Aeonium holochrysum
Golden Aeonium
Aeonium holochrysum is a shrubby succulent endemic to the western Canary Islands — Tenerife, La Palma, and La Gomera — where it grows on rocky ravine slopes at mid-elevation. It is distinguished from other members of the Aeonium arboreum complex by its distinctly golden-yellow rosettes, especially vivid under full sun exposure. As a winter grower, it is active during autumn and winter and enters dormancy during the warm summer months. It can reach up to 1.5 m in height, forming a branched shrub with terminal rosettes 15–20 cm in diameter.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Branched succulent shrub, winter grower, with golden-yellow terminal rosettes |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — populations stable in native Canary Island habitat, though locally vulnerable to habitat disturbance |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Poor, sandy, volcanic soil with excellent drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate to oblong-obovate, 5–10 cm long, golden-green to bright yellow; margin finely ciliate. The golden coloration intensifies in plants grown under full sun during summer drought.
ecoSmall, 6–9-petalled, bright yellow, gathered in large pyramidal panicles up to 20 cm long. Flowering occurs in late winter to early spring. The plant is monocarpic at rosette level: each rosette dies after fruiting.
ecoWoody at the base, succulent in younger portions, 1–2 cm in diameter, with characteristic leaf scars. Lateral branches emerge to carry new rosettes after flowering rosettes die.
ecoShallow fibrous root system, adapted to thin, well-drained volcanic soils. Sensitive to prolonged waterlogging.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Poor, sandy, volcanic soil with excellent drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
Take cuttings at the start of autumn (beginning of the active growth period)
Watering in summer during dormancy causes basal rot
Every 2–3 years, preferably at the start of autumn
Fertilize once a month during autumn and winter with diluted cactus fertilizer; suspend in summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented toxicity for humans or common pets. Caution advised with pets that chew plants.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora spp.) — primary threat in summer if watered during dormancy
Mealybug (Planococcus citri) — attacks the base of rosettes and young stems
Black aphid (Aphis fabae) — occasional on floral shoots in spring
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"The golden coloration of A. holochrysum is diagnostic and intensifies with moderate water stress in summer; it is important not to water during summer dormancy to preserve this characteristic and avoid root rot."
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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.