Aeonium is a very special plant. There is much to learn about aeonium, how to properly care for them, how to propagate aeonium, how to cut aeonium blooms, and even how to pronounce aeonium! We put together a guide to learn everything you need to know about this special plant. 

 There’s a Lot To Learn About Aeonium 

Aeonium is a specific genus of the Crassulaceae family. This genus consists of 35 uniquely different species. The aeonium plant is considered a succulent. A close relative of the aeonium plant is the echeveria succulent. 

Aeonium can be found to grow natively in many unique locations, such as The Canary Islands, Madeira, and Morocco. 

The aeonium plant is unique from many other succulent varieties due to its preferred climate found in Mediterranean environments. Due to their natural habitat being in the Mediterranean, they are considered subtropical plants. This plant is also not drought tolerant due to its shallow root system. Additionally, once this plant flowers, it will most likely die. 

Serving as a gorgeous garden piece, the aeonium plant blooms in a variety of bright colors. With proper care, you are sure to see your aeonium produce red, purple, and yellow blooms within the season. The aeonium plant produces the most gorgeous rosettes in a variety of colors. 

Aeonium can be a difficult word to pronounce! The correct pronunciation is: “ee-oh-nee-uhm.”

Something to keep in mind with your aeonium plant is that these plants can thrive indoors, as well. You have to be careful to keep it right by the window for the most direct sunlight, however. 

 There Are Many Aeonium Varieties

The aeonium plant comes in over 35 species. There are so many different shapes, blooming styles, colors, and sizes to choose from. However, among the 35 species, there are some classic favorites:

• Noble aeonium (Aeonium nobile)
• Green pinwheel (Aeonium decorum)
• Aeonium leucoblepharum
• Tree houseleek (Aeonium arboreum)
• Purple rose (Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum)
• Black rose (Aeonium arboreum)
• Copper pinwheel (Aeonium sunburst)
• Aeonium kiwi (Aeonium haworthii, dream color)

The aeonium arboreum is a very popular species found in gardens and homes. It is more commonly referred to as the “tree houseleek.” It can be characterized by its thick, waxy leaves. This species, in particular, can grow spectacular rosettes. 

Some rosettes can reach up to three feet in height when potted. If you plant your aeonium arboreum in a garden, however, it can reach heights of six feet! This species flowers gorgeous yellow flowers. Something to remember with the aeonium arboreum is that once the rosette flowers, it dies. 

Another variety of the aeonium arboreum is the “black rose.” This plant has brown stems with dark purple and black rosettes. The rosettes can reach up to three feet in height. The black rose is an aeonium arboreum species that is drought tolerant and produces yellow flowers in the spring. 

The aeonium sunburst, or the copper pinwheel, is another popular selection. This species has very large rosettes that can spread as wide as 16 inches in diameter. Each leaf has color variations from yellows, to greens, to copper tips. The aeonium sunburst blooms bright white flowers. Once the flower blooms, the plant dies. 

The aeonium kiwi, also known as the aeonium hawthorii, produces fantastic rosettes in a variety of exceptional colors. This plant can get rather large, reaching up to three feet in both width and height! The rosettes themselves can grow to be five inches in diameter once they reach full maturity. Rose-colored bands form at the edge of the leaves. Be on the lookout for gorgeous yellow flowers to bloom in the summer season!

 How To Care for Aeonium 

Succulent care is very basic and low maintenance. However, there are some basic tips and tricks that can help your aeonium flourish.

Watering: Use extra water for the winter months! Aeoniums typically need more water than your average succulent. You still need to be mindful of overwatering and root rot, however. In the summer you do not need to water your aeonium. They go dormant in the summer season.

Light and temperature: Give your aeonium full sun to partial shade. This plant in particular likes warm weather and sunlight. However, shade is best in hot and sunny summers. The Mediterranean climate is best for your aeonium. This plant is sure to thrive in damper and cooler spaces. 

Repotting: Succulents should be repotted every two years or once they outgrow their pots. To repot aeonium, start by removing leaves that are encroaching on the bottom of the stem. Once enough stem is free, wait until the aeonium forms a hard crust at its base. Usually, the aeonium will dry and callus overnight, at which point you can put it in its new pot. 

 Tips and Tricks for Aeonium 

There are several additional tips and tricks that really help your aeonium to thrive in your care.

Pots with great drainage are best for your aeonium. You do not want your aeonium to be in standing water. This would cause root rot, which is easily prevented with excellent drainage.

Due to the aeonium’s unique trait of dying after blooming, it is recommended that you cut the rosette prior to its peak bloom. You can cut off these rosettes and simply repot them to start new plant growth. 

It is recommended that you propagate your aeonium during its peak blooming season. Cut off the rosettes as they grow and repot them. Before repotting, make sure you let the cut-off pieces dry in a shaded place for several days. You can also propagate with seeds.

Another method of propagation is by cutting off a leaf and leaving it in the soil to root and create new life. It is best to prop up the piece sitting up so the roots can grow into the soil with ease. 

Water lightly as it forms roots! You do not want to overwater your new plants during their beginning stages. Once the roots truly form, make sure to only water when the top two inches of the soil are dry.

There are endless propagation options for your aeonium! It is a very simple process and is an excellent way to keep your succulent family growing.

 Get One for Your Home Today 

No matter your succulent needs, Lula’s Garden is here to help. If you think the aeonium plant is the perfect plant for you, hopefully this guide will make it easier to properly care for your aeonium. 

Aeonium comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. This type of variety gives you so many options to select the exact aeonium you want! 

Give this plant its optimal conditions to thrive, such as an environment that imitates a cool and damp Mediterranean climate, and watch your aeonium thrive. 

Sources:

Aeonium Plant Care Guide: How to Grow Aeoniums - 2021 | MasterClass

Aeoniums: Plant Care and Collection of Varieties | Garden.org

Aeonium | Wisconsin Master Gardener