Table of Contents
- 1 What are Aeonium Succulent plants?
- 2 Types of Aeonium Succulent Plants
- 2.1 Aeonium Arboreum
- 2.2 Aeonium Arboreum Atropurpureum
- 2.3 Aeonium Kiwi (haworthii)
- 2.4 Aeonium Sunburst
- 2.5 Aeonium Canariense (Canary)
- 2.6 Aeonium Mardi Gras
- 2.7 Aeonium Black Rose (Zwartkop)
- 2.8 Aeonium Urbicum
- 2.9 Aeonium Emerald Ice
- 2.10 Aeonium Medusa
- 2.11 Aeonium Tabuliforme (Dinner Plate)
- 2.12 Aeonium Dodrantale (Rose Succulent)
- 2.13 Aeonium Decorum
- 2.14 Aeonium Glandulosum
- 3 Basic Aeonium Succulent Care
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 References
What are Aeonium Succulent plants?
Aeoniums are fascinating succulents with colorful leaves.
Thousands of indoor gardeners love them because of their beautiful rosette shape.
If your region is free from frost, then you can grow these succulents in your garden.
The colors of the fleshy leaves are yellow, garnet, magenta, and green. This amazing color combination enhances their beauty even more.
The combination varies in each Aeoniums variety.
Growing Aeonium is extremely easy due to its unique survival strategy and adaptability, even in drought and hot climates.
They store moisture in their fleshy leaves. These plants have shallow root systems like most other succulents.
That’s why if you are growing them indoors, never allow the potting mix to dry completely.
Related post: List of Different Types of Succulents to Identify What You Own
Types of Aeonium Succulent Plants
Aeonium Arboreum
These succulents are evergreen. They don’t have other colors except for the apple green rosette leaves.
You may also know them by their other names – Houseleek Tree or Tree Aeonium.
These plants are native to the arid desert regions, including North Africa and the Canary Islands.
They look attractive when they bloom their star-shaped, bright-golden flowers during the late winter.
These succulent plants grow best under the full sun because they require abundant sunlight.
They thrive well between temperatures of 40- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you grow in containers, then place it in a spot that receives a lot of sunlight.
Aeonium arboreum grows well in a well-drained potting mix.
If your garden soil is clayey or heavy textured, incorporate sand and other organic materials.
You can also add pumice and perlite. While watering, you have to be careful because too much water can damage their shallow root systems.
During the summer months, water sparingly and allow the mix to dry out completely. On the other hand, water the plants when the soil seems too hard.
You do not have to worry about fertilization. Apply fertilizers during the growing season.
Aeonium Arboreum Atropurpureum
Here we have a colorful variety of Aeonium arboreum.
Aeonium arboreum atropurpureum is a dark-purple variety that has 3- to 5-feet long branched stems.
At the end of those stems, you will find beautiful rosettes. During the summer months, this variety produces yellow flowers. It looks like a black rose.
Aeonium Arboreum Atropurpureum thrives well in full sun. If you want to grow them as your indoor succulents, then place them in a sunny spot.
However, this plant can also tolerate partial shade.
Remember that they cannot withstand excess water, so make sure that the container has at least one drainage hole to remove excess water.
You should use sandy soil to grow them as this soil drains faster.
Compared to other Aeonium succulents, this variety requires frequent watering because of their shallow root systems.
They become dormant in the summer months. Therefore, you don’t have to water them frequently during this period.
Observe the soil condition; if the soil looks dry, then water it. This species is free from diseases or pest attacks.
Aeonium Kiwi (haworthii)
This incredible Aeonium species is popular because of its Dreamy color combination.
Aeonium haworthii has beautiful rosettes with a pink border and green color and spoon-shaped leaves.
The stems of this variety are pretty short. That’s why it looks like a beautiful 3-f00t shrub.
Aeonium kiwi is considered cold-hardy as they can survive even at temperatures as low as 20- to 50-degrees Fahrenheit.
They do not like dry and extreme summer months. If you live in a hot climate, make sure that these Aeonium plants receive dappled shade.
