Aichryson tortuosum is quite variable, and the true, unhybridized specimen is rarely seen in cultivation.
Scientific Name
Aichryson tortuosum (Aiton) Webb & Berthel.
Common Name(s)
Gouty Houseleek
Synonym(s)
Aeonium tortuosum, Aichryson tortuosum subsp. tortuosum, Aichryson tortuosum var. tortuosum, Macrobia tortuosa, Sempervivum tortuosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aichryson
Etymology
The specific epithet "tortuosum (tor-tew-OH-sum)" means "twisting, tortuous" and refers to the tortuous branches branches of this species.
Origin
Aichryson tortuosum is native to the Canary Islands. It grows tucked into crevices on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura at elevations up to 2,300 feet (700 m).
Description
Aichryson tortuosum is a densely branched succulent shrublet with woody, tortuous branches and fleshy, green leaves often tinged with purplish-red. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The branches are hairy, often sooth near the base, and can reach up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are obovate, densely covered with glandular hairs, and slightly sticky. They can measure up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long, 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide, and 0.15 inches (0.3 cm) thick.
In late spring or summer, Aichryson tortuosum produces few-flowered clusters of star-shaped flowers with deep yellow petals and glandular hairy sepals the same color as the leaves. The flowers are 7- to 8-merous and can reach up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Aichryson tortuosum
Light: Aichryson tortuosum thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers slightly shaded areas during summer, especially in the hotter afternoon hours. When 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 a sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents since it needs more moisture than they typically provide.
Temperature: Aichryson tortuosum does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during its summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: Apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength during the growing season to stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If growing Aichryson tortuosum in a container, repot it as needed during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: You can easily propagate this plant using stem cuttings or seeds. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aichryson.
Toxicity of Aichryson tortuosum
Aichryson tortuosum is considered non-toxic, so growing around children and pets is safe.
Subspecies and Forms of Aichryson tortuosum
- Aichryson tortuosum subsp. bethencourtianum
- Aichryson tortuosum subsp. bethencourtianum 'Variegatum'
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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