Scientific Name
Aeonium urbicum (Chr. Sm. ex Hornem.) Webb & Berth.
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum urbicum
Common Name(s)
Saucer Plant, Salad Bowl
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 "urbicum" (pronounced "UR-bee-kum") means "urban" and indicates that this species often grows among tiles on the roofs of the city of La Laguna.
Description
Aeonium urbicum is a tall succulent that forms a large rosette of spoon-shaped leaves at the top of an unbranched or rarely few-branched stem. It can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The rosette is rather flat and can reach a diameter of 12.8 inches (32 cm). The leaves are smooth, yellowish-green to dark green, often reddish along the margins, and bear straight cilia. They are thick and fleshy, growing up to 8.8 inches (22 cm) long and 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) wide.
After several years, Aeonium urbicum produces hundreds of flowers packed in a spectacular inflorescence. The flowers are star-shaped, 8- to 10-merous, greenish-white or pinkish-white (occasionally reddish), and appear in summer. The dome-shaped inflorescence can reach 30 inches (75 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) wide. Unfortunately, the plant is monocarpic and dies after flowering.
Many plants sold in nurseries as Aeonium urbicum are hybrids of this species or something entirely different, as they are often stemless or branching and tend to flower at a height of only a few inches. None of these characteristics match this species.
Origin
Aeonium urbicum is endemic to Tenerife, the largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands. It grows in the northern part of the island, from Macizo de Anaga to Punta de Teno, at elevations between 165 and 3,280 feet (50 and 1,000 m).
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium urbicum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aeoniums do not like hot or dry weather. Therefore, they may go dormant in summer and need no 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 and spring, when temperatures are cool (65°F to 75°F, 18°C to 24°C) and damp. In the winter, water when 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 letting them 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 about once a month. Do not feed while dormant.
Learn more in "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.
