Introduction to Rock Cake (Aeonium spathulatum)
Aeonium spathulatum, Popularly known as Crag cake o Canarian bejequillo, is a fascinating succulent native to the Canary Islands. This shrub from the family Crassulaceae It stands out for its compact rosettes of fleshy leaves and its extraordinary resistance to adverse environmental conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners and gardening experts, as well as for those looking for low-maintenance ornamental plants.
In this article you will discover in great detail everything about the care, morphological characteristics and the best recommendations for the cultivation and propagation of Crag cake, as well as pest and disease prevention, history, interesting facts, and uses of this unique species. You'll also learn to differentiate it from other aeoniums and you will learn about its ornamental and ecological value.
Botanical description and origin of Aeonium spathulatum
El genus Aeonium It comprises about 75 species of succulent plants, particularly distributed throughout the Canary Islands, Madeira, North Africa and the eastern African Atlantic. The Aeonium spathulatum It is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it usually grows on cliffs and exposed rocky areas.
- Ports: Shrubby, with branched stems with a woody base and thin branches, it rarely exceeds 1 meter in height, making it ideal for small gardens and pots.
- Sheets: Arranged in terminal rosettes, spatulate in shape, fleshy in texture, light green in color with visible linear glands, they reach up to 3 centimeters in length and about 1,5 centimeters in width.
- Flowers: Clustered inflorescences with small, deep yellow flowers, appearing from late winter to late spring. Each flower has 8-10 lanceolate petals.
- Stems: Fine and branched, giving it a light and branched appearance.
- Estate: Superficial, adapted to poor and rocky soils.
It is often confused with other similar species such as Aeonium Tabulare o Aeonium arboreum, but the Risco Cake is distinguished mainly by the small size of its rosettes and finely branched stems.
Natural habitat and distribution
El natural habitat of Aeonium spathulatum They are found on rocky cliffs, slopes, and embankments in dry or semi-arid subtropical climates, predominating in high elevations in the Canary Islands. Thanks to its remarkable resilience, it can grow even in rock crevices with very little organic matter.
This species is an important part of the native flora of the Canary Islands, and its adaptability has led it to be introduced to regions with similar conditions, where it is often grown in cactus and succulent gardens, and xeriscaping.
Main ornamental characteristics
- Vivid coloration: The leaves remain a bright green year-round, and the linear glands add a unique texture.
- Long flowering: The abundant yellow blooms are attractive to pollinators and enhance gardens, patios and terraces.
- Compact size: Ideal for growing in pots, planters and rockeries.
- Easy integration: It combines perfectly with other succulents and species with low water requirements.
Essential care of the Rock Cake (Aeonium spathulatum)
One of the main advantages of this species is its ease of cultivation. The following are described in detail: fundamental care:
1. Exposure and light
El Crag cake needs abundant sunlight to thrive, although it also tolerates the semi-shadowIt prefers sunny locations, especially in temperate climates, but it is advisable to protect it from extreme sunlight in very hot areas to avoid leaf burn.
- Interiors: Place next to a very bright window.
- Exteriors: Ideal for terraces, open patios, or rockeries. It can coexist with other adapted succulents.
2. Temperature and cold resistance
La minimum temperature for correct development it should not be placed below 10 ° CThis succulent is very sensitive to frost and prolonged exposure to intense cold, so it is recommended to protect it or move it indoors during the colder months if the weather is adverse.
3. Soil and substrate
El Aeonium spathulatum It is not demanding on the soil, but requires excellent drainage. Easily adapts to poor, sandy or rocky soils, and thrives in light substrates designed for cacti and succulents or mixtures of coarse sand and perlite with a little peat.
- Potted: Use a universal substrate combined 50% with coarse sand, perlite or volcanic gravel.
- In the garden: Plant in elevated areas, avoiding water accumulation.
Poor drainage can lead to root rot, this being the main enemy of the plant.
4. Irrigation
This succulent tolerates drought very well and requires moderate wateringIt is better to fall short than to go too far:
- Spring and summer: Watering every 15-20 days, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings.
- Fall Season: Monthly irrigation, especially if there is natural precipitation.
- Winter: Watering every 2 months or even suspend if rain is common.
Excess humidity, especially in cold climates, can be fatal to the Crag cake.
5. Fertilization and fertilization
El subscriber It should be light. It is advisable to apply a layer of well-rotted compost in autumn and a slight specific mineral fertilizer for succulents at the end of winter or beginning of spring to promote healthy flowering.
6. Pruning and maintenance
Although it is not strictly necessary to prune Aeonium spathulatum can be trimmed lightly after flowering to keep the plant compact and encourage new branching. Remove dry, damaged, or old leaves to improve ventilation and overall appearance.
Pests, diseases and prevention
- Woodlice: They can appear in warm, dry environments, especially if the area is poorly ventilated. It is recommended to treat them with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or specific insecticides, checking the plant periodically.
- Root rot: Caused by excess moisture and poor drainage. To prevent this, control watering and use appropriate substrates.
- Fungal attacks: More common in humid environments. Make sure the plant has good ventilation and avoid wetting the leaves during watering.
Propagation of the Rock Cake
La multiplication of Aeonium spathulatum It is simple and can be done in two main ways:
- Cuttings: In spring, cut a stem segment with several rosettes and let the wound dry for a couple of days. Plant the cutting in sandy soil and keep slightly moist until roots emerge.
- Seeds: If you have mature seeds, sow them shallowly in seedbeds during spring, using a very light substrate. Keep them moist without overwatering.
Propagation by cuttings is the most recommended due to its speed and high success rate.
Decorative uses and gardening tips
El Crag cake It is an extremely versatile plant in gardening. Thanks to its hardiness and compact size, it is widely used in:
- Pots and planters for terraces, balconies and patios.
- Rockery and decorations with volcanic stones or gravel.
- Cactus gardens and succulent collections.
- Xeriscape, due to its low water requirements.
- Combination with other species of the genus Aeoniumas the Aeonium arboreum, Aeonium canariense, Aeonium tabuliforme and other succulents.
Its flowering and light appearance provide movement and luminosity, making it one of the best fillers for spaces with low humidity.
Differences between Aeonium spathulatum and other species of the genus Aeonium
While on days Aeonium arboreum and the Aeonium Tabulare They have larger rosettes and stems, spathulatum It's more delicate and branched, with smaller-diameter leaves and even more compact blooms. In addition, the color and texture of the leaves are usually lighter and softer, giving it a more dynamic appearance in mixed arrangements.
Curiosities and ecological value of the Rock Cake
This aeonium Not only is it ornamental, but it also performs important ecological functions in its native habitat:
- Erosion prevention: Thanks to its network of superficial roots, it stabilizes the substrate in sloping areas.
- Shelter for pollinating insects: Its flowers attract bees, beetles and other local insects.
- Biodiversity: Forming part of xerophytic plant communities that enrich the endemic flora of the Canary Islands.
As for its symbolism, the Crag cake It represents the adaptability and discreet beauty of arid landscapes.
- In areas with frequent rainfall, try to place the plant under an overhang or protected area during the wet season to avoid excess water.
- When growing indoors, be sure to rotate the pot periodically so that all rosettes receive even light.
- Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as they can cause excessively leafy and loose growth.
- Regular dusting of leaves with a dry brush promotes photosynthesis and keeps them looking healthy.
Incorporating these tips into your gardening routine will boost the health and longevity of your Aeonium spathulatum, in addition to enjoying a showy plant, easy to care for and with great ecological and ornamental value.
