Aeonium MIXED

Aeonium MIXED - Aeonium, random seed mixture of various species and varieties.

A random seed mixture of various species and varieties.

Aeonium is a large genus of succulents developing as compact shrubs or herbaceous plants. About 40 perennial, highly ornamental indoor plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) are assigned to the genus. These are truly long-lived plants brought into room interiors for decades. As with all succulents, aeonium is characterized by fleshy, water-storing leaves and shoots. Stems are robust, straight, branching or solitary, gradually lignifying and sporting marks from fallen old leaves resembling scars. Some aeonium species form striking aerial roots. The height of these plants ranges from a modest 10-15 cm (4-6 in) to nearly 1 m (3.3 ft). At the same time, in different species the stems can be either prominent, resembling woody plants, or almost entirely hidden beneath squat leaf rosettes.

Fleshy leaves are always sessile, tapering toward the base, resembling petals or rhombs in shape. Sparse pubescence or an entirely glossy surface combines with margins adorned with delicate white cilia or fine teeth. Leaves gather into very dense, flower-like rosettes, arranged imbricately in an intricate pattern. Rosettes range in diameter from a few centimeters to nearly 1 m (3.3 ft), but are always situated at stem tips. Leaf coloration varies from ordinary light green to various reddish, brownish, and purple hues, most often distributed unevenly across the leaf blade. Under room conditions, aeonium blooms very rarely. Pyramidal racemes of bright yellow inflorescences are very striking and last a long time. But the lack of flowering also has its upside: species that form a single solitary leaf rosette most often die after flowering.

From seeds year-round in a sandy substrate. The seeds are sown on the surface, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

Special notes: The seeds are fine!

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In winter, cool maintenance is desirable. With low air humidity, the plant can withstand a fairly significant drop in temperature. During the rest of the year, ordinary room temperature is required. The plants need a sunny location year-round, shaded only from the most intense direct sun. In winter, they should be kept in a very well-lit spot, which helps maintain leaf coloration.

During growth, water as the soil dries out. During the winter dormancy period, watering intensity is reduced. Stagnant water, which must be avoided even in summer, is even more hazardous during the cold season, as it can cause rot and lead to plant death. In spring and autumn, feed once every 2 weeks with cactus fertilizer. Repotting is done in spring or autumn once every 2 years. Use soil consisting of 1/3 peat, 1/3 fertile loam, and 1/3 sand, pH around 6.5. Damaged parts and wilted inflorescences must be removed.