Aeonium 'Plum Thumb'

Scientific Name

Aeonium 'Plum Thumb'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium

Origin

Aeonium 'Plum Thumb' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Aeonium 'Jack Catlin' and Aeonium sedifolium. It was created at Huntington Botanical Garden in Pasadena, California, United States.

Description

Aeonium 'Plum Thumb' is a magnificent succulent that forms rosettes of leaves that change color throughout the year. It has a branching habit and can create attractive clusters of rosettes as it ages. The leaves are spoon-shaped with soft, pointed tips and short cilia along the margins. They emerge lime green and quickly darken to a beautiful plum color that becomes even more intense during the summer.

Flowering has not been observed to date.

How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Plum Thumb'

Light: Aeonium 'Plum Thumb' 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 'Plum Thumb' 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. During its dormancy in summer, stop watering except in arid conditions.

Fertilizing: To stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength only during the growing season.

Repotting: If growing Aeonium 'Plum Thumb' 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 'Plum Thumb'

Aeonium 'Plum Thumb' is considered non-toxic, so growing around children and pets is safe.

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