Aeonium 'Zeus' and Aeonium 'Poseidon' are very similar and often confused, but the latter has flatter rosettes with broader and more rounded leaves.
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Zeus'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Zuse'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The hybrid name refers to Zeus, the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who ruled as king of the gods on Mount Olympus.
Origin
Aeonium 'Zeus' is an Asian hybrid thought to be a sibling of Aeonium 'Poseidon', Aeonium 'Princess Poseidon', and Aeonium 'Green Rose'. They were selected in 2022 from the same batch of Aeonium undulatum hybrid seedlings.
Description
Aeonium 'Zeus' is a stunning succulent with variegated, spoon-shaped leaves arranged in large rosettes at the end of stout stems. It can grow to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall, often unbranched or basally few-branched. The leaves are dark green with white outer portions and a small amount of pink on the margins. They have soft pointed tips and slightly ciliate margins.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Zeus'
Light: Aeonium 'Zeus' 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 'Zeus' 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 'Zeus' 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 'Zeus'
Aeonium 'Zeus' is considered non-toxic, so it is safe for growing around children and pets.
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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