Aeonium plants are gorgeous succulents with thick, meaty leaves that grow in a rosette formation. The rose-like waxy foliage grows on woody stems and is also known as tree houseleeks. The succulent leaves of aeoniums may be green, red, black, deep purple, yellow, or variegated colors. They are renowned for their beautiful hues.
This article will show you several of the many varieties of Aeonium succulents that may be cultivated indoors. The different species of fleshy-leaved plants can be identified by looking at pictures and descriptions. You’ll also learn how to grow Aeonium plants in the future.
What Are Aeoniums?
Depending on the species, aeonium is a genus of flowering succulents in the Crassulaceae family. Aeonium is a genus of 35 species. The thick, succulent leaves that grow as rosettes are the distinguishing characteristics of these plants. Compact leaves that resemble rose flowers appear on several Aeonium species. Aeonium leaves have the form of a huge saucer and are broad, spreading oval to oblong.
Aeonium, like other succulents, stores moisture in its thick leaves. Aeoniums, on the other hand, are not like most succulents. The roots of aeoniums, for example, are shallow. Plants can’t develop in soil that’s completely dry because to this form of development.
How to Grow Aeoniums
Aeoniums prefer moist soil, but not soggy soil, in contrast to many other succulents that prefer arid conditions. Several Aeonium species develop as tiny woody bushes in the wild. These plants can’t survive in freezing weather and flourish in USDA zones 9 through 11. Indoors, in sunny sites as potted houseplants, heat-loving succulents thrive.
Aeoniums grow in the winter through to spring, and are dormant in the summer, unlike other types of succulents. Between 40°F and 100°F (4°C and 38°C), aeonium plants thrive. They prefer temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 23°C), despite the fact that they may thrive in hot weather.
In subtropical winter and spring environments, succulents grow quickest outdoors. Plants should be kept in partial shade and the soil moist during hot summers.
Cuttings from the stem and leaf of aeoniums are simple to grow. Cut off a healthy leaf or stem and let it dry for two days, and you’ll have a new succulent plant on your hands. Then, place the aeonium cutting in moist peat moss, and it will develop roots within a few weeks. The aeonium plant is treated the same way once it has been rooted.
How to Care for Aeoniums Plants
Aeonium care is quite simple, especially if you have a lot of them. Succulents should be grown in loose, porous succulent soil in a pot. Watering aeoniums as frequently as the top layer of soil dries is the best way to care for them. Moist potting soil that never gets waterlogged or soggy is optimum for aeoniums.
Aeoniums, like most succulents, need to be grown outdoors. Plant the plant in a sunny garden location that receives six hours of sunlight every day. Aeoniums need a well-drained soil. As a result, aeoniums may flourish in a rock garden or succulent garden.
Types of Aeoniums (With Pictures)
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular aeonium succulent varieties available on the market.
Aeonium Arboreum (Tree Aeonium or Irish Rose)
The Aeonium Arboreum (tree aeonium) is a bushy succulent shrub with waxy leaves that forms massive, flattened green rosettes. It is related to various cultivars. The tree houseleek or Irish rose is another name for tree aeoniums. The succulent leaves of this species, which range from 5 to 15 inches (12 to 38 cm) long, are obovate or lanceolate in form.
Long spatula-like leaves that spread out to form star-shaped rosettes characterize some species of Irish roses. When grown in full sunlight, these leaves become a rich copper and green color.
Long conical blooms with yellowish-green petals characterize Aeonium Arboreum (tree aeonium). The top of long woody stems are covered with fuzzy flower clusters that grow 4″ to 10″ (10–25 cm) long. The bright yellow blooms bloom in the springtime in ideal circumstances.
Tree houseleeks are tiny multi-stemmed shrubs that grow outdoors. Aeonium arboreum may be grown in the ground or in containers. It can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall when shrubby. Grayish-brown stems contrast with fleshy green succulent leaves.
Aeonium Arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (Black Rose Succulent)
The Aeonium Arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ is also known as ‘Black Rose’ and ‘Black Aeonium,’ and its leaves are fleshy succulent. Because of its large black leaves, this big purple aeonium is also known as the Black Rose succulent. ‘Black Beauty,’ ‘Black Aeonium,’ and ‘Black Head’ are some of the other names for this aeonium succulent.
