Have you sire hooked on the succulent madden sweeping gardens everywhere ? If so , you ’ve probably noticed some funky - looking plant that resembled a plump little potato or bursting cabbage . But were you scrub your head , unable to say those succulents apart ?
No need to concern , you ’re not alone ! Many raw succulent fan slip Sempervivum for Aeonium and frailty versa . These two lulu may seem like succulent Gemini the Twins at first glance , but they in reality have quite a few conflict hiding beneath those sarcoid leave-taking .
In this article , we ’ll reveal the telling signboard to key out each one and highlight their key similarities too . Get ready to become a Sempervivum vs. Aeonium master by the end ! The succulent encounter begins now .
Sempervivum
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The Origin Story
One of the biggest distinctions between Sempervivum and Aeonium lie in their native homelands and ancestral roots . Where a plant species originated plays a major role in its evolved trait and ethnic lore . Sempervivum , often called hen - and - chicks , hails from a vast area cross the deal swan across Europe , North Africa and parts of Asia . These tough succulents are native to rocky , cheery alpine and subalpine elevation reaching up to around 9,900 metrical foot !
Their name “ Sempervivum ” has Romance roots – “ semper ” meaning “ always ” and “ vivus ” meaning “ alive ” – referring to their power to survive harsh , unforgiving pile conditions . With over 40 different species , Sempervivum can be found grow wild every where from the Alps and Carpathian mountains to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to the Armenian highlands .
In contrast , the genus Aeonium consists of around 35 specie that originated from the Canary Islands , a Spanish archipelago just off the northwest seacoast of Africa . These subtropical islands give way rise to Aeonium ’s alien , sun - splashed looks . The name Aeonium make out from the ancient Greek word “ aionios ” think “ ageless ” or “ everlasting . ”
While someAeonium speciesventured to nearby areas like Madeira , Morocco and East Africa , the majority are endemic to the Canary Islands . This isolated island chain allow for the perfect temperate , ocean - influence clime for the drought - tolerant yet moisture - loving Aeoniums to evolve over millennium .
So while one succulent cut its tooth on the rugged slopes of Europe ’s pinnacle , the other flower in the blue-blooded maritime atmosphere of the Canary Islands off Africa ’s shores . Their ancestral homelands gave each a distinct set of adaptations speculate in their appearance and care needs today .
Appearance-Wise
While both sport a rosette conformation , their leaf looks diverge . Sempervivum leave-taking are pointed and sarcoid , colour in in shades of blue , green , carmine , or coppery hues . Aeonium shows off large , rounded leaves with a waxy , glossy finish in vibrant reds , yellows , whiteness and Green .
As for their growth substance abuse , Sempervivum hugs the ground in blind drunk , disperse mat up to 2 foot wide . Many Aeonium varieties take a taller , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - alike form with stem canker stacked in noisome patterns that can reach over 6 substructure high !
Blooming Beauties?
During the warm months , both loose some bloom might , but in very different style . Sempervivum sprouts dainty , ace - shaped efflorescence on sarcoid stem . Aeonium ’s pernicious , starburst flowers appear in clusters right in the centre of the rosette .
Growth Cycles
Sempervivum is tag a “ recurrent ” succulent , mean it comes back every year from its root system . It has a moderate ontogeny rate , bring out offshoot ( nicknamed “ chicks ” ) fairly apace around the main flora ( “ hen ” ) .
Aeonium maturate at a snail ’s pace , sometimes take 5 years just to bloom ! But it shit up for that by being monocarpic – after flower , the primary flora die off but leaves behind ton of new offset printing to hold on .
Get Propagating
Luckily , both type are easy to multiply . Sempervivum cancreate newfangled plantsfrom its first , seeds , or by dividing the rose window clod . With Aeonium , just snip off a stem piece and let it rootle .
Related Charles William Post : Sempervivum vs Echeveria : 6 Key Differences and SimilaritiesAeonium vs Echeveria : 4 Key Differences and Similarities
The Care Factors
Despite their departure , Sempervivum and Aeonium have some common succulent need :
A few caution quirks – Sempervivum is rugged andcold - hardydown to -22 ° F ! Aeonium sulks if temperatures douse below 50 ° F for too long . And eir unique looks and trait . Which sarcoid ally fits your garden style best ?
So there you have it ! Even though Sempervivum and Aeonium may seem like long - lost succulent Gemini , you ’re now an expert on deciphering their unequalled looks and trait . Which overweight supporter outfit your garden fashion best ?
Sempervivum
Aeonium
Sempervivum succulents
Aeonium succulents
Sempervivum flowers
Aeonium flowers
