Scientific Name
Aichryson laxum (Haw.) Bramwell
Common Name(s)
Tree of Love
Synonym(s)
Aeonium laxum, Aichryson dichotomum, Sedum dichotomum, Sempervivum dichotomum, Sempervivum laxum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aichryson
Etymology
The specific epithet "laxum" (pronounced "LAX-um") means "wide, spacious, roomy; loose, free" and probably refers to the loosely flowering stalks of this species.
Origin
Aichryson laxum is native to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Hierro, Gomera).
Description
Aichryson laxum is an annual or mostly biennial succulent with dichotomously branched stems and green leaves arranged in rosettes at the ends of the branches. It usually grows between 8 and 16 inches (20 and 40 cm), rarely up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. The whole plant is densely covered with soft, short hairs. The stems can reach a diameter of 0.5 inches (1.2 cm), with the lower branches slightly woody. The leaves are often tinged purplish-red. They are widely ovate or trullate, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.
The flowers are yellow and star-shaped and appear in lax, many-flowered clusters in spring and summer. They can reach a diameter of about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). The plant dies after flowering unless the inflorescence is removed, as the flowers die.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 12b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 60°F (15.6°C).
How to Grow and Care
Aichrysons grow as understory plants in the endemic laurel and pine forests of the Canary Islands. They prefer slightly shaded, moist soil with plenty of humus. They tolerate a cool, frost-free winter kept fairly dry. Some species are annuals or biennials, but the shrubby perennials must be restarted regularly from cuttings to be at their best. Many species produce volunteer seedlings around themselves after flowering.
These succulents tolerate mixed conditions and will tolerate considerable shade and full sun. Given the right conditions, these plants will show incredible yellow flowers. Grow these plants hard with very little fertilizer because they can flower themselves to death. Aichrysons have a very structural trunk and make excellent bonsai subjects.
They require a rather sunny spot inside at moderate, cool temperatures in winter. If they become too large, plants can be cut back. Cuttings will easily root within a few days. These ornamental dwarf plants are excellent pot plants and will thrive in any partially shaded spot at cool temperatures, e.g., on a windowsill.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aichryson.
Links
- Back to genus Aichryson
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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