Aeonium care guide

Aeonium

Also known as: Black rose aeonium

Pets and children

We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

How often to water Aeonium

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Every 14 days
Close to a winter grower: in spring, water thoroughly once the soil dries, as a guide, then taper from May and give only a light evening drink once or twice a month through the summer rest.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Every 7 days
Growth resumes in fall, so water well once the soil dries, about weekly.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Every 14 days
Still growing in winter but drying slowly: water on a mild morning once the soil is dry, about every two weeks, and skip it before a freezing night.

Light and placement for Aeonium

Generally a winter grower (some treat it as spring-fall), wanting full sun and airflow from fall to spring and a bright, shaded rest out of the rain in summer; in poor light the stem stretches and the rosette loosens.

Overwintering Aeonium

Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above

Winter is its growing season, so give full daytime sun and, as a guide, shelter it at a bright window or deeper under the eaves only on nights below about 3°C, since frost damages the leaves.

Fertilizing and repotting Aeonium

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month from fall to spring, none during the summer rest; too much stretches the stem.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Aeonium

  • Watered during the summer rest, the roots rot and the leaves drop.
  • It sheds leaves for the summer rest and is thrown out as dead.
  • Indoors it etiolates into a thin, tall stem.

Tips for growing Aeonium

  • A small, closed rosette in summer is just dormancy; it opens again in the fall.
  • Cut and replant leggy stems in spring or fall; side shoots follow.
  • Dark cultivars like Zwartkop turn green without enough sun.

These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

Keep your plant log going

Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.

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