The leaves of Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ are black and rosette-shaped. Burgundy to wine red spatula leaves with a green center are the elongated varieties. The rosette may be up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter when flat. Between 3 and 4 feet (1.2 to 1.2 meters) tall, multi-branching rose succulents thrive.
‘Zwartkop’ aeoniums produce star-shaped yellowish-white flowers when they are in bloom. In the summer, flower clusters develop into conical formations. This year-round fascinating evergreen colorful foliage keeps its year-long appeal when it is not in bloom.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is also known as Aeonium ‘Tricolor’ because of its variegated green, yellow, and pink leaves. This variegated aeonium has vivid, colorful fleshy leaves that develop into 8-inch (20-centimeter) rosettes. The clusters of spoon-shaped leaves on this succulent-like plant are called Sunburst.
The coppery red tips of the Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ emerge in full sunlight. The spoon-like leaves’ coloring highlights the variegated bright yellow and green foliage. Clusters of tiny white starry spring blooms make up the flowers on ‘Sunburst’ aeoniums.
The little succulent plants known as aeoniums may reach 2 feet (0.6 meters) in height. On thick woody stems, terminal rosettes can be seen. The plant goes dormant in the summer, as it does with most aeoniums. Throughout the autumn and spring, the plant only needs a little watering.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Black Tree Aeonium)
The Black Tree aeonium has smaller leafy rosettes and shorter stems with smaller heads than the Zwartkop cultivar. Purple Rose Tree or Dark Purple Houseleek Tree are two names for this eye-catching aeonium. When this aeonium cultivar is grown in full sun, the dark leaves turn nearly black. This purple aeonium has large rosettes for its fleshy foliage.
Little clusters of star-shaped flowers make up the purple rose aeonium. When the flower clusters bloom in the spring, they form huge pyramid formations that are typically golden yellow. A woody shrub-like succulent with many stems, Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’ The plant grows to be between 3 and 5 feet (1.5 and 1.5 meters) tall.
The ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium looks a lot like the Atropurpureum aeonium. ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium has deep foliage with tall arching stems and huge heads, while aeonium ‘Atropurpureum’ has dark maroon purple foliage with shorter stems and smaller heads. This cultivar difference is that ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium has much deeper leaves than ‘Atropurpureum.’
Aeonium dodrantale (Rose Succulent)
One of the most gorgeous succulents with tightly packed rosettes that resemble roses is Aeonium dodrantale, which has a compact growth habit and rose-like heads. Aeonium dodrantale has compact rose-like leaves that are 0.8″ to 1.4″ (2 – 3.5 cm) long and is also known as the “Mountain Rose” succulent. The rosettes are about 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
Greenovia dodrantalis is the other botanical name for rose succulent. In the spring and early summer, rose succulents bloom like all aeoniums. On the end of 10-inch (25-centimeter) tall stems, fluffy yellow blossoms bloom. The bluish-green or jade-green leaves contrast beautifully with these spectacular flowers.
The compact growth of Aeonium dodrantale is one of its appealing characteristics. Indoor growing in containers or warm sunny rock gardens is perfect for this aeonium species.
Aeonium canariense (Canary Island Aeonium)
The flower spikes of the Canary Island aeonium rise approximately 2 feet from the ground. The large meaty green broad leaves of the Canary Island aeonium distinguish it. The rosettes of this sun-loving plant resemble artichoke heads. The succulent leaves become redder as the plant gets more sunlight.
Showy clusters of tiny star-shaped blooms emerge from this flowering aeonium. ‘Mint Saucer’ aeonium, ‘Giant Velvet Rose,’ and ‘Hens and Chicks’ aeonium are some of the common names for the Aeonium canariense.
Canary Island aeoniums are succulent rosettes that grow near the ground and create enormous green rosettes. The massive, cone-like flower clusters are an distinguishing characteristic of Canary Island aeoniums. Long spikes up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall contain these clusters of blooms at the end.
Aeonium tabuliforme (Aeonium Dinner Plate)
The Aeonium tabuliforme is a flat-topped plant that is likewise known as the “Aeonium Dinner Plate,” or alternatively as the “Saucer Plant” and “Flat-Topped Aeonium.” The huge flat plate-like foliage has fuzzy margins. A stunning rosette emerges from these overlapping succulent leaves.
