Aeonium arboreum, commonly known as Tree Aeonium or Houseleek Tree, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to the Canary Islands, where its natural range includes arid desert regions. Tree Aeonium has waxy foliage that forms rosettes. It quickly grows and produces abundant yellow flowers in conical to ovate racemes from late winter through early spring. This visually striking succulent grows in various shapes, sizes, and colors in containers and rock gardens.
Light
Tree Aeonium grows best in full sun during the cooler months and when grown in coastal areas. When grown inland or during the summer, provide this succulent with afternoon or partial shade.
Soil
Though Tree Aeoniums tolerate various soil types as long as they are well-drained, it prefers light porous soil. Therefore, you may want to amend your planting site with sand and limestone chips. For container gardening, plant Tree Aeonium in a moderately moist medium with excellent drainage.
Watering
This drought-tolerant plant hates water around its roots, so avoid excessive watering. In the wild, this succulent goes dormant in summer, so water sparingly during the hotter months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or 2 (2.5 to 5 cm). Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot.
Temperature
Tree Aeonium thrives in temperatures that range from 40 to 100 °F (5 to 38 °C) in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. During the winter, Tree Aeonium grows best with nighttime temperatures of 50 °F (10 °C).
Fertilization
This succulent does not require much fertilizer. Two to three applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season feed Tree Aeonium.
Propagation
To propagate your Tree Aeonium, remove its terminal rosette or take leaf cuttings in late winter or early spring, then plant the cuttings or rosettes in well-drained soil. You can also sow seeds in sandy soil in late summer.
Pests and Problems
Though Tree Aeonium is not particularly susceptible to infestations, pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. If this succulent is planted in a site with poor drainage, its roots may rot.
Although the yellow flowers are attractive, each time they bloom, a rosette dies. You can avoid flowering by cutting the terminal rosette every year in late winter and propagating it by planting the rosette at the plant's base, where it will form roots.
Source: sfgate.com
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus