Aeonium urbicum (C.Sm.) Webb & Berthel.
Town aeonium
Aeonium urbicum, known as the town aeonium, is one of the most voluminous aeoniums of the Canary Islands: its woody, branched stems can reach 1–2 m in height and are crowned with rosettes up to 50–60 cm in diameter. The leaves are spatulate, grey-green, with finely ciliate margins and sometimes reddish tones when the plant is under water or light stress. Like all species in the genus, it is a winter grower: it remains active in autumn and winter and enters dormancy during the hot Canarian summer. It is endemic to Tenerife, where it grows on rocky slopes and ravines from sea level to 1,500 m altitude.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Polycarpic shrubby succulent with branched woody stem; monocarpic at individual rosette level (each rosette flowers and dies, but the plant persists by branching) |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — although endemic to Tenerife, it is relatively abundant within its native range; populations face pressure from urbanization and invasive species introduction |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Rocky, sandy or sandy-loam; low in organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate, 8–15 cm long, fleshy, grey-green to matte-green; margins finely ciliate with small white hairs. They can turn reddish under light or water stress conditions.
ecoSmall, star-shaped, white-pink to pale pink, grouped in large terminal pyramidal panicles up to 30–40 cm. Each rosette flowers only once (monocarpy at rosette level) and dies after fruiting.
ecoWoody, erect or slightly decumbent, 1–2 cm in diameter, greyish-brown; branching dichotomously at the base, leaving prominent leaf scars on lower internodes.
ecoFibrous and shallow root system, well adapted to rocky and nutrient-poor substrates. Forms adventitious roots on stems in contact with the soil.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky, sandy or sandy-loam; low in organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a lateral rosette with 5–8 cm of stem using a clean, disinfected knife
- 2 Allow the cut to dry in a shaded, ventilated spot for 3–5 days to form a callus
- 3 Insert into barely moist sandy substrate, without watering for the first 7–10 days
- 4 Keep at 15–20 °C and indirect light until rooted
- 5 Transplant to a final pot once the cutting resists a gentle tug
- 1 Sow on the surface of peat:perlite mix (1:1) at 18–22 °C
- 2 Do not cover seeds: they need light to germinate
- 3 Keep substrate slightly moist with a mister
- 4 Thin seedlings when they have 4–5 leaves; transplant when rosette is 2–3 cm
Never water in summer if the plant is dormant — this is the most common mistake with aeoniums
Watering in full summer when the plant is dormant — causes rot
Every 2–3 years at the start of autumn, when active growth begins
Once at the start of autumn and once in mid-winter with succulent fertilizer diluted to 50%
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not considered toxic to humans or pets. Leaves are succulent and harmless to touch, with no spines or irritating latex.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora, Fusarium) from overwatering in summer — main risk; reduce watering during summer dormancy
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri) — accumulates at leaf bases and meristems; treat with potassium soap or neem oil
Black aphid (Aphis fabae) — may attack young flower stalks in spring
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"Aeonium urbicum has two recognized varieties: var. urbicum (green leaves) and var. meridionale (more reddish leaves, distributed in southern Tenerife). The species is common in the historic quarter gardens of La Orotava, where it earns its name 'town aeonium'. Its large size distinguishes it at a glance from most Canarian aeoniums."
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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.