The low growth of the Aeonium Dinner Plate plant is an identifying characteristic. This is a stemless, low-growing succulent, unlike many species of Aeonium. The Dinner Plate plant is only up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Its broad, flat rosettes, on the other hand, may grow up to 13 inches (45 cm) broad.
When it blooms with beautiful yellow flowers, this aeonium becomes even more intriguing. From the center of the pancake-shaped flat leaves, a large pyramidal flower cluster emerges. Little yellowish, star-shaped blooms emerge from the flowering stalk.
Aeonium haworthii (Pinwheel Aeonium)
The pinwheel aeonium, Aeonium haworthii, is a small flowering succulent plant with jade green rosettes on woody stems. The obovate, spoon-like, or diamond-shaped leaves turn crimson along the margins when grown in full sun. The rosettes of this aeonium grow to be 4 inches (10 cm) broad.
Sempervivum haworthii is the scientific name for the Aeonium haworthii. The rosette’s form, which looks like a lovely pinwheel, is called the common name “Pinwheel Aeonium.”
Pinwheel aeoniums produce spectacular cream-colored or pinkish blooms in the spring. The blooming stalks may grow to 6 inches (16 cm) long. Peduncles are several pendulous flowering stems that emerge from the end of the stem. Aeonium variegatum, or Haworth’sVariegatum, is a succulent with diamond-shaped leaves with light green, pale yellow, and pink colored variegation.
Aeonium percarneum ‘Kiwi’ (Kiwi Aeonium)
The Kiwi aeonium is a variegated succulent with green and crimson leaves that has beautiful serrated crimson borders. The obovate or triangular shape of the individual fleshy leaves has serrated borders. Bright light produces light green and red leaves on kiwi aeonium plants. Partial shade promotes more vivid hues in kiwi aeonium plants. Three- or four-color variegation is seen in certain plants.
The colorful rosettes of kiwi aeonium develop at the end of woody stems, and they are stunning. A variegated rosette can grow between 3 and 5 inches (7 and 12 cm). The aeonium percarneum, like most aeoniums, is a flowering succulent that blooms. On the end of long stems extending from the rosette center, clusters of yellow star-shaped blooms are produced.
Aeonium urbicum (Saucer Plant)
The saucer plant (aeonium urbicum) is a huge succulent with a wide rosette of smooth green obovate leaves and big conical blooms. It is the biggest of the aeonium plants. The 20″ (50 cm) wide vivid green rosette is stunning. The ends of the spoon-shaped leaves become a vivid reddish color when grown in full sun.
The biggest of the aeonium plants is the Aeonium urbicum (also known as Sempervivum urbicum). The succulent plant, which grows several rosettes, can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. The aeonium urbicum (saucer plant) has beautiful flowers, which is another fascinating feature. Dainty white or pink blooms grow in conical clusters that may reach 3 feet (1 meter) in height.
Aeonium Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras aeonium has tiny leaves that are crimson in color. The leaves of this gorgeous red-leaved succulent are crimson wine in color with a black ring in the center. To complement the plant’s magnificent appearance, the huge rosette’s center is composed of light green pointed leaves. The round spreading rosette of Aeonium Mardi Gras plants grows up to 4″ (10 cm) tall, and it is 6″ (15 cm) wide.
Other Types of Aeonium Succulents
The options available for cultivating aeonium plants make them attractive. Rock gardens, patios, and any space’s aesthetics may be improved by adding bold colorful fleshy leaves, rosette foliage, and spectacular succulent flowers. Some additional aeonium types are worth looking into.
Aeonium Nobile — The leaves of this aeonium are large, thick, and fleshy, with a reddish border. The rosettes can grow to be 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter. From the rosette’s center, large orange flat-topped blooms bloom.
Aeonium Leucoblepharum — This lovely succulent features light-green pointed obovate leaves with crimson borders and a crimson stripe in the center. It is also called aeonium chrysanthemum.
Aeonium Cyclops — Giant Red Aeonium is the common name for this aeonium. The rosette is over 1 foot (30 cm) across, and it spreads out like a plant. Aeonium leaves have a reddish-bronze tint with green centers. The popular Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ and Aeonium undulatum are crossed to produce this hybrid aeonium.
Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ — Little compact rosettes of light yellowish-green triangular fleshy leaves make up this delightful Lily Pad succulent plant.