Aeoniums are odd looking succulent plants, with long, arching stems and rosettes of leaves that can often look so perfect, you might think they were fake. You'd be forgiven if you had to touch one to tell if it was real or rubbery plastic. There are about 35 species, and most are native to the Canary Islands. They prefer a Mediterranean climate—not too hot, not too cold, not too dry.
The plants form fleshy rosettes, and you will notice a similarity between Aeoniums and several other succulent plants, most noticeably Echeveria and Sempervivum, the popular Hens and Chicks. Aeoniums can be low growers or branching plants that grow into shrubs.
How to Grow Aeonium Plant
Provide the plant with well-drained soil in a sunny location. They prefer temperatures between 40 and 100 F. (4-38 C.).
These succulents are very easy to grow from cuttings. You really just have to cut off a rosette and let the cut end dry out for a couple of days. Then set it in lightly moist peat moss. The piece will root quickly and produce a new plant.
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| source pic: anniesannuals.com |
How to care Aeoniums?
These plants are easy to grow in sandy, well-drained soil kept at a dry-to-medium moisture level.
Generally speaking, they can do well with standard succulent care. While they can do well kept indoors, they are mostly happier outdoors.
USDA Hardiness Zones: Most of these plants will only do well in zones 9-11.
Some varieties can tolerate light frost. Some varieties can do well with light frost and many are hardy at temperatures as low as 28°-30° degrees Fahrenheit.
In colder climates, these plants do well in containers kept indoors on a sunny windowsill through the colder months.
Sun Requirements: Depending on the intensity of the sun in your area, they like a partial shade to full-sun setting.
Water Requirements: During the semi-dormant summer months, your plant will require little or no water. Don’t allow it to dry out completely.
Don’t be alarmed if the leaves curl up during very hot, dry weather. This is an evolutionary adaptation that helps the plant conserve water.
During the wintertime, test the soil with your fingertip from time-to-time.
If the top inch of soil is dry, water generously. Allow excess water to drain out.
Wait until the soil is dry again for the next watering. Remember that excessive water causes root rot in all succulents.
Soil Requirements: Many collectors report having better luck with a standard potting mix or sandy loam than with specially prepared cactus mix or succulent soil.
A good, light potting mix will hold a slight amount of moisture around the roots without excessive sogginess.
Repotting: Because they do not have an extensive root system, these plants typically only need to be repotted every two or three years.
Repot in the fall, at the beginning of the growing season. Shake all old soil off the roots and replace it with fresh, new soil.
Fertilizer Requirements: During the growing season, provide a half strength dose of balanced, water soluble fertilizer once every month to six weeks.
During the summertime, do not fertilize.
How to grow aeonium in a pot:
Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least twice the width and depth of the rootball. Position in full sun.
Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
Position in hole in centre of pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development healthy colourful foliage.
Winter protection:
Many aeoniums aren’t hardy, and need to be kept dry and frost-free over winter to ensure their survival. A bright greenhouse or conservatory is ideal. Try growing them in terracotta pots that can be moved outdoors in the summer months.
