Aeonium succulents, also known as Tree houseleek, are beautiful succulent plants. Aeoniums have rosette-shaped growth patterns, with leaves ranging from green to purple and black. Additionally, Aeoniums branch out, and these succulents mature stems elongate to form stunning clusters of flowers, making Aeoniums a popular choice for decorating outdoor gardens.

During hot summers and cold winters, Aeoniums enter a dormancy period. During this time, Aeoniums require special care to pass through Dormancy safely. Read below to understand Aeonium dormancy and learn how to care for Aeoniums during this period!

Dormancy Period of Aeoniums

Aeoniums thrive in their native Canary Islands, which are blessed with a wonderfully dry and moderate climate that fosters perfect conditions for plant growth. However, during the extremes of summer and winter, temperatures can become harsh. In such extreme weather conditions, Aeoniums survive using stored nutrients and moisture, ceasing absorption from the outside environment. This period is known as Dormancy for Aeoniums.

During Dormancy, Aeoniums gracefully pause their leaf and branch growth. Succulent rosettes gently close, and even their usually smooth leaves may become more relaxed, with lower leaves occasionally falling off. These natural changes- such as Dormancy- are part of the plant's protective process and signify its well-being.

What special care is needed to care for dormant Aeonium

Watering

During Dormancy, Aeoniums' root absorption efficiency is significantly reduced because succulents have adapted to not absorbing water in extreme weather conditions. If you continue to water Aeoniums at the same frequency and amount as during the growing season, their roots may struggle to absorb the water, potentially accumulating water. Overwater can result in root rot during winter or encourage bacterial growth in humid summer conditions, harming the plant's health.

Summer Watering Advice for Aeoniums:

- When nighttime temperatures are around 75°F, use the soak and dry method watering as usual.

- If nighttime temperatures exceed 85°F, reducing watering frequency, such as once a month or every one and a half months, is recommended. Choose cooler mornings or evenings for watering.

Winter Watering Advice for Aeoniums:

- If succulent plants are placed in a sunny and warm location,you can water normally.

- If Aeoniums are in a place with lower temperatures and insufficient sunlight, the frequency and amount of watering should be reduced. It's suggested that water should be around noon on sunny days.

Sunlight

During the summer, intense sunlight can sunburn the leaves of Aeoniums. Therefore, placing these succulent plants in bright and indirect light or providing shade during intense sunlight is recommended.

In cold winter weather with shorter periods of sunlight, placing Aeoniums in ample sunlight is beneficial to meet their photosynthesis needs and keep the plants warm. If outdoor temperatures drop below ten 50°F, it's crucial to relocate the plants to a warmer location to prevent frost damage. This ensures Aeoniums remain healthy and can thrive even during the colder months.

Don't do this during Aeonium's hibernation period!

In addition to the parts we mentioned above, there are a few more things to keep in mind:

1. don't fertilize

Do not fertilize Aeonium succulents during summer and winter. Extreme temperatures reduce the metabolism of succulents like Aeoniums, causing succulents roots to stop absorbing nutrients. If fertilized during this time, the high concentration of nutrients in the soil can burn the roots of Aeoniums. It's best to entirely refrain from fertilizing during summer and reduce the frequency in winter (for example, fertilizing every two months).

2. Avoid Propagation

Regardless of the method used, propagating succulents will create wounds on Aeonium plants. During dormancy, Aeoniums have a meager metabolic rate, making it difficult for wounds to heal. Poorly healed wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections, which can harm the succulents. Moreover, offsets or cuttings planted in new soil during dormancy will struggle to establish roots.

In summary, refrain from propagating Aeonium succulents during dormancy, and avoid root pruning for the same considerations.

In conclusion, understanding and following the dormancy care methods mentioned above can help your Aeonium succulents safely navigate through the Aeonium dormancy period. This ensures you can enjoy their unique charm and beauty again in the next growing season.

Do you have any tips for safely guiding Aeoniums through dormancy or questions about Aeonium dormancy? Please share them with us in the comments below!

What should you do if Aeoniums are losing leaves during dormancy?

After Aeoniums gradually enter a dormant, the rosettes of Aeoniums begin to close slowly, and there is an increased occurrence of leaf dropping. However, the leaves that fall off are mainly from the outer layers and are dry, a normal part of the dormancy phase.

This dormancy phase primarily conserves energy and stores sufficient nutrients for Aeoniums to endure this period successfully.

You can relocate plants to a well-ventilated area to assist Aeoniums in smoothly transitioning through dormancy and ensuring adequate light, appropriate watering, and fertilization. It's also beneficial to regularly remove dried leaves to maintain succulent health.