Aeonium x Laortei

Aeonium x Laortei is a naturally-occurring nothospecies hybrid between Aeonium sedifolium and Aeonium spathulatum, first identified in May 2006 by Giuseppe Tavormina at 500m in the Masca Gorge, a narrow valley within the basaltic lavaflows of the Teno Massif in the northwest of Tenerife. It was described by him in the Italian publication, Cactus and Co in October 2007 and named after Felix Loarte Garcia. Aeonium species are prone to hybridisation in nature where their habitats overlap and Aeonium x Laortei has characeristics from both its parents. A medium-sized many-branching plant Aeonium x Laortei is larger than the diminutive Aeonium sedifolium but reaching up to about 25cm is not quite the size of Aeonium spathulatum. Its foliage is obovate-spatulate, similar to Aeonium spathulatum and is flat on the adaxial surface, unlike the shape of the fleshy, terete, sedum-like leaves of Aeonium sedifolium. They do, however - particularly in summer - tend to develop the red lines and markings that are found on Aeonium sedifolium.

With its compact, branching shape and minimum watering requirements Aeonium x Laortei makes an ideal low-maintenance houseplant. Unlike most succulents - and contrary to what you may read elsewhere - Aeoniums appreciate some water during the winter. The slightly moist cooler conditions are an approximation of what they experience during a winter in the Canaries. Just make sure you don't overdo it!