A Guide to Aeonium Succulent Types and How to Care for Them

Table of Contents

If you're looking for a succulent plant that comes in a diverse range of types, colors, and shapes, an Aeonium might be just what you need. In this guide, we will explore everything from the different types of Aeoniums to how to care for them.

What are Aeonium succulents?

Aeonium is a genus of about 35 species of evergreen succulent plants that belong to the Crassulaceae family. They originate from the Canary Islands and Africa's northern region, but they can also be found in Madeira, Morocco, and eastern Africa.

Aeoniums have a unique rosette-shaped arrangement of leaves that grows out of the stem. Their leaf coloring ranges from light green to deep purple, with variegated or striped patterns on some varieties.

Why choose Aeoniums for your succulent garden?

Aeoniums offer several benefits for a succulent garden. Firstly, their colorful and distinct look adds a pop of interest to any outdoor or indoor space. Secondly, they grow best in mild temperatures and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Lastly, they are relatively easy-to-care-for, making them great for beginner gardeners who want to explore succulent plants beyond the usual Sempervivum or Echeveria.

Types of Aeonium

Aeoniums come in several varieties classified based on their leaf shape, size, color, and growth habit. Here are some of the most popular types:

Green Aeoniums

Green Aeoniums are the most common type and are popularly used as ground cover in landscapes. They come in various sizes, from tiny ground-hugging varieties to taller, branching shrubs.

Black Aeoniums

Black Aeoniums, also called Aeonium Arboretum, stand out from other types with their striking black or purple foliage. They are often used to provide a stark contrast to green succulents in mixed beds.

Variegated Aeoniums

As the name suggests, variegated Aeoniums feature leaves that have the typical rosette shape but come speckled or striped in multiple colors, including white, yellow, and pink.

Rosette-shaped Aeoniums

Rosette-shaped Aeoniums resemble a rose in structure, thanks to its dense, compact, and circular arrangement of leaves around the central stem. Dudleya and Greenovia are common species of this variety.

How to Care for Aeonium Succulents

Caring for your Aeonium plant depends on many factors such as temperature, light, water, soil, and nutrient requirements. Here are some basic guidelines that generally apply:

Light

Most Aeonium flora grows optimally under direct sunlight and requires six hours of sunlight per day. However, they can also survive in areas with partial shading or diffused light.

If you live in warmer regions, it’s best if you keep the plant in a location where it gets some late-afternoon shading. This helps prevent its occurrence from sunburn due to intense light.

Soil and Watering

Aeoniums thrive in well-draining soil that retains little water. The water supply should be sufficient to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry, but not enough to make it soggy.

Add a layer of compost or topsoil once every three weeks during spring, summer and fall; refrain from adding fertilizers in winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Aeoniums grow best in mild temperatures from 60-70 °F; below 45 °F or above 80 °F can damage them. While they can tolerate hotter weather, you need to take precautions to avoid sunburn or leaf crinkling that occur in high dryness conditions.

Fertilizer

These plants require minimal amounts of feeding – twice annually, with slow-release dressings of low-nitrogen and high-potassium fertilization. It's essential to use fertilizer exclusively from mid-spring to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing.

Alternatively, if you find there’s no organic fertilizer specific for the type, you can always go for a balanced option.

Aeoniums are a striking addition to any succulent garden. With their diverse types, colors, and shapes, there's an Aeonium for everyone. By following some basic care guidelines, you can enjoy these plants' beauty for years to come.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about caring for Aeoniums:

How do I propagate Aeoniums?

Propagation of Aeoniums occurs by cuttings. Cut the top of the stem neatly, let the cutting heal in a warm, dry location for two days, and then plant it in a stimulated soil mix. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears, then reduce watering.

What pests and diseases should I look out for when growing Aeoniums?

The pests and diseases to watch out for include snails, mealybugs, and Aphids.

What are the best companion plants for Aeoniums?

Some of the best companion plants for Aeoniums are Sempervivum, Echeveria and other drought-resistant desert plants.

Can Aeoniums be grown indoors or outdoors?

Aeoniums can grow indoors in larger pots with moderate light. However, they also grow great outside under direct sunlight or partial shade.

How often should I water my Aeonium succulents?

Watering should happen once a week during the hot growing season (spring-summer) and no more than twice fell when dormant.

Is it normal for Aeonium leaves to fall off?

Yes, but only when the plant is stressed from underwatering or low humidity.

When and how do I prune my Aeoniums?

It's best to prune Aeonium overgrown stems at the joint using sharp, clean scissors. For A. Velour succulents, remove the deadheading flower stalks along with diseased parts of the plant.

Can Aeoniums thrive in full sun or do they prefer partial shade?

Aeoniums can tolerate full sun environments, but it's best to provide some late-afternoon shade to prevent exposure sunburn.

Do all Aeoniums have rosette-shaped leaves?

Rosette-shaped leaves are a common feature of several species of Aeoniums, but some varieties have segmented or cylindrical leaves.

How long does it take for Aeoniums to grow and flower?

It typically takes two years for an Aeonium plant to mature before you see flowers blooming. The exact timeframe might change depending on the type.