🌱 Morphology
    A low-growing, branched, clumping Aeonium cultivar that forms compact clumps about 20–40 cm tall and wide. Its stems end in rosettes approximately 5–10 cm in diameter, composed of narrow, elongated, pointed leaves with small cilia along the margins. Color contrast is its main attraction: the leaves are lime green in the center and transition to maroon, burgundy, and very dark purple shades on the outer leaves. The intensity of the coloration depends on light, temperature, and the season. With insufficient light, the foliage loses some of its dark tones and becomes predominantly green. Its branched growth allows it to form small sculptural clumps.

🌍 Origin, genealogy, and family
Family: Crassulaceae. Subfamily: Sempervivoideae. Tribe: Aeonieae. Genus: Aeonium. It is a horticultural hybrid obtained from a cross between Aeonium simsii, a compact Canary Islands species with narrow leaves, and Aeonium arboreum‘Zwartkop’, known for its almost black purple foliage. Therefore, it is not a wild species nor does it have its own natural distribution, although its parent plants are linked to the flora of the Canary Islands. The cultivar is distinguished from other similar hybrids by its relatively low growth habit, branching, and the contrast between the green centers and dark outer leaves.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 9b
It is slightly more tolerant of cool weather than some dark-foliaged aeoniums, but it should not be considered resistant to severe frost. It is recommended to keep it preferably above 5 °C and protect it when temperatures approach 0 °C, especially if the substrate is moist. The combination of cold and excess water can cause damage to roots and stems.

☀️ Lighting
Abundant light is essential to develop the characteristic maroon and purple tones. Gentle morning sun or very bright exposure is recommended, with gradual acclimation to direct sunlight. In warm climates, it is advisable to protect it from the most intense summer sun to prevent burns and heat stress. As a reference, a DLI PAR of 12–20 mol/m²/day is recommended, adjusted to the temperature and the plant's response.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Summer dormancy. Growth is usually concentrated during autumn, mild winter, and spring, while high summer temperatures can cause reduced activity and partial closing of the rosettes. During active growth, it is recommended to water thoroughly and let the substrate dry before watering again. In summer, watering should be spaced out considerably, without keeping the roots moist for prolonged periods. Good ventilation and effective drainage are essential to prevent rot.

🌸 Flowering
It can produce terminal inflorescences with small star-shaped flowers, usually yellow, during the favorable growing season. Flowering is less important ornamentally than the foliage. As with other aeoniums, the flowering rosette may die afterward, although the remaining branches maintain the plant if there are other growth points.

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied moderately and with slightly moist substrate. It is advisable to reduce or suspend fertilization during summer dormancy and avoid excess nitrogen, which can produce overly soft tissues and reduce the compactness of the rosettes.

Gourmet black 9x9 cm pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

* Since this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but this may also vary slightly because it is a living thing! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.