Aeonium
Aeonium succulents are vibrant members of the Crassulaceae family, thriving in the mild subtropical climate of the Canary Islands, Madeira Islands, and the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. The beautiful Atlantic islands offer the perfect environment for these resilient plants.
Aeonium succulents typically grow in a rosette, with leaves densely arranged around a central stem, creating a compact rose-like structure.
The smooth, waxy leaves of Aeonium succulents come in various shapes, such as flat or ovate and round, also some varieties have serrated edges.
Aeonium succulents are stunning with diverse, vibrant colors like green, purple, red, yellow, and black. Their hues can change based on the season or lighting, and certain varieties even display beautiful variegated patterns.
Care for Aeonium
Aeoniums can grow very tall, colorful, easy to care for so making them perfect for outdoor gardens. They can be transplanted in the fall or spring, preferably in a sheltered area or in the shade during hot summers.
Additionally, aeoniums can thrive indoors with the necessary sunlight and other conditions that succulents require.
Sunlight
Aeonium succulents generally prefer bright, indirect sunlight and require about 6-8 hours of indirect light daily. Succulents need shading during hot summer sunlight to prevent leaf sunburn. In colder weather, plants can be moved to sunnier spots for warmth.
Watering
Native to arid regions with occasional rainfall, Aeoniums are prone to root rot if overwatered. It's advisable to wait for the soil to dry out completely between waterings and ensure thorough watering to penetrate the entire root.
You can also use a moisture meter to check if the soil is dry enough to water. Please remember to reduce watering frequency during winter and hot summers because Aeoniums' growth slows during that time and cannot absorb too much water.
Want to know aeonium dormancy? click here.
Soil
Choosing well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot. A mixed soil includes regular garden soil with added perlite, pumice, or sand for improved drainage, which is a good option. Specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is always the best.
Temperature
Aeonium succulents thrive in warm climates with optimal growth temperatures between approximately 65- 80°F. This succulents can tolerate mild cold but may need protection (such as indoor placement) during freezing winter temperatures below 40°F.
Pots
For Aeoniums, choose pots about 10% larger than their current size to allow for root expansion during the growing season.
A shallow and wide planter is suitable because the Aeonium's root is short and usually gets multiple heads. But it depends on your succulents; the deep pots are ideal if yours is tall.
Adequate drainage holes is essential which is prevent waterlogging and root rot issues.
Fertilization
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize Aeoniums monthly with diluted succulent fertilizer.
Avoid fertilizing during winter or summer when plant growth slows, as excess nutrients can accumulate in the soil and harm the plant.
Trimming
While Aeoniums typically require minimal pruning, regular trimming helps maintain compact growth and removes damaged or unnecessary leaves and stems. Please use clean, sharp tools for trimming.
Propagation
Aeoniums can be propagated through beheading or offsets.
Spring and early summer are ideal times for propagation when plants are actively growing.
After cutting, allow wounds to heal for 2-3 days.
After that, you can plant in well-draining soil under indirect light. During that time, you must ensure the soil is not too dry and keep the surface slightly wet.
After 10-14 days, you can use the soak and dry watering method to water the succulents.
1. Beheading
Beheading promotes multiple heads of the plant and maintains the color of the variegated variety
2. Dividing (Offsets)
This is suitable for varieties with offsets, and you can have several small succulents in the same time.
Separate the offsets: if the offsets have roots, you can carefully separate them from the mother plant from the roots; if there are no roots, you can separate them from the bottom of the offsets. Please make sure each split is healthy and has mature leaves.
Common Issues
Aeoniums may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Overwatering, high humidity, or poor ventilation can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Treat affected areas with alcohol or soapy water spray and ensure good plant hygiene.
Leaf Problems
Natural leaf drop in Aeoniums occurs mainly at the base and is part of the plant's growth cycle to conserve energy and water, especially in winter and summer. Abnormal leaf drop may indicate watering issues, nutrient deficiencies, inadequate light, or temperature stress. So, in this case, you must adjust care accordingly.
Sunburn
Excessive sun exposure can cause brown or white sunburn marks on Aeonium leaves. Move plants to a locationwith gentler sunlight or provide adequate shading please.
Rosette Closure
Aeonium rosettes may partially close or deform in response to environmental changes or the end of the growing season, reducing water evaporation and protecting themselves. This behavior is typically normal and requires no specific intervention.
Conclusion
Following these detailed care instructions, you can effectively nurture and maintain healthy, beautiful Aeonium succulents in your garden or indoor spaces. Please share with me your favorite Aeonium, ask questions about Aeonium care, or share care experiences.
