Aeonium
( ay - OH - nee - um )
At-A-Glance Information
Aeonium is a genus of perennial succulents that needs full sun in cooler climates and moderate water. Most are native to the Canary Islands. Rosettes of fleshy leaves are held at the end of branches. These go dormant in summertime to conserve water, but with the right conditions will grow again in cooler temperatures. They prefer climates that are dry and mild. Many species of Aeonium are monocarpic, meaning they will die after producing their flower stalk.
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Aeonium Species and Varietals
The genus Aeonium includes 35 species of succulent plants. It gets its name from the Greek word for ageless: 'aionios'. Aeonium grows best in zones 15-17 and 20-24. See the descriptions below for more information on growing each species. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Aeonium arboreum Grows to 3 feet tall and wide, each branch tip producing a 6-8 inch wide bright green rosette. Yellow flowers bloom in long clusters. Varieties include 'Atropurpureum' (with magenta and green rosettes), 'Zwartkop' (sometimes called 'Black Rose Aeonium', with very dark purple rosettes up to 10 inches across). |
Aeonium 'Sunburst' This is a showy plant boasting 12-inch rosettes with leaves that are green with light yellow or cream variegation. Leaves are edged with red. Gets to about 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Flowers are cream-colored. Does not do well with pruning. Variety 'Starbust' is similar, but with less yellow in the leaf variegation. |
Caring for Aeonium
Aeonium should be planted in soil that is well-draining and in a sunny location. They do fantastic as potted plants, and prefer temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out, as Aeonium do not have extensive root systems. Adding a light layer of mulch around the base of your plant will help with this goal. On the other hand, the plants do not do well when sitting in water, either, so make sure the soil is well-draining. Fertilize just once a year in springtime when new growth is beginning to sprout. The best fertilizer for Aeonium is a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. If you are growing your Aeonium in a container, it will need to be repotted once every two to three years.
Propagation
The best way to propagate Aeonium is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your Aeonium, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears, rooting hormone (optional) and a pot filled with half regular potting soil and half cactus or succulent potting mix. When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your plant:
- Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a younger stem piece that has a rosette. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. This will cause the root end to heal and form a harder callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted in potting mix.
- Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. You can dip your cutting in rooting hormone before planting to speed up the rooting time, though this is not necessary. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
- Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium or provided with rooting hormone. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots!
Problems and Pests
Aeoniums are susceptible to the following issues and pests. For more information on how to eradicate these problems, see the links below.
- Root Rot
- Insects
- Mites
- Scale
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Ants
Gallery
Videos
All About Growing Aeoniums!
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Caring for Aeonium
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 135 and 136, Aeonium
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