Aeonium arboreum (L.) Webb & Berthel.
Tree Aeonium
Aeonium arboreum, the 'Tree Aeonium' or 'Tree Houseleek', is a spectacular Crassulaceae from the Canary Islands that forms branched shrubs up to 100 cm tall with striking 15–20 cm terminal rosettes. The most popular cultivar, 'Atropurpureum', displays intense purple-black leaves that dramatically contrast in Mediterranean gardens. Its rosettes are monocarpic (flowering once and then dying), but the plant survives through its secondary branches.
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© James Steakley
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Branched subshrub with erect woody stems terminating in rosettes; actively grows in autumn–winter and enters semi-dormancy in summer. |
| Conservation Status | Species not threatened overall. Wild in the Canary Islands; widely naturalized on Mediterranean coasts. Cultivar 'Atropurpureum' of horticultural origin. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Well-drained loamy soil with sand; tolerates slightly calcareous soils typical of Canarian and Mediterranean coasts. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate leaves 5–10 cm, bright green (type species) or intense purple-black (cv. 'Atropurpureum'), with mucronate apex and ciliate margin. Arranged in very compact rosettes at the tip of each branch.
ecoYellow star-shaped flowers with 10–12 petals in large pyramidal terminal panicles up to 30 cm; the rosette dies after flowering (monocarpic).
ecoErect, cylindrical stems that become woody at the base over time; greyish with leaf scar marks. Can reach 50–100 cm in height.
ecoFibrous and moderately deep root system; tolerant of somewhat dry soils but not prolonged waterlogging.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Well-drained loamy soil with sand; tolerates slightly calcareous soils typical of Canarian and Mediterranean coasts.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a branch with a terminal rosette 10–15 cm long using sterilized scissors.
- 2 Remove lower leaves leaving 3–4 cm of bare stem.
- 3 Let the cut air-dry for 2–3 days in a shaded place.
- 4 Plant in slightly moist substrate; roots in 2–4 weeks.
Prune rosettes that have flowered to stimulate branching and development of new rosettes.
Watering in summer as if the plant is in active growth; this is the dormancy period.
Every 2–3 years in autumn, at the start of the active growing cycle.
Half-strength balanced fertilizer in autumn and winter (every 4–6 weeks); none in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans. No relevant toxicities for pets have been documented, though it is not designed for consumption. Handle with care.
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Plant Health
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri): attacks rosette bases and stems; treat with systemic insecticide or isopropyl alcohol.
Stem and root rot in summer from waterlogging; drastically reduce watering in the warm season.
Green aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae): common on tender new growth in spring; treat with potassium soap or pyrethrin.
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"Aeonium arboreum exhibits a growth cycle opposite to most ornamental plants: it grows actively in autumn and winter and enters summer semi-dormancy losing the interior leaves of the rosette; this pattern is an adaptation to the mild, rainy winters and dry summers of the Canary Islands."
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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.