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My Aeonium Has Spots

Aeonium is a genus of succulent plants native to the Canary Islands. They are small and highly ornamental, with leaves in shades of red, burgundy, lime green and even variegated, growing in a rosette. When the rosette matures, it produces an 8-inch tall stalk that bears clusters of flowers at the tip. Aeonium grows well in containers where it can be brought out of the cold in regions with chilly weather. Since Aeonium is grown purely for its foliage, when spots mar the beauty of the foliage, act quickly to determine the cause.

  1. Sunburn

    • The most common cause of spots on Aeonium is sunburn. Because the plants are succulents, gardeners mistakenly assume they require full sun. While some species tolerate sun, some do not and will break out in spots when they've been in the sun too long. This also occurs if an Aeonium that has been indoors is abruptly placed in direct sun. If the leaves appear to have been splashed with dark brown, orange or black paint, suspect sunburn.

    Mealybugs

    • If the spots are tiny white flecks, the problem may be a mealybug infestation. Large infestations look like white, cottony masses on the leaves. Mealybugs are at their busiest during fall and winter, feeding on foliage by piercing it and sucking out the juices. Control mealybug infestations with an insecticide containing chlorpyrifos as the active ingredient, according to label instructions. Horticultural oil, sprayed directly on the pests, also clears up mealybug infestations.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent sunburn is to determine the optimal amount of sunshine for the species of Aeonium that you grow. It may take some experimenting with different levels of light or time in direct sun. Make the changes gradually and keep an eye on how the plant responds. If the Aeonium has mealybugs the first step to prevent it from spreading to your other plants is to isolate it. If the plant is heavily infested you may need to discard it.

    Considerations

    • Good cultural practices go a long way in preventing Aeonium diseases and insect infestations. Some pests, such as soil gnats, are attracted to moist soil, while others, such as spider mites, thrive when the air and soil are dry. Check the Aeonium every time you water for signs of anything that may be going on with it. If you are growing the Aeonium in a container, use a sand-based soil that drains quickly. When you water, drench the potting mix and then allow it to almost dry completely before watering again. When it goes dormant in fall, don't water at all until it produces new growth in the spring.

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