Synonyms:

Aeonium ‘Wu Tian Ji’ is a cultivar of the species Aeonium arboreum. It is also known as Aeonium ‘Black Tree’ and Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’

Habitat:

Aeonium ‘Wu Tian Ji’ is native to the Canary Islands. It grows in a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Aeonium arboreum is known for its ability to thrive in rocky, arid regions and can often be found in rocky outcroppings and on cliffs. It is an evergreen succulent that can grow up to 3 feet tall, often forming clumps. It is drought-tolerant, but will appreciate occasional watering in extreme heat.

Description:

This cultivar of Aeonium arboreum features dark, nearly black foliage that contrasts nicely with its yellow flowers. The leaves are thick and fleshy, arranged in rosettes on top of upright stems. The branches are elongated and sturdy, with a slightly woody texture. The leaves are glossy, smooth, and elongated. The rosettes can get quite large, up to 30cm in diameter. They are arranged along the stem in a spiral pattern, giving the plant a full and bushy look. This cultivar blooms from late spring to summer, producing yellow flowers on tall spikes. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule containing seeds. It is self-fertile but is also pollinated by bees and other insects. The seeds are small and can be dispersed by the wind.

Cultivation:

Aeonium ‘Wu Tian Ji’ is an easy plant to grow, and it is well-suited to many different types of gardens. It can be grown in a rock garden, in a pot or a balcony, in a hanging pot. It requires a well-drained soil, and it is drought tolerant. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy down to 25°F (-3.9°C). It is sensitive to overwatering, and it should be watered only when the soil is dry. It grows relatively slowly, and it does not need frequent repotting. Fertilization is not necessary, but you can use a balanced fertilizer during the growing period.

Propagation:

Aeonium ‘Wu Tian Ji’ can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seeds. Cuttings can be taken from the stem tips and left to callus over before being planted in well-draining soil. Seeds can be sown in spring or summer. Germination usually takes around 3 weeks.

Curiosity:

Aeonium ‘ Wu Tian Ji’ is a cultivar of the species Aeonium arboreum. Aeonium arboreum is sometimes called the “Tree Aeonium” due to its tall, branching habit.
The cultivar ‘Wu Tian Ji’ is named after Wu Tian Ji, a Chinese garden designer.
Aeoniums have been used for centuries in traditional Canary Island medicine for ailments such as wounds, burns, and insect bites.
This species is known for its ability to change color in response to the amount of sunlight it receives. In strong sun, the leaves can turn red or purplish, providing a nice contrast to the yellow flowers.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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