Aeonium canariense subsp. canariense, the Canary Islands Aeonium
Aeonium canariense subsp. canariense
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Aeonium
- Species
- Canary Aeonium Aeonium canariense
Other names:Sempervivum canariense, Aeonium giganteum, Sempervivum canariense ssp. Typicum
If you'd like to see an Aeonium canariense subsp. Canariense in its natural habitat, head to the Canary Islands and Tenerife. This subspecies of Aeonium canariense is found in the northern part of the island, in the Anaga Mountains.
How can you recognize Aeonium canariense, the Canary Islands Aeonium?
Aeonium canariense subsp. Canariense is a succulent plant with a spreading habit. It can reach 30 centimeters in height and 60 centimeters in diameter.
In its early years, the Canary Islands Aeonium appears stemless. But it later develops a brown stem. Thin yet rigid, it supports the rosette of leaves. The plant rarely branches, as is the case with aeonium canariense. When it produces offshoots, they grow inside the rosette.
The bright green foliage has a velvety appearance. In fact, its spatulate leaves are covered with tiny white hairs.
The inflorescence appears in summer. It is a dense, conical spike that measures up to 45 centimeters tall and 30 centimeters wide. It is covered with yellow flowers.
Aeonium canariense is not toxic. The plant poses no risk if it comes into contact with the skin or is ingested.
Our care tips
If you live in a frost-free region, you can plant your Aeonium canariense in the ground, provided the soil remains dry.
Elsewhere, it's best to opt for a pot culture and bring your Aeonium canariense into your conservatory or living room when temperatures drop. The good news is that it's in winter, when the plant is growing, that it reveals all its beauty!
Watering
During periods of extreme heat, you should adjust the way you water your plant, as it enters a vegetative state to protect itself.
Aeonium canariense are the enemy of excess water. Before giving your specimen a drink, always make sure the soil is at least five centimetres dry.
Like many plants, the plant prefers rainwater. But it's fine with tap water. Just make sure it's at room temperature.
Remove any water stagnating in the cup under the pot. It can rot the roots.
Do not water during this period.
Misting
Your Aeonium canariense subsp. Canariense hates wet foliage. Don't mist the plant.
Repotting
Re-pot your Aeonium canariense in a pierced pot. Line the bottom with pebbles or clay balls to improve drainage.
Aeonium canariense appreciate well-drained soil. You can use a substrate for cacti and succulents, or mix garden soil with river sand.
Pour a little potting soil into the pot and plant your specimen. Don't hesitate to push in the stem a third of the way up. This way, the plant will be more stable and produce more roots. Fill with potting soil and press down to remove air bubbles.
Prune
To encourage the growth of your Aeonium canariense, prune regularly.
Remove dried leaves.
Cut back flower stems when flowers have wilted. If you use a tool, make sure it's clean and sharp.
Planting
Choose a sunny, well-drained location, such as the top of a slope or embankment.
Dig a hole two to three times larger than the root ball. Place pebbles at the bottom to improve drainage.
Plant your Aeonium canariense and backfill. If your soil is heavy, mix it with river sand. Tamp down to remove air bubbles.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Prepare a pot with drainage holes. Place clay pellets or small stones at the bottom for drainage. Then fill it with a lightweight substrate, such as potting mix for cacti and succulents. Make a small hole in the soil using a pencil or a stick.
Plant your Aeonium canariense. Bury the stem about one-third of the way down. This will help your plant develop more roots and make it more stable. But be careful! Don't bury the leaves! Place your cutting in a bright room with a temperature between 15 and 18°.
Wait a few weeks before watering, to allow time for roots to form.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Succulent
- Tag
- Cold-sensitive
- Origin
- Southern Europe
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf color
- Light green
- Flower color
- Yellow
Discover plants from the same family
Aeonium canariense virgineum
Aeonium canariense subsp. virgineum
Aeonium 'Zwartkop'
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
Find out more
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