Dinner Plate Aeoonium Aeonium tabuliforme
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the Dinner Plate Aeonium or Flat Topped Aeonium has a distinctive, striking appearance. Its form is characterized by a rosette pattern, where leaves grow in a tight, circular arrangement. The leaves themselves are broad, flat, and spoon-shaped, often boasting a waxy, fleshy texture and a bright green color. As the rosette matures, it takes on an almost perfectly flat appearance, resembling a large, singular disc or plate. The edges of the leaves can sometimes display a gentle red or pinkish hue, adding a subtle touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic green rosette. In contrast to many other plants, the Dinner Plate Aeonium does not have a prominent stem, with the rosette sitting low and close to the ground, creating a compact, sculptural form that is both unusual and aesthetically pleasing. This eye-catching succulent is a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for its unique shape and low-maintenance nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Dinner Plate Aeonium, Saucer Plant, Flat-topped Aeonium, Table Aeonium
Common names
Aeonium tabuliforme.
ToxicityTo humans
Aeonium tabuliforme, commonly known as Dinner Plate Aeonium, is not listed as a toxic plant to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant typically does not result in poisoning. As with any non-food plants, individual sensitivity can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not confirmed safe for consumption.
To pets
Dinner Plate Aeonium is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed in the common toxic plant databases for dogs and cats, so ingestion of this plant should not cause poisoning. However, as with any plant, ingestion can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset due to the unfamiliar material, so it's wise to prevent pets from chewing on it. If your pet shows any adverse reactions after ingestion, such as vomiting or diarrhea, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Aeonium tabuliforme, commonly known as 'Dinner Plate', is highly valued for its unique, flat, saucer-shaped rosettes that add an exotic and architectural element to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Drought tolerance: Being a succulent, it is particularly well-suited to xeriscaping and gardens in arid climates, as it requires minimal watering once established.
- Low maintenance: This plant demands very little care, making it ideal for gardeners with limited time or those new to caring for plants.
- Propagation ease: Aeonium tabuliforme can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Attracts pollinators: While in bloom, its flowers can attract bees and other beneficial insects, promoting pollinator health in the vicinity.
- Versatility in landscaping: It can be used in various design contexts, including rock gardens, Mediterranean landscapes, and as a striking container plant.
- Non-toxic: The plant is safe to have around pets and children as it is not known to be toxic if accidentally ingested.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aesthetic architecture: Aeonium tabuliforme, also known as 'Dinner Plate,' can be utilized as a living sculpture in modern landscape design due to its unique flat, circular form that resembles a large, fleshy, green plate.
- Education and research: Its distinct morphology makes it a subject of interest in studies on plant form and adaptation, providing educational material for botany students.
- Photography: It serves as a stunning subject for plant photographers and enthusiasts, often featuring in botanical and garden-inspired photo collections.
- Fairy gardens: Its unusual, disk-like shape makes it a popular choice for creating whimsical fairy garden landscapes, providing a fantasy-like ground cover.
- Roof gardens: Its ability to store water and withstand full sun makes it suitable for green roofing projects, particularly in arid climates.
- Bonsai-like appeal: With its compact growth and platter-shaped foliage, it offers an alternative to traditional bonsai for enthusiasts looking for a succulent option.
- Vertical gardens: Can be used in vertical gardening installations, where its flat shape and low water needs are highly valued.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from its geometric form and symmetry when creating botanical illustrations or designs.
- Wedding decor: The plant's unique appearance can be incorporated into wedding table centerpieces for a natural, yet distinctive look.
- Culinary presentation: Though not edible, it can be used as a decorative base for displaying other edible items in food photography or at high-end dining events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dinner Plate Aeonium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dinner Plate Aeonium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Aeonium tabuliforme, commonly known as the Dinner Plate Aeonium due to its shape, symbolizes resilience as it can thrive in rocky, arid conditions where other plants might struggle to survive.
- Perseverance: This succulent's ability to store water in its leaves to endure long periods without rainfall represents perseverance and the capacity to withstand challenging times.
- Uniqueness: With its distinctive flat shape and rosette pattern, the Dinner Plate Aeonium symbolizes uniqueness and the beauty of being different.
- Harmony with Nature: The plant's adaptive nature to its environment signifies a harmonious balance with nature and the importance of adjusting to one's surroundings.
WaterDinner plate aeonium requires infrequent watering, reflecting its drought-tolerant nature. During the growing season in the spring and summer, water it thoroughly once every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. When watering, aim to provide about one gallon of water for a medium-sized pot to ensure that the soil is evenly moistened but not waterlogged. In the dormant season, fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month, as the plant's water needs decrease. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
LightThe dinner plate aeonium thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. It is best positioned in a spot that receives partial sun or filtered light for most of the day. Direct afternoon sunlight can potentially scorch the leaves, so it's ideal to protect the plant with a sheer curtain or place it in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Adequate light is crucial for maintaining the plant's health and compact growth habit.
TemperatureFor the dinner plate aeonium, ideal temperature conditions range between 40 and 100°F. It can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures down to about 30°F, but sustained cold exposure may damage the plant. During the hot summer months, it's crucial to shield the plant from extreme heat above 100°F by providing shade or moving it to a cooler spot. The aeonium's preferred temperature range makes it suitable for living in most temperate climates without the need for additional climate control.
PruningDinner plate aeonium does not require frequent pruning. Prune primarily to remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's aesthetic and health. Pruning is best performed in the spring before new growth begins. The plant may rarely require shaping; if so, trim sparingly to maintain its natural rosette form. Over-pruning can harm the plant's symmetry and ability to photosynthesize efficiently.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDinner Plate Aeonium prefers a well-draining soil mix, typically composed of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1 part peat or organic compost. They flourish best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingDinner Plate Aeonium should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in spring or early summer during the plant's active growing period.
Humidity & MistingDinner Plate Aeonium thrives in average room humidity levels but can tolerate a range from on the lower side to more arid conditions. They do not require high humidity environments typical of tropical plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun or partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAeonium tabuliforme, often called the 'Dinner Plate' Aeonium due to its shape, begins its life as a seed that germinates in well-draining soil with sufficient warmth and light. The seedling develops a rosette of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that lie flat to the ground, forming a circular, plate-like structure which can be several inches in diameter. As the plant matures, the rosette may produce offsets or branch out to form new rosettes nearby, spreading vegetatively. Flowering typically occurs after a few years when conditions are favorable; a tall flower spike emerges from the center of the rosette, bearing clusters of small, star-shaped, yellow flowers. After flowering, the main rosette usually dies, but any offsets will continue to grow, carrying on the plant's genetic lineage. The plant's life cycle can then begin anew from seeds produced by the flowers if they are successfully pollinated and the seeds find suitable conditions for germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Aeonium tabuliforme, commonly known as the Dinner Plate Aeonium due to its large, flat leaves, is best propagated through stem cuttings, particularly during its active growth period which is generally in the spring or early summer. To propagate this succulent, a healthy and non-flowering stem is selected and a sharp, clean knife is used to take a cutting of about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). The cut end of the stem is then allowed to callous over for a few days to prevent rot when planted. Once the end has dried, the cutting is placed in well-draining soil, kept moist but not waterlogged, and provided with plenty of indirect light. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, and once established, the new Aeonium tabuliforme can be gradually acclimated to more direct sunlight.
