Aeonium sedifolium (Webb ex Bolle) Pit. & Proust
Stonecrop-leaved aeonium
Aeonium sedifolium is a very branched, compact shrubby succulent endemic to Tenerife and La Palma, where it colonises rocky cliffs and stony slopes from sea level to mid-altitude zones. Its small apical rosettes of sticky leaves and low compact habit distinguish it from other Canarian aeoniums. It is a winter-growing plant that enters dormancy during the hot summer months.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Highly branched, compact succulent shrub, 15–30 cm tall, with numerous woody branches and small terminal rosettes. |
| Conservation Status | Canarian endemic of Least Concern (LC) per IUCN; populations remain stable in rupicolous habitats. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Rocky, sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Small, oblong to cuneate leaves, 1–2 cm long, yellowish-green with reddish striations, sticky and glandular surface. Arranged in dense apical rosettes 3–5 cm in diameter.
ecoCymose inflorescence 8–15 cm tall with yellow flowers of 7–9 petals, appearing in winter and spring. Flowered plants do not die (not monocarpic), though the individual rosette may be exhausted.
ecoWoody and highly branched stems with brownish-grey bark and prominent leaf scars. Dense branching gives the plant a compact cushion-like appearance.
ecoShallow and fibrous root system adapted to rocky substrates with little soil depth. Tolerates prolonged drought periods thanks to succulent leaves.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky, sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a rosette with 3–5 cm of stem using sterilised scissors.
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 24–48 hours in a shaded, ventilated spot.
- 3 Insert into very porous substrate (pure perlite or sand/perlite mix).
- 4 Keep slightly moist and in full light without intense direct sun.
- 5 Transplant to final pot once roots appear (3–5 weeks).
- 1 Sow on the surface of fine, moist substrate without covering seeds.
- 2 Keep at 18–22 °C with high ambient humidity under plastic or glass.
- 3 Ventilate daily to prevent fungal issues.
- 4 Transplant seedlings when they reach 2–3 cm.
Reduce watering to a minimum in July–August; the plant tolerates completely dry soil for 4–6 weeks.
Watering in summer the same as in winter — causes root rot.
Every 2–3 years, in autumn at the start of the growing season.
Liquid fertiliser diluted to 50% (low-N NPK) once a month from October to March. No fertiliser in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxic properties relevant to humans or domestic animals.
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Plant Health
Mealybug (Planococcus citri) — can infest in low-ventilation conditions.
Crown and root rot from Phytophthora if substrate retains moisture in summer.
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"This species is notably smaller than most Canarian aeoniums and is easily recognised by its sticky leaves and very compact habit. In summer the rosettes may contract and appear 'dead' — this is normal dormancy, not plant death."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.