Aeonium urbicum ‘Rubrum’

It forms large, saucer-shaped rosettes of burgundy-red to deep wine-colored leaves that fan out in perfect symmetry atop an upright, branching stem. The spoon-shaped leaves have a smooth, waxy texture and thicken in full sun. It grows as a clustering rosette with an upright habit, reaching substantial size over time.

In late winter to spring, it produces tall conical flower spikes with soft pink to white clustered blooms when nighttime temperatures drop, which signals the end of that rosette’s life cycle. The deep red rosette forms the visual center of the plant.

Move it outside in summer to soak up bright sun and fresh air, then bring it back indoors before the first frost. You can leave it up to ten days without water. The plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It propagates easily from stem cuttings. simply let the cut end callous for a day or two before placing it in well-draining soil.

Water it every 10-14 days during spring and fall, reducing significantly in summer dormancy and through winter.

Aeonium ‘Rubrum’ does best in a fast-draining mix of cactus soil combined with perlite at roughly 50/50.

It prefers temperatures between 65-75F and should be protected from frost below 25F.

Aeonium ‘Rubrum’ grows at a moderate pace and benefits from a diluted balanced fertilizer once in early spring.

It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating brief dips to around 25F before frost damage sets in. It grows outdoors year-round across California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Along milder coastal stretches of Oregon and Washington, parts of New Mexico, and coastal North Carolina, it can also thrive with light winter protection.

Q: Is Aeonium urbicum ‘Rubrum’ safe for cats and dogs?
A: It is non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs.

Q: What window direction works best indoors?
A: East or west-facing windows provide partial sun without scorching; a bright north-facing window also works well for Aeonium urbicum ‘Rubrum’.

Q: Can it survive a two-week trip without watering?
A: Aeonium ‘Rubrum’ can go up to ten days comfortably; beyond that, the soil will dry out completely.

Q: How do you propagate Aeonium ‘Rubrum’?
A: Take stem cuttings, let the cut end callous for one to two days, then insert into well-draining soil and water lightly after three to four days.

Q: What happens if the temperature drops below freezing?
A: Frost damage occurs around 25F; prolonged exposure below that temperature can kill Aeonium ‘Rubrum’, so move it indoors before the first hard freeze.