Aeonium Tabuliforme

Family

Crassulaceae

Botanical Name

AEONIUM tabuliforme

Plant Common Name

Aeonium, Saucer Plant

Imagine a plant that looks like it is flattened to the ground as if stepped on by an elephant. It is saucer plant. This strange low-growing perennial tender form a flat, round rosette succulent leaves. It is native to the coastal cliffs of Tenerife in the Canary Islands and is well adapted to salt spray and strong winds. Each rosette survive as a biennial or short-lived perennial, reproducing by seed or puppies resulting from the base of the mother plant.

Spoon-shaped, bright green leaves with hairy margins exist for the flat, wide rosettes of this juicy. Mature specimens can be as wide as big boards growth. In the spring, adult rosettes produce singular flower stalks of their centers. On top every green stem is a loose cluster of many small, starry flowers. The flowers can be yellow-green, pale yellow or white, depending on the plant. After flowering and seeds fall rosettes will wither and die.

Growth saucer plant in fast-draining, porous soil and partial sun. In the wild, it grows on cliffs that face away from direct sunlight. Protect from frost and intense heat of the sun rays that can burn the foliage, especially in dry climates. In frost-free outdoor landscapes, this juicy grow almost all year round, becoming semi-dormant in the hottest part of the summer. Keep the soil slightly moist during the hottest months and drier during the cooler times of the year. Avoid water on the leaves or simply it to high humidity. Plant it as a houseplant in a warm, bright room or outside as a low-growing plant specimen in a shady rock garden.

Characteristics

AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1

USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15

Sunset Zone
16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
  
Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent

Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade

Height
3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm

Width
6"-20" / 15.2cm - 50.8cm

Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
    
Native To
Canary Islands

Growing Conditions

Soil pH
Neutral

Soil Drainage
Well Drained

Soil type
Sand
    
Growth Rate
Medium
    
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
    
Habit
Rosette/Stemless

Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

Flower Interest
Showy

Flower Color
Light Yellow, Yellow Green
    
Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
    
Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green
    
Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green
    
Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green
    
Fragrant Flowers
No
    
Flower Petal Number
Single

Repeat Bloomer
No
    
Showy Fruit
No
    
Edible Fruit
No
    
Showy Foliage
Yes
    
Foliage Texture
 Medium
    
Foliage Sheen
Matte
    
Evergreen
Yes
    
Showy Bark
No

Special Characteristics

Usage
Container, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall 

Sharp or Has Thorns
No

Invasive
No
    
Self-Sowing
No

Care & Maintenance

Planting

1.     Dig holes or beds wide, not deep
2.     Gently remove plants from containers, keeping the root ball intact
3.     Plant level with surrounding soil, spreading roots outward
4.     Fill around roots with native soil
5.     Water to settle soil around roots
6.     Stake large plants to prevent excess movement in strong winds

Watering

1.     Most of these plants prefer, or even require, periods of drought
2.     Water slowly, and allow to dry completely between soakings
3.     Jungle-type epiphytic cacti (live naturally in trees) can tolerate watering more often

Pruning

1.     Prune only to remove wayward, dead, diseased, or top-heavy growth
2.   When possible, propagate the cuttings by inserting into clean, well-drained potting soil to share with others

Propagation

1. Most cacti and succulents can be propagated by small stem cuttings that are allowed to dry out for a few days or weeks before replanting in slightly moist, well-drained potting soil
2. Many succulents can be grown from leaf cuttings, or even individual leaves that sprout new plants at their base when put into contact with moist soil
3. Seed may be sown onto well-drained potting soil and kept lightly moist until they germinate, then transplant into small containers

Fertilization

Most cacti and succulents can go long periods with little or no fertilizer
Use a good-quality cactus fertilizer, or fertilizer with low nitrogen content, according to directions
Lightly scatter fertilizer around the base of plants
If using liquid plant food, use at or less than recommended strength; never over-fertilize cactus