Caring for Aeonium Succulents

Aeonium Characteristics

• The leaves of all aeoniums form rosettes, usually 3 to 12 inches across. New growth comes from the rosettes' centers, as older, outside leaves wither and fall off. Classified as monocarpic, meaning they flower once and then die, aeonium rosettes may take years before they bloom. The spectacular yellow flowers they produce are worth the wait. Seldom does more than one rosette on the same plant blossom at once. Because they generally stay under 6 feet tall and are easy to maintain, aeoniums work well in containers, on green roofs, in rock gardens and as houseplants. The otherworldly appearance of varieties like the blackish-purple "Zwartkop" cultivar (Aeonium arboreum "Zwartkop") makes them excellent additions to a contemporary-style garden. These plants grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.

Water and Light Needs

• Like other succulents, aeoniums store water in their thick leaves and stems, making them drought-tolerant and appropriate for xeriscaping. Provide regular water, at least through their first growing season, until they become established. After that, especially if they are growing in partial shade, occasional watering should be enough. In the wild, aeoniums often grow as understory plants in patchy sunlight. Sun tolerance corresponds to the amount of pigment in the variety. The dark "Zwartkop" needs full sun, while the more delicate "Sunburst," with its yellow- or cream-striped leaves tipped in pink, requires dappled shade.

Best Soil

• Aeoniums demand fast-draining soil. For outdoor plants, amend garden soil by adding pumice, decomposed granite or coarse sand. Most container-grown aeoniums perform well in a growing mix composed of equal amounts of pumice and standard potting soil. To encourage quicker, lusher growth, change the ratio to one-third pumice, one-third potting soil and one-third compost.

Propagating Aeoniums

• Because these succulents can be easily propagated by planting their tiny offsets, don't plant the seeds unless it is the only way to get a certain variety. The "pups" form around the rosettes. Cut them off and allow the cut end to develop a callus before planting. Root them in a shallow plastic tray with drainage holes, filled with equal parts potting mix and pumice. Place the flat of offsets in bright shade and keep the soil slightly moist. In about four to six weeks, they will have rooted and can be planted in the garden.