Dinner Plate Aeonium

A sensational, rounded rosette with a spiral, Fibonacci leaf pattern that can grow up to 50cm across. The foliage is almost stemless as it hugs the ground – it really is mesmerizing.

The leaves are bright green and have small hairs that create a soft fuzz. An excellent foliage plant for pots or rockeries. It holds the prestigious RHS Award for Garden Merit so you know it is easy care and reliable.

After around three or so years (depending on conditions) the flower stem rises upwards from the centre of the rosette, towering like Jack’s beanstalk at up to 60cm tall. The little white and yellow flowers open from late spring. It is monocarpic, which means it dies after flowering. But don’t despair, the flower stem will have ‘babies’ that can be rooted to form new plants. You can also root the leaves.

‘Tabuliforme’ translates to table like or flat.

SIZE (HxW): 5cm x 5-50cm

I SEE THE LIGHT: Bright, indirect light is ideal.

I NEED A DRINK: When watering it is always better to err on the side of caution – too little is better than too much. Water well, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The leaves will shrivel if they are left to become too dry – a great way to get some attention from you! They do most of their growing in winter.

I WILL SURVIVE: If you are growing in yours in a pot, ideally use a well drained potting mix specially formulated for succulents and cactus. Choose a brightly lit position out of the hot afternoon sun (which may burn the leaves). They aren’t huge fans of humidity, so it is best to ensure they have good air flow. Repot in autumn as required, or to inspire more growth. Outdoors protect from frost, you could grow on rock walls or sloped rockeries where moisture won’t sit on the foliage and watch out for snails.

You don’t need to fertilise them very often or much, a diluted liquid feed in autumn is all they need and they will of course forgive if you forget.