Aeonium 'Floresens' is sometimes sold as Aeonium 'Starburst', but its colors are reversed compared to those of the latter. Additionally, these two plants have different habits, and their rosettes have different shapes and sizes.
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Floresens'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
The origin of Aeonium 'Floresens' is uncertain, possibly originating from Asia. It seems to be a mutation of the Aeonium haworthii. Compared to Aeonium haworthii 'Dream Color', it shares the same shape and many of the colors, but it is much more vigorous and easier to grow.
Description
Aeonium 'Floresens' is a stunning succulent shrublet with rosettes of variegated leaves at the end of its ascending or pendent branches. It offsets freely and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and width. The leaves change in color from forest green to lime and have creamy-yellow outer portions. They may blush at their edges and develop a purple mid-stripe when exposed to bright sunlight. At the end of winter, the variegation of the leaves almost entirely disappears, but after a few days of sunlight, the green and creamy-yellow colors blend again for a long time.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Floresens'
Light: Aeonium 'Floresens' 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 'Floresens' 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 only during the growing season to stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium 'Floresens' 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 'Floresens'
Aeonium 'Floresens' 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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