Aeonium urbicum
Care, watering, light and tips for Aeonium urbicum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 15 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Aeonium urbicum
Aeonium urbicum, commonly known as the Tenerife Pointer Aeonium, is a shrubby succulent endemic to the Canary Islands, notable for its large, compact, and glossy rosettes, reaching up to 30 cm in diameter. Its deep green leaves often develop reddish hues on the edges with sun exposure, creating a very attractive contrast. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, xeriscapes, or as a standalone specimen in large pots, where its sculptural form can be fully appreciated.
Native range
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure or bright partial shade to maintain its coloration and compact form. Watering should be moderate in spring and autumn, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings, and scarce or none in summer (dormancy) and winter. Use a very well-draining substrate, specific for succulents, to prevent waterlogging that could lead to root rot. A common mistake is overwatering during its summer dormancy period, which can be fatal for the plant.
How to save a dying Aeonium urbicum
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, drooping leaves, closed rosette, or soft stem.
- First aid
- Remove dead leaves. Check roots: if soft, trim. Repot in well-draining substrate; water only when dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or poor soil. Also lack of sun and cold drafts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers. Take cuttings from healthy stems if the main plant is too damaged.