Table of Contents
Introduction
The Aeonium genus encompasses around 35 succulent plant species, notable for their shiny, waxy leaves that form into rosettes. Known as tree houseleeks, these species vary in size from the diminutive A. tabuliforme and A. smithii, which only reach a few inches in height, to larger varieties like A. arboreum, A. valverdense, and A. holochrysum that can grow several feet tall.
The rosettes’ perfectly rounded leaves sometimes lead to these succulents being mistaken for artificial plants. Their distinctive rosettes may display a uniform color or feature variegated patterns in shades of white, yellow, red, and green. Although aeoniums do produce small, star-shaped flowers in clusters at the rosette’s center, these blooms are typically not very conspicuous.
Aeoniums can be cultivated both outdoors and indoors at any time of the year. They grow relatively slowly, often taking up to five years to flower. After blooming, most aeoniums, which are monocarpic, will see the parent plant die. However, the offspring shoots, or pups, will continue growing and producing new shoots.
Characteristics
Common Name and Botanical Aspects
- Common Name: Aeonium, Tree Houseleek
- Botanical Name: Aeonium spp.
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Mature Size: 3–36 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy
- Soil pH: Neutral, acidic
- Bloom Time: Winter, spring
- Flower Color: Pink
- Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (USDA)
- Native Area: Canary Islands, Africa
Aeonium Care
Aeoniums thrive as perennials in warmer climates, often planted directly in the ground. They are also popular as potted plants on decks or patios. In cooler climates, it’s best to grow them in containers and bring them indoors before the onset of the first frost. In garden settings, aeoniums make a striking display when planted in large groups. The taller varieties, such as Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium smithii, can take on a bonsai-like appearance when they become bushy. These can be pruned if they grow too tall or leggy. Pruning not only maintains their shape but also allows for propagation, as the cuttings easily root and develop into new plants, further enhancing your garden space.
Aeoniums, which store water in their leaves and stems, have shallow root systems and thrive in soil that remains moist but not overly saturated or waterlogged. They are capable of producing roots along their stems, a trait that becomes apparent if the plant is pot-bound or if its stems touch the soil. It’s important to ensure that these stem roots don’t dry out, as they can transform fallen pieces into new plants rapidly. The weight of the rosettes can sometimes cause leggy branches to bend and break off. If this occurs, you can simply replant the broken stem, and it will typically re-root and grow anew.
Light
Aeonium plants, like many succulents, flourish in conditions of full or partial sunlight. However, in extremely hot summers or desert-like environments, it’s beneficial to provide them with light shade, particularly in the more intense afternoon heat. For indoor growth, positioning them near a window where they can receive bright but indirect sunlight for about six to eight hours daily is ideal. Should you observe white or brown spots forming on the leaf tips, this indicates excessive direct light exposure, suggesting a need to move the plants to a more suitable location.
Soil
When cultivating succulents, either indoors or outdoors, it’s best to plant them in sandy loam soil or a standard potting mix enriched with perlite. It’s advisable to steer clear of mixes specifically labeled for succulents and cacti, as aeoniums require more moisture than these blends usually offer. For those who wish to grow aeonium plants in a conventional garden bed with heavy soil, enhancing the soil with peat moss to increase its drainage and aeration properties is recommended.
Water
If aeonium plants are grown outside, they generally receive sufficient water from natural rainfall. For indoor plants, wait until the top inch or two of the soil is dry before thoroughly watering them at the base. When cultivated outdoors, aeoniums often enter a dormant state during the height of summer and winter. During these periods, you should cut back on watering substantially, only hydrating them if you notice the leaves starting to shrivel. While these plants do prefer more moisture compared to many other succulents, overwatering or prolonged exposure to wet soil can lead to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium plants thrive best in a Mediterranean climate, one that is neither too hot nor too cold, and not excessively dry. The majority of aeonium species are suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, indicating that in numerous regions, they are predominantly grown as indoor plants. Cultivating aeoniums in moist, shaded soil can support their growth during periods of intense heat. However, their optimal growing season is from late winter to spring, when the climate is cooler, ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and more humid.
Fertilizer
To achieve optimal growth, it’s recommended to nourish your aeonium plants with a half-strength balanced fertilizer during their active growing season. The frequency of fertilizing will vary based on the age of the plants and the nutrient content of your soil. Younger plants might benefit from monthly fertilization, whereas older ones may only need a single application in the spring. When fertilizing, apply at the soil level, being careful to avoid excessive contact with the leaves. Additionally, refrain from feeding the plants during their dormant periods.
