Aeonium 'Fireworks' boasts stunning and almost unreal colors, making it an incredibly attractive succulent.
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Fireworks'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Watermelon Taro'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
The origin of Aeonium 'Fireworks' is uncertain. It is believed to be a hybrid with Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' as one of the parents.
Description
Aeonium 'Fireworks', also known as Aeonium 'Watermelon Taro', is a compact succulent shrublet that forms striking rosettes of variegated leaves at the end of short branches. The colors of the leaves range from lime green with creamy-yellow edges to nearly black with red edges. In intense sunlight, the leaves can become almost entirely black.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Fireworks'
Light: Aeonium 'Fireworks' thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires a sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents since it needs more moisture than they typically provide.
Temperature: Aeonium 'Fireworks' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during its summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: Apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength during the growing season to stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium 'Fireworks' in a container, repot it every two to three years during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium 'Fireworks'
Aeonium 'Fireworks' is considered non-toxic, so growing around children and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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