One can easily propagate this species by using the stem cutting method.
These cuttings will develop roots any time during the year, but we suggest you do this in spring because the stem cuttings grow their roots faster in this period.
These beautiful species of Aeoniums are monocarpic. The rosettes will have a flower bloom once and die after that.
Remember that these plants are not toxic. That means you can let your pets play around with these Aeoniums.
Aeonium Sunburst
Well, now we will discuss one of the most beautiful variegated Aeoniums.
Aeonium sunburst has a unique and beautiful color combination. The large rosettes look like a giant green-colored sunflower.
This succulent plant has yellow and green leaves with a pinkish edge. The rosettes can grow larger than other varieties.
Sunburst Aeonium has spoon-shaped leaves like the haworthii variety. Growing Aeoniums in full sun can develop red tips.
This color adds more appeal to the variegation. These succulents may grow a maximum of 2 feet long. Their flowers are small and whitish.
These Aeoniums live well under bright light. Like the other varieties, they go through summer dormancy.
It would help if you watered them occasionally during spring and winter, which is their growing season.
They cannot withstand extremely dry conditions. Make sure that you water them carefully.
Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer for feeding Aeonium sunburst. Before planting the Aeoniums, carefully choose the spot.
The location should receive at least 6 hours of full sun.
If you are planting this variety in containers, you should make drainage holes to remove excess water.
Aeonium Canariense (Canary)
These Aeonium plants are enormous.
They are called Aeonium canariense because they are native mainly to the Canary Islands.
Many people often confuse this variety with the Aeonium arboreum variety because both of them are evergreen.
However, you can identify this canary version more easily with its long spikes and colossal foliage.
The Aeonium canariense plant loves to grow in full sun, but this does not mean that you should place this plant in the hot sun.
Intense sunlight can make the leaves more reddish than green. This species also has another name – Giant Velvet Rose.
These plants produce flowers at the end of their long spikes reaching around 2 feet in diameter.
Like the other Aeoniums, they are free from diseases and pests. You can easily grow them, as they do not require too much attention.
Place this plant in a dappled shade. Remember that this species cannot tolerate frost.
The soil should be well-drained. Avoid planting them in clayey soil that has a poor drainage system. They are drought-tolerant plants.
Therefore, you can water them only when the soil surface seems too dry.
Aeonium Mardi Gras
These Aeoniums are called Mardi Gras because of their festive appearances. These succulents have red-wine colored leaves with dark stripes.
You will notice the light green color at the center of the rosettes. This color combination adds a unique look to the plant.
Aeonium Mardi Gras may reach up to 10-centimeters tall, and the rosettes may spread 15-centimeters wide.
Like most succulents, it should be grown in partial sun.
While growing in full sun or cold, remember that the yellow and green stripes may turn to lime green or pink.
These plants may tolerate temperatures as low as 20-degrees Fahrenheit, and you can easily propagate them using the stem cutting method or by separating the succulent babies.
For propagation from the leaves, you need to twist leaves from the mature plants. Make sure that the leaves do not remain on that stem.
Now, let them dry out for a couple of days. Then place it on a well-drained potting mix. Hopefully, new plants will emerge.
Like the other succulents, you need to water them deeply when the soil seems too dry. They cannot withstand excessive water as it may damage the root zone.
Aeonium Black Rose (Zwartkop)
Aeonium black rose is one of the most popular types of Aeoniums. It is also known as Aeonium zwartkop.
The leaves of this succulent plant have a dark burgundy color. The large rosette with purple color is also known as a black rose.
The dark rosette foliage can be 20-centimeters in diameter. This succulent may grow around 3- to 4-feet long.
They produce beautiful white-yellowish star-shaped flowers, which appear during the bloom time.
They remain evergreen as long as the flowers do not appear.
During summer, when there is extreme heat, you should water these succulents deeply once every few days.
When the winter arrives and the temperature drops, you can place them outdoors.
If you live in a tropical area with high humidity, you do not think about watering them too frequently.
Water requirements vary depending on the regions and weather.
