The crested form of Aeonium 'Sunburst' was published as Aeonium 'Spreading Sun' by Harry Mak in the Photo Album of Succulents in Color Volume 3 in March 2003. However, this name is not widely recognized, and the plant is generally called the crested Aeonium 'Sunburst'.
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested'
Accepted Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Spreading Sun'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested' is a form of Aeonium 'Sunburst' selected for its mutated growth. Aeonium 'Sunburst' is probably a variegated cultivar of Aeonium davidbramwellii.
Description
Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested' is a fascinating succulent with flattened stems and rosettes surrounded by numerous smaller rosettes of tightly packed, variegated leaves. This form is smaller than the normal form of Aeonium 'Sunburst' but is more interesting in shape. The leaves are primarily green with irregular, creamy-yellow edges. When exposed to intense sunlight, the edges of the leaves take on a reddish-pink hue. Each specimen has a unique shape and often simultaneously displays mutated and normal growth.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested'
Light: Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested' 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 'Sunburst Crested' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in the 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 'Sunburst Crested' 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 in spring 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 'Sunburst Crested'
Aeonium 'Sunburst Crested' 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
Photo Gallery
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