There are approximately 35 species of Aeonium, all belonging to the Crassulaceae family. While most Aeonium species are native to the Canary Islands, they are also found in Madeira, Morocco, the Cape Verde Islands, and the East Coast of Africa.
These succulents are well-adapted to extremely dry and arid environments, storing water in their leaves and stems to survive. Aeoniums come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the ornamental Aeonium ‘Medusa’, to the large Aeonium ‘Pomegranate’, and the smaller Aeonium aizoon.
Aeoniums are surprisingly easy to grow and require minimal care and maintenance. For best results, use a free-draining soil mix and keep your plants frost-free during the winter. If planted in the garden or potted outside, protect them with horticultural fleece to shield them from frost and hail.
Most Aeoniums thrive in full sun or part shade. Darker leaf varieties particularly enjoy full sun, while some other types, such as variegated forms and Aeonium tabuliforme, prefer part-shade or morning sunshine.
Growing season
Aeoniums can grow all year round if the conditions suit them, but their main growing season is in the spring and autumn.
During the longer, hotter summer days, Aeoniums may enter a dormant phase. They prefer to grow during the cooler months before and after summer. Signs of dormancy include darkening colours at the centre of the rosette heads or the rosettes closing up like a rosebud.
While dormant, Aeoniums don’t need feeding or watering, as overwatering can lead to stem or root rot. Simply wait until the heads open up again before resuming regular care.
To extend the growing season, you can move Aeoniums to a cooler, less sunny area or a shady spot to reduce dormancy.
In winter, Aeoniums can still grow but at a slower rate. The ideal nighttime temperatures for Aeoniums are between 12-16°C, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-22°C.
Growth and flowering
Aeoniums primarily grow in spring and autumn. Feeding and watering during these times will encourage vigorous growth.
In addition to their impressive structure and presence, many Aeonium varieties produce stunning flowering displays. They form large, conical-shaped flower heads covered in hundreds of daisy-like flowers, each filled with sweet nectar that attracts bees and insects. Flowering usually occurs early in the growing season and can last for several months.
Soil mix
A simple compost mix for Aeoniums consists of 60% multi-purpose compost and 40% grit or perlite. This blend provides excellent drainage and allows air to circulate through the root system, promoting robust and healthy growth.
Watering Aeoniums
For watering Aeoniums, the general rule is to thoroughly drench the soil and then let it dry out completely between waterings. If Aeoniums are grown outside in large pots or in the garden during summer, it's best to rely on natural rainfall. For plants grown undercover, watering in the early morning is recommended for the best results.
Growing the perfect Aeonium
To grow a large Aeonium, establishing a substantial root system is crucial. As Aeoniums mature, their stems can become elongated. When re-potting or planting, bury the majority of the exposed stem deeper into the soil to encourage additional root growth and support impressive development. This also helps anchor the plant, especially since many Aeoniums can become top-heavy and benefit from extra roots to withstand strong winds.
To promote root growth, ensure the plant is slightly hungry, encouraging it to search for nutrients. When planting Aeoniums, use a fresh soil mix that contains enough nutrients for one growing season. This will help the plant establish a strong root system. After the first year, begin feeding with a standard all-purpose fertilizer or slow-release option. Water in a balanced soluble feed every two months to support optimal growth.
For pot-grown Aeoniums, repot annually. When repotting, clean off as much of the old soil as possible and use a fresh soil mix. This technique helps maintain healthy plants, especially for show specimens.
Pests and Diseases
Taking good care of your succulents is crucial, and a quick visual inspection each week helps you monitor for any pests or diseases. Aeoniums can be affected by various pests, including mealybugs, aphids, vine weevils, caterpillars, slugs, and snails.
To address these issues, different treatments can be used. Vine weevils, for example, can be managed with nematodes. For snails, caterpillars, and mealybugs, manual removal is effective, and mealybugs can also be treated with a 70% isopropanol solution. Regular inspections and prompt action can help keep your Aeoniums healthy and pest-free.
Aeonium trends
Aeonium hybrids offer a fascinating array of options, including the striking giant Aeonium ‘Pomegranate’, the unique Aeonium ‘Voodoo’, and the hybrid Aeonium tabuliforme x nobile. Hardy varieties like Aeonium ‘Phoenix Flame’ and its sister seedling Aeonium ‘Emerald Flame’ can even tolerate temperatures as low as -7°C!
Variegated Aeoniums, which are often sports or mutations of these impressive plants, have become more common thanks to various cultivation techniques. In China, methods like grafting, adjusting soil pH, and using chemicals have been employed to encourage variegation. While stable variegated Aeoniums were once rare, there are now many new varieties available.
These variegated forms are known for slower growth compared to non-variegated types due to their reduced chlorophyll content, which affects photosynthesis. However, they have the advantage of thriving in lower light conditions, making them ideal for under-planting or brightening shady parts of the garden during the summer.
Variegated Aeoniums typically require protection from winter cold and frost to ensure their continued health and vibrancy.
Growing tips
- Grow in a bright sunny location
- Use a free-draining soil mix
- Establish a large root system to maximise growth rates
- Once established, feed regularly in the growing season
- Water when dry and completely drench the plants and allow to dry again before watering, Drench Drain Dry!
- Keep frost free over winter
Buy Aeoniums
We have a wide range of Aeoniums available on the website.