The Aeonium zwartkop succulents prefer shady areas, but they can also withstand full sun.
If you grow them indoors, it is a good idea to place them in a spot that receives partial sun. The intense sun can burn the beautiful leaves.
Aeonium Urbicum
Aeonium urbicum is also known as the saucer plant, and it is a huge succulent having large greenish leaves.
The flowers have a conical shape, and the rosette can grow up to 50-centimeters in diameter.
If you grow these succulents under full sun, then the leaves will turn deep red.
This Aeonium species is considered the largest variety and can grow as long as 6-feet tall with several rosettes.
For most of the time in a year, the foliage of these succulents stays bright or lime greenish color.
If you notice red tips, then water them properly because reddish tips indicate that the plants are not getting sufficient water.
These Aeoniums live well in a sunny location but not under intense sunlight. Partial shady areas are considered the ideal spot for growing them.
The potting soil should be well-drained. Do not worry about its propagation. Like the other succulents, their propagation is relatively easy.
One may propagate these plants by the stem cutting method or by separating the succulent babies.
You may also sow seeds if they are available in your region.
Aeonium Emerald Ice
Another fascinating Aeonium species is the Aeonium emerald ice. It is favored mainly because of its wonderful emerald color.
The rosettes of the mature plants of this variety may reach around 12-inch in diameter, which is pretty large.
However, the main feature is the color combination of bright green color with a yellowish edge.
The plant may lose its color if it suffers from water stress.
These plants can take a beautiful appearance if you can take care of them properly.
To maintain its color and shape, you should be careful while watering the plants. Do not water excessively as it can cause root rot.
Let the soil dry first, and then water it deeply.
This Aeonium care is relatively easy. The succulents require intense light. That’s why we suggest you grow them in your garden soil.
They prefer warmer climates but can survive in temperatures as low as 20-degrees Fahrenheit.
Like the other succulents, they stay dormant during the summer.
Aeonium Medusa
Aeonium Medusa is one of the best-looking succulents. The impressive red, black, and light greenish color combination will surely mesmerize you.
The beautiful variegated Aeonium plant is very expensive, but you will not be disappointed—the color changes depending on the season.
In summer, it stays hot reddish, while in winter, the color changes to creamy-white.
It forms a layer of attractive branches below the central rosette.
The entire plant can reach up to 45centimeters tall, and it may spread 40-centimeters wide with several new plants.
Like other succulent plants, they also go through the summer dormancy.
Growing Aeoniums is relatively easy due to its few requirements. You have to be careful about the light intensity and water demand of this plant.
When these plants bloom, they will produce flowers, but since Aeoniums are monocarpic, they will die after flowering.
Aeonium Tabuliforme (Dinner Plate)
Aeonium tabuliforme is also known as a dinner plate because of its huge size. The top of the rosette is flat shaped and has a fuzzy edge.
This is why the rosettes look so spectacular. One may easily identify it with its slow growth.
Interestingly, this is not like the other succulents as it has no stems.
These plants can grow up to 15-centimeters tall, and the rosettes can be 45centimeters wide.
During its bloom time, it becomes more interesting with its yellowish flowers. The star-shaped flowers emerge from the center of the foliage.
Their actual growing seasons are winter and spring, and like the other Aeonium plants, they will remain dormant in the summer.
When they suffer from water stress, you will notice their curly leaves. Water them properly during the summer.
Aeonium Dodrantale (Rose Succulent)
Do you want to see a true rose succulent?
If yes, then this succulent is for you. Aeonium dodrantale has a mesmerizing appearance, and we bet that you will like them.
You can grow them as your houseplants to enhance the beauty of your living room. We are sure that their compacted growth will surprise you.
This succulent plant has densely packed rosettes. The leaves may grow up to 3.5-centimeters long and 6-centimeters in diameter.
Many people know this variety by its other name, Greenovia dodrantalis. They can be a fascinating addition to your garden.
Rose succulents are similar to other Aeoniums as they flower during the spring. The pale yellow flowers grow at the end of the sticks.
