Aichryson, or 'Tree of Love'

Aichryson (Aichryson Webb & Berthel.) comprises 10 to 15 species of annual and perennial succulent plants in the family Crassulaceae (Crassulaceae). They occur on the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands.

In folk tradition this plant is called the "Tree of Love".

Erect, partially branched stems in rosettes with medium to dark green, mostly opposite, hairy leaves growing at the stem tips. Panicles or cymes with star-shaped, yellow or red flowers.

Aichryson domesticum (Aichryson x domesticum) is a hybrid; parents: A. tortuosum × A. punctatum.

Synonym: Aeonium x domesticus. A small succulent shrub up to 15–30 cm tall, and 15–30 cm in diameter. Leaves clavate, fleshy, medium green, pubescent, with short white hairs, arranged in rosettes; leaf blade about 1 cm wide and up to 1.5–2 cm long. Flowering begins in spring and can last up to six months. Flower stalk up to 10–20 cm long; flowers yellow and fragrant.

There is a variegated-leaf form - Aichryson x domesticum 'Variegatum'

Aichryson sedifolium (Aichryson sedifolium). Synonym: Aeonium sedifolium A dense succulent subshrub with thin, erect branches 15–40 cm tall and about 13 cm wide. Clavate, sticky, fleshy, medium green to yellowish-green leaves with red streaks, about 1.5 cm long, in rosettes approximately 6 cm in diameter. Inflorescences — large racemes 2–7 cm long with golden-yellow flowers. Flowers in April–May.

During the dormant period it may shed some foliage. Very sensitive to overwatering.

Aichryson laxum, loose or spreading (Aichryson laxum). Synonym: Sempervivum laxum Haw.

A small succulent shrub up to 30–40 cm tall, with a diameter that can reach 20–40 cm. Leaves rhombic, medium green, pubescent, with short white hairs, arranged in rosettes; leaf blade about 1 cm wide and 1.5–3 cm long, on a long petiole. Inflorescences — large racemes up to 15–30 cm long with golden-yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and can last up to six months.

After flowering it loses most of its leaves, but the plant itself does not die.

Temperature: in spring and summer around 20–25°C. In autumn and winter it is desirable to lower the temperature to 8–10°C.

Light: bright, diffused light; tolerates some direct sun.

Watering: in spring and summer water regularly, allowing the substrate in the pot to dry out halfway down the pot's height. In winter water sparingly so that leaves do not wilt or shrivel.

Fertilizer: in spring and summer every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer for succulents. Humidity: not of major importance. It is beneficial to rinse occasionally under a warm shower.

Repotting: as needed, in spring when the pot becomes rootbound.

Propagation: by cuttings.

Possible problems:

The shoots of Aichryson may become very bare. Most often the cause is warm wintering; it is better to rejuvenate the plant by cutting off the stem tip or rosette and rooting it.

When kept in a cool room during winter, water sparingly with a small amount of warm water.

With insufficient light, stems become etiolated and lose their decorative appearance.

Leaves may drop. The cause can be overwatering of the root ball, severe drying out, or the plant being exposed for a long period to direct midday sun.

If leaves fall in the autumn–winter period, a likely cause is too high a temperature; gradually move the plant to a bright and cool location (+5–8°C). Leaves may also drop during flowering.