Aeonium urbicum
'salad bowl' or 'saucer plant'
This Succulent, Known as the salad bowl and saucer plant, Aeonium urbicum, is a unique succulent native to the Canary Islands and found in greenhouses and gardens. It is a popular choice for gardeners because of the low maintenance it requires and the attractive foliage it produces. This article will discuss the characteristics of Aeonium urbicum, its cultivation requirements, and how to use it in a salad bowl. The six main points discussed regarding this plant are its appearance, hardiness, water requirements, soil type, propagation, and use.
Quick Information:
- This succulent loves the sun and partial shade.
- Typical water needs.
- It can grow up to 12″ tall and 36″ wide.
- Best suited to Zone 9a, where temperatures won’t go lower than 20° F (-6.7° C).
- Unfortunately, it’s not cold hardy.
- You can propagate this plant by taking cuttings.
- It can be toxic to both humans and animals.
- It’s most active in Spring and Fall.
Care and Propagation for Aeonium urbicum salad bowl
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when choosing saucer plant as a houseplant. Here are some basic instructions on how to take care of your plant and how to propagate it.
Appearance
Aeonium urbicum salad bowl is a small succulent that can reach up to 12 inches in height and width. Its leaves are thick and fleshy with a waxy coating. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and range in color from green to purple; Its flowers are small and yellow and bloom in the spring.
Hardiness
Aeonium urbicum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F but will not survive if temperatures drop below 20°F. Ideally, it would prefer full sun, but it can tolerate some shade in the afternoons. It is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dryness.
Water needs
You only need a little water to keep Aeonium urbicum salad bowl alive. The plant needs to be watered deeply but infrequently to grow well. Ensure that the soil is completely dry each time you water it. If you overwater your plants, you can cause root rot and other diseases as a result.
Soil type
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of equal parts potting soil, sand, and perlite works well for this plant. Root rot can be prevented by using a pot that has drainage holes so that it can drain properly.
Propagation
Taking stem cuttings or creating offsets of Aeonium urbicum are both effective methods of propagation. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy stem and allow it to dry for several days before planting in well-drained soil. To propagate by offsets, carefully remove an offset from the mother plant and plant it in well-drained soil.
Flowers
To bloom a saucer plant, water it well and place it in a sunny spot. Fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer and keep the soil moist. Prune it back after it blooms to encourage new growth.
Uses
The saucer plantis known to be an ornamental plant. It is used for decorative purposes in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also known to be used as a medicinal plant.
Conclusion
Aeonium urbicum, commonly referred to as the saucer plant, is a unique succulent that grows on the Canary Islands and is native to the region. It is an attractive plant with thick, fleshy leaves that range in color from green to purple.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and should be watered deeply but infrequently.
Saucer plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or offsets and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers or as a garnish for dishes.
Aeonium urbicum salad bowl is a versatile succulent plant and one of the preferred options for landscape gardeners looking to add a distinctly different touch to the landscape.
