves arranged in large rosettes on stout stems. It grows over 3.3 feet (1 m) tall, and it is one of the larger species in the genus. Leaves are spoon-shaped and up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. Unlike most Aeoniums, new rosettes do not branch off the stems but grow from the bottom. Flowers are dark yellow and usually appear in summer in a terminal cluster rising to 20 inches (50 cm) above the foliage. The plant is monocarpic, so the flowering stem will die when it flowers, usually after about five years.
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. In summer, they may go dormant 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 grow 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.
Origin
This species is native to the Canary Islands.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succulentopedia: 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.
