How to Grow Aeoniums, the Most Whimsical-Looking Succulents
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Aeoniums are a genus of about 35 succulents with rosettes of thick, waxy leaves that are lime green, bronze, purple, or nearly black. As the rosette grows, this fascinating plant sheds the lower leaves with its stem growing tall and curvy. The pinwheel-shaped rosettes atop the long, undulating stems give the plant a fun, quirky appearance.
Native to the Canary Islands and North Africa, aeoniums (Aeonium spp.) need a mild, dry climate to thrive. They like it not too hot, not too cold, and not too humid! All of the various species, as well as their hybrid forms, are not cold-tolerant so they are treated as annuals in most of the country. But in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, these plants can be grown outdoors year-round (find your zone here).
Aeoniums, also known as tree houseleeks, grow well in containers, too, so they can be brought indoors to overwinter before temperatures drop into the 40s. Keep them in a sunny window or under a grow light until temperatures warm up next spring. Depending on the variety, they can grow up to three feet tall.
As succulents, these unique plants also boast beautiful spikes of flower clusters in the spring in white, pink, and yellow when the plant is several years old. Many varieties are monocarpic, meaning the mother plant or stem dies after blooming, but the “pup” or other branches of the plant continue to live and grow until they bloom.
Ahead, here’s how to grow aeoniums in your garden and home.
Aeonium Basics
How to Care for Aeoniums
Aeoniums are not difficult to care for, as long as you give them the proper amount of sunlight and water them correctly. As succulents, the fastest way to kill these plants is to overwater them.
Light
Aeoniums that have reddish or dark burgundy or black foliage grow on cliffs in their natural environment, so they need direct sunlight to part shade to thrive. Green varieties do better in mostly dappled shade.
Indoors, aeoniums should be placed in a window with direct sunlight or under an LED grow light. If your aeonium has brown tips or foliage, give them some afternoon shade so the leaves don't become sun-scalded.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants prefer temperatures in the 60s and 70s so they thrive in spring and fall. In their native environment and hot climates, they go dormant in summer and early winter. But in more temperate climates, they will continue to grow year-round. They don't love high humidity levels, so they are sometimes a little fussy in hot, damp summers.
Soil
Aeoniums do best in sandy, gravelly, well-draining soils. Look for cactus/succulent soil if you’re potting in a container, and make sure the pot has drainage holes because they don’t tolerate staying sopping wet and will develop root rot.
Water
This is where it gets a bit tricky: If indoors, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Outdoors, for regions where the plants go dormant in summer and winter, reduce watering and give your plants a drink only if you notice the leaves beginning to shrivel significantly. Don't worry if they look awful by summer’s end—they will rebound in the fall.
Fertilizer
Aeoniums are not heavy feeders because they are used to harsh conditions. But you can feed them once in the early spring with a half-strength balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Types of Aeoniums
Aeonium arboretum has shiny green leaves with coppery glints.
Aeonium arboretum ‘Albovariegatum’ has leaves with white edges.
Aeonium decorum has multiple branches with pink flowers.
Aeonium arboretum ‘Schwartzkopf’ has purple-black leaves with greenish new growth
How to Overwinter Aeoniums
If kept in containers, bring your aeoniums indoors for winter before temperatures drop into the 40s. Place in a sunny window or under a grow light, and restrict watering so that you’re giving a drink only every few weeks.
In the spring when temperatures are in the 60s, place it outdoors again, gradually acclimating it to full-sun conditions so that it doesn’t get sunburned.
How to Propagate Aeoniums
Like most succulents, aeoniums are super-easy to propagate. Simply cut off one of the younger rosettes with a few inches of stem. Let it dry for a few days to callous over, then insert into fresh succulent potting mix, deep enough so that it doesn’t fall over. Give it bright, indirect light, and it should root in a few weeks. Keep the potting medium very lightly moist during this time.
Common Pests and Problems
Aeoniums occasionally are affected by common houseplant pests including mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and aphids. If you see any of these pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant as soon as possible.
Are Aeoniums Toxic to Pets?
Not all succulents are safe to have around pets who might take a nibble. However, aeoniums are one succulent you can grow around curious pets.
“It is considered to be nontoxic,” says Tina Wismer, DVM, senior director of the ASPCA Poison Control Center. “However, remember that any plant material can cause mild stomach upset in some pets if ingested.”
If you think your pet has taken a bite—even if you're not sure—contact your vet. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
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