Varieties of Aeonium
Aeonium arboreum: This commonly found species features bright green rosettes on branching stems. It adopts a shrubby structure, reaching up to 6 feet tall when planted in gardens and around 3 feet in containers.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’: This cultivar, growing between 3 to 5 feet tall, boasts maroon leaves when exposed to bright light.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ or ‘Black Rose’: Characterized by its very dark, deep burgundy or almost black leaves, this variety is also quite large in size.
Aeonium ‘Garnet’: A hybrid resulting from a cross between A. ‘Zwartkop’ and A. tabuliforme, this plant’s leaves are green in the center, with tips shaded in dark red.
Aeonium davidbramwelli ‘Sunburst’: A relatively shorter variety, standing 1 to 2 feet tall, it features rosettes up to 1 foot wide with pale yellow, white, and green stripes, accented with pink tips.
Aeonium haworthii ‘Tricolor’ or ‘Kiwi’: An easy-to-grow plant reaching 2 to 3 feet, it produces 4-inch flowers that start with pale yellow centers in youth, eventually maturing to red and green.
Pruning
Propagating aeonium is an effective way to increase your plant collection, as a single cutting can lead to several new plants due to the plant’s branching nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate aeonium from cuttings, particularly in spring, their active growing season:
Prepare the Cutting: Using a sharp, clean tool, snip a younger stem that includes a leaf rosette.
Allow Cut End to Heal: Place the cutting aside in a dry, warm, and shaded area for about three days. This process helps the cut end form a callus, essential for preventing root rot after planting.
Prepare the Potting Mix: Mix equal parts of regular potting soil and cactus or succulent potting mix. Fill a small pot with this blend.
Plant the Cutting: Insert the callused end of the cutting into the potting mix, just deep enough to keep it upright. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent rot.
Initial Care: Position the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Water the cutting lightly once a week.
Monitor and Maintain: Once the cutting establishes strong roots, allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Repotting: When the plant grows and requires more space, repot it into a larger container.
This method is quite straightforward, making aeonium propagation an easy task for gardeners of all levels.
How to Grow Aeonium From Seed
Growing aeoniums from seeds can be an exciting way to propagate these unique succulents. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow aeoniums from seed:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Aeonium seeds
- Seedling trays or small pots
- Well-draining potting mix
- Plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome
- Grow lights or a bright, indirect light source
- Spray bottle for misting
- Watering can with a fine nozzle
Steps:
Select Aeonium Seeds: Obtain aeonium seeds from a reliable source. You can choose from various aeonium species and cultivars, depending on your preferences.
Prepare Containers: Fill seedling trays or small pots with a well-draining potting mix suitable for succulents. Make sure the containers have drainage holes.
Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle the aeonium seeds evenly on the surface of the potting mix. Do not bury them; aeonium seeds require light to germinate.
Mist the Seeds: Use a spray bottle to mist the seeds gently. This ensures that the seeds come in contact with the soil and helps with germination.
Cover or Enclose: To create a humid environment, cover the seedling trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome. This helps maintain moisture levels necessary for germination.
Provide Adequate Light: Place the containers in a location with bright, indirect light. If you don’t have sufficient natural light, consider using grow lights. Adequate light is crucial for seedling growth.
Maintain Moisture: Check the soil moisture regularly. While you want to keep the soil consistently moist, avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to mold and rot. A fine nozzle on your watering can can help you water gently.
Germination Period: Aeonium seeds typically germinate within a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time, monitor for any signs of growth.
Transplanting: Once the aeonium seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden if the weather is suitable.
Care for Young Seedlings: Continue to provide bright light and maintain proper watering as the seedlings grow. As they mature, you can gradually adjust them to your preferred growing conditions.
Remember that aeoniums are slow-growing succulents, so be patient with the seedlings. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy watching them develop into mature, beautiful plants.
Potting and Repotting Aeonium
Aeoniums are exceptionally well-suited for container gardening due to their minimal soil requirements. Containers provide the advantage of a close-up view of their distinctive features, allowing for precise control of their growing conditions. When selecting a container for your aeonium, prioritize those with generous drainage holes at the base to prevent issues like waterlogged soil and root rot. Containers made from materials that wick moisture, such as terracotta or clay, can also effectively regulate soil moisture levels.
The ideal time to pot or repot your aeonium is during the spring, coinciding with their active growth phase. Consider refreshing the soil on an annual basis, either by replenishing the existing container or relocating the plant to a larger vessel if it has outgrown its current home. Signs that your aeonium has outgrown its container include stunted growth, rapid soil drying, or roots protruding from the container’s base. Typically, most aeonium varieties will require repotting every two to three years.
