AeoniumAeonium are without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and sought after additions to succulent collections. They reward our efforts with gorgeous spoon shaped foliage in shades of burgundy and green, sometimes variegated with splashes of palest gold. Aeonium are native to the Canary Islands and North Africa, so you may be able to tell their preferred conditions. Warm, or even hot would be the key word. The name means ‘evergreen’ so this is a plant that never loses its leaves – until after it blooms that is. The pink, red, yellow or white flowers form from the middle of the rosette in spring or summer, after which the rosette will die. Hopefully, you will have propagated some rosettes to take its place.
Growing RequirementsMinimum temperatures are about 4 degrees Celsius, and Aeonium can’t take any frost, so a sheltered or indoors environment only for this plant. It requires good ventilation, and bright light – full sun is fine, or partial shade. Aeonium prefer a little more moisture in the soil than many other succulent plants. Water as soon as the soil is dry, but don’t allow it to dry too much. Gear the watering to the temperature; the cooler the weather, the less you need to water. Use tempered or lukewarm water to avoid shocking the roots. Preferred soil is well drained, sandy and slightly acid to neutral, so don’t add any lime to the soil mix.
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