They thrive well in sunny and warm rock gardens. You may easily grow them from stem or leaf cuttings.
Aeonium Decorum
Here we have come with another green-pink combination, Aeonium.
Aeonium decorum is a small shrub-like succulent, and this plant may reach up to 2-feet tall.
The waxy leaves have green color with a pink border at the edge.
These succulents thrive well in part to full sunlight. You can either grow this plant in your garden or plant it in a container.
While growing them in a container, make sure that you prepare well-drained and humus-rich soil.
Add perlite, pumice, gravels, coco coir, and other organic substances to improve the condition.
This Aeonium grows well between temperatures of 55- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant depending on the temperature and soil type.
Do not overwater them as it can cause root rot. During the growing season, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer.
Aeonium Glandulosum
This Aeonium variety is also known as Disc Houseleek.
Due to its similar appearances to the Aeonium tabuliforme, many people often confuse this one for the other.
This variety has a very short stem, and you will find the leaves are densely arranged.
These Aeoniums are pretty hardy as they can survive between temperatures of 25- and 50-degrees Fahrenheit.
During the summer months, they become dormant. In this period, you don’t have to water them regularly.
Observe the soil, and if it seems dry, then water it. Use a sandy textured soil or cactus mix for planting them in your house.
Always feed them with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Basic Aeonium Succulent Care
Growing Aeonium is very easy. You can either plant it in a container or plant it in a garden.
But the caring process will vary depending on where you plant them.
For example, you should water it regularly while growing in the container, but it is not needed if you plant it on the ground.
Let us see Aeonium care and its requirements one by one.
Light
Aeonium plants prefer to grow under the full sun. You may also place them in a partially shaded area.
If you plant them indoors, you should place them under bright indirect light. During extreme summer, you may place them in light shade.
Soil
Sandy soil is considered ideal for growing Aeonium succulents. You can prepare a potting mix to plant them indoors.
Use a mixture of perlite, sand, coco coir, and organic amendments.
Perlite and sand will improve the drainage system, while coco coir and organic materials will retain the essential moisture.
Water
Aeoniums require frequent watering because they are not like other succulent species.
Due to having a shallow root system, you should water them when the topsoil looks dry.
However, excessive water may cause root rot. So, you must avoid overwatering them.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium plants enjoy the Mediterranean climate. The region should neither be too hot nor too cold.
If you live in extreme heat, you should grow these plants in part shade and a moist area.
Remember that their growing season is considered winter and spring when new large rosettes appear.
Ideal temperatures for these species are considered to be between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilization
During summer dormancy, you do not have to fertilize them. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the winter and spring. It will help them to grow quickly.
Propagation
You may propagate these plants by the stem cutting method. Cut the stem with a sterile knife and plant it in well-drained soil.
According to the study, it is better to plant the cuttings during April and August instead of November [1].
FAQs
Do Aeoniums like full sun?
Aeoniums require a minimum of 6 hours of full sun to thrive. However, during extreme summer, you should supply part shade.
How do you take care of aeoniums?
To take care of Aeoniums, you must focus on watering because they may drop off those beautiful rosettes if they suffer from water stress.
Are Aeoniums hardy?
Yes, Aeonium plants are pretty hardy, and they can withstand cold climates.
Is Aeonium an indoor plant?
You may grow them indoors or plant them in your rock gardens.
Conclusion
The varieties in this article are the most popular Aeonium varieties.
Remember that most Aeoniums are monocarpic, which means that they will die after the blooms.
Also, many people become worried when it comes to Aeonium care.
Remember that when growing Aeoniums, their cuttings will develop roots soon after planting.
Spring is considered their ideal growing season. So, fertilize them properly at this time.
References
- [1] Mihaela, C et al. (2011). Research on the influence of the sampling periods on the propagation to cuttings at some succulent plants. Journal of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, 15(1): 109-114.
- Reyes, R. (2014). Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum. University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Plant Profile August 2014.
- North Carolina State Cooperative Extension. Aeonium. NC State University Extension, Gardener Plant Toolbox.
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.