Common Pests
Aeoniums are susceptible to common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects. However, another pest to be vigilant about is ants. Aphids and mealybugs produce sugary secretions that attract ants to succulents. Removing ants from succulents with compact rosette leaves or tight buds can be challenging. The most effective approach is to place ant bait near the affected plants to lure the ants away. Once the ants have been successfully eliminated, you can then focus on addressing the presence of other pests. To treat the plant, use a gentle spray of water or a mild insecticidal soap to remove these unwanted insects.
Overwintering
Overwintering aeoniums, which are primarily grown as outdoor plants in mild climates, is essential in regions where winter temperatures drop significantly. These steps will help ensure the survival of your aeoniums during the colder months:
Monitor Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts to determine when cold temperatures are expected. Aeoniums are sensitive to frost, so it’s crucial to prepare for winter in advance.
Prune and Clean: Before the onset of winter, trim any dead or unhealthy growth from your aeoniums. Removing dead leaves and stems helps the plant conserve energy during dormancy.
Container Aeoniums: If your aeoniums are in containers, consider moving them indoors or to a sheltered location. Ensure they receive adequate light, either from a bright window or artificial grow lights.
Mulch: For aeoniums planted in the ground, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Mulch helps insulate the soil and protect the roots from extreme cold.
Cover or Protect: In regions with mild winter temperatures, covering your aeoniums with frost cloth or row covers during cold nights can provide additional protection. Remove the covers during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.
Reduce Watering: Aeoniums require less water during their dormant period. Reduce watering frequency to prevent over-saturation, which can lead to root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Inspect for Pests: Before overwintering, check your aeoniums for any signs of pests. Treat them if necessary to prevent infestations during dormancy.
Monitor Temperature: If you’re growing aeoniums indoors, ensure that the indoor temperature remains above freezing. Aeoniums can tolerate cooler temperatures, but they should not be exposed to frost.
Resume Regular Care: As spring approaches and temperatures rise, gradually increase watering and resume regular care to encourage new growth.
By following these steps, you can successfully overwinter your aeoniums and enjoy healthy, thriving plants when the warmer weather returns.
How to Get Aeonium to Bloom
Aeoniums are known for their striking rosette shapes and unique foliage, but getting them to bloom can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to encourage aeoniums to bloom:
Mature Age: Aeoniums typically need to reach a certain level of maturity before they are ready to bloom. This can vary depending on the specific variety, but many aeoniums start to flower when they are a few years old.
Provide Adequate Light: Aeoniums require plenty of bright sunlight to trigger flowering. Ensure they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of indirect or direct sunlight daily. Inadequate light can result in a lack of flowering.
Temperature Variation: Aeoniums often require temperature fluctuations to stimulate flowering. They may benefit from cooler temperatures (around 55-65°F or 13-18°C) at night and slightly warmer temperatures during the day.
Dry Period: Mimic the natural environment of aeoniums by allowing them to experience a dry period. Reduce watering in late summer and early autumn to create a slight drought stress. This can signal to the plant that it’s time to produce flowers.
Pruning: Pruning your aeoniums can also encourage flowering. Remove any dead or excess growth to redirect the plant’s energy towards flowering.
Fertilization: Feed your aeoniums with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during their growing season in spring and early summer. A high-phosphorus fertilizer can promote flowering.
Avoid Disturbances: Aeoniums are sensitive to disturbances. Once you notice the development of flower buds, try to avoid moving the plant or causing disruptions that may hinder the budding process.
Be Patient: Aeoniums are not rapid growers, and it may take some time for them to bloom. Be patient and continue providing the appropriate care.
Winter Dormancy: Keep in mind that some aeoniums go through a dormant phase in winter when they are less likely to bloom. During this time, reduce watering and provide cooler temperatures.
Choose the Right Variety: Some aeonium species are more prone to flowering than others. If you’re specifically interested in flowering, choose varieties that are known for their prolific blooms.
Remember that flowering can vary between different aeonium species and even individual plants. While you can encourage flowering by following these tips, some aeoniums may bloom more readily than others.
Common Problems With Aeoniums
Caring for aeoniums can be both straightforward and perplexing, as some of their natural traits may give the impression that the plant is in distress. Here are some essential tips for aeonium care:
Plant Leaves Falling Off
It’s completely normal for aeoniums to shed their lower leaves, and you may observe the rosette closing up slightly. Even though the plant’s appearance may resemble distress, it’s likely undergoing its natural dormant phase, which occurs in both winter and summer, especially when grown outdoors. In such cases, there’s no need for any intervention—simply allow the plant to rest and refrain from attempting to assist it.
However, if you notice leaves falling from your aeonium at an unexpected time, it could indicate that the succulent is experiencing stress. You can discern whether the plant is stressed by observing if the rosette is also closing up or curling along with leaf shedding. If you suspect stress, provide the plant with a moderate watering and observe if the rosettes start to reopen and uncurl, even though leaf shedding may continue.
Browning Leaves
Excessive sunlight exposure can lead to sunburn on aeonium leaves, causing them to develop white or brown edges. Regrettably, there is no way to reverse this damage. Your options are to either remove the sunburned leaves or allow them to naturally drop off. Additionally, consider relocating the plant to a spot with slightly less intense direct sunlight to prevent further sunburn.
Dying Mother Branch
When dealing with a branching aeonium where the main mother plant has already flowered, you may notice that the branch appears to be declining. While this branch is indeed in a declining state, you can rescue the plant by employing a sharp and clean cutting tool to trim the top portion where the rosette and flowers have already bloomed. Initially, the plant may not have the most appealing appearance, but the branch should produce offspring (shoots) that will persist in their growth and eventually blossom.
Benefits of Aeoniums
Aeoniums, the striking succulents with rosette-shaped foliage, offer several benefits to gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts. Here are some of the advantages of growing aeoniums:
Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Aeoniums are known for their captivating and distinctive appearance, with rosettes that come in various colors and patterns. They add a unique and visually appealing element to gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces.
Low Maintenance: These succulents are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. They have minimal water and maintenance requirements, making them an excellent choice for busy individuals.
Drought Tolerance: Aeoniums are highly drought-tolerant plants, thanks to their ability to store water in their leaves and stems. They can withstand periods of limited water availability, making them ideal for arid and dry climates.
Versatile Growth: Aeoniums can be grown in various settings, including gardens, containers, and even indoors. They adapt well to different environments and can thrive in pots on balconies or windowsills.
Air Purification: Like many other houseplants, aeoniums contribute to indoor air purification by removing toxins and impurities from the air. Their presence can lead to improved air quality and a healthier living environment.
Propagation: Aeoniums are relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plant collection or share with others. This propagation method can lead to multiple plants from a single parent plant.
Natural Focal Point: Aeoniums often serve as natural focal points in gardens and landscapes due to their unique growth habit and striking appearance. They can be used as centerpieces or accents in various outdoor designs.
Low Pest Susceptibility: Aeoniums are less susceptible to common garden pests, such as aphids and mealybugs, compared to some other plants. However, they may attract ants, which can be managed with appropriate measures.
Seasonal Changes: These succulents undergo seasonal changes, including the opening and closing of rosettes, which can be fascinating to observe. Their cyclical growth adds interest to the garden.
Education and Enjoyment: Aeoniums provide an opportunity for learning about succulent care and growth habits. Gardening enthusiasts often find joy in nurturing and watching these plants thrive.
While aeoniums offer these benefits, it’s essential to consider your local climate and growing conditions to ensure their success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden’s aesthetics or enjoy the unique beauty of succulents indoors, aeoniums can be a rewarding addition to your plant collection.
FAQs
Are aeoniums easy to grow?
Aeoniums are relatively low-maintenance plants and can thrive with the right growing conditions. Your primary responsibilities will involve relocating them to and from sunlit areas, regulating their watering, and bringing them indoors when temperatures dip excessively.
How fast do aeoniums grow?
Aeoniums are known for their slow growth, and it may take several years, possibly up to five, before they produce their characteristic yellow or white flower clusters. If you’re eager for a more immediate and lush display, consider acquiring a mature mother plant that can produce baby plants for you to propagate and reroot.
How long can aeoniums live?
The majority (though not all) of aeoniums exhibit monocarpic behavior, which implies that the mother plant perishes after flowering from the center of its rosette. However, if the mother plant has generated side shoots, these offshoots will persist and continue producing additional shoots, effectively allowing the plant to endure indefinitely.
What's the difference between aeoniums and hens and chicks?
The succulent nature of aeoniums gives them a resemblance to several other succulent plants, with Sempervivum, commonly known as hens and chicks, being one of the most notable examples. Both aeoniums and Sempervivum are monocarpic; however, they can be distinguished by their leaf characteristics. Aeoniums feature flat, spoon-shaped leaves, while Sempervivum plants have more rounded leaves with pointed tips.
Are aeoniums toxic?
Aeoniums are generally non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but it’s best to avoid ingestion or contact.
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