Planting, growing and caring for tree cabbage

Presentation of the aeonium

What is the ideal light and exposure for the aeonium?

If you want to plant aeoniums, reserve them a location in full sun or partial shadewhether in a rockery, in a border or to dress a slope.

Be careful, however, that your aeonium(s) are sheltered from cold winds. You can also grow your aeonium potted indoors, but you should know that heating in winter can be problematic. If you opt for this method of cultivation, install your plant in a bright room behind a window or in a winter garden, veranda, etc.

What is the ideal temperature for the aeonium?

The cold resistance of the aeonium differs depending on the variety, but this plant is, as a general rule, rather chilly and cannot withstand temperatures below -5°C. She prefers mild climates. This means that if you live in an area with harsher winters, it is best to grow your aeonium in a pot so that you can protect it from frost in winterwhether in a greenhouse, a winter garden or in an unheated veranda.

Watering the aeonium

Aeonium fears not only frost, but also excessive humidity.

• If you grow your aeonium in the ground: it is not necessary to water it, except in cases of prolonged drought.
• If you grow your aeonium in a pot: remember to water regularly during the summer months. As soon as the substrate dries, it is time to water. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month. It is important for the health of your aeonium to ensure that water never stagnates in the saucer or dish.

Ideal atmospheric humidity

If there’s one thing tree cabbage fears, it’s excess humidity, because it can cause it to rot. However, normal atmospheric humidity allows it to withstand periods of drought. The aeonium finds, in fact, something to hydrate itself in morning dew, fog or low clouds. So, whatever the season, the aeonium will appreciate a spray of water.

What types of soil and fertilizer for your aeonium?

Earth

If you want to grow your aeonium in the ground, do not hesitate to add draining elements. You can add pebbles, sand, pozzolan or perlite to the soil in your garden.

Another good solution is to grow it on a slope which will promote the evacuation of water. For growing in a pot, it is possible to opt for a cacti soil or you can also prepare a mixture yourself with potting soil, coarse non-calcareous sand and gravel, pozzolan or perlite in equal parts .

Fertilizer

There is no need to add fertilizer.

Planting and repotting aeonium

For planting in open ground

If you live in a region where winters are rather mild, such as around the Mediterranean, you can plant your aeonium in the ground. To do this :

• After digging the planting hole, install a bed of gravel at the bottom.
• After installing your aeonium, fill the hole.
• Lightly pack the soil around the base.
• You can also install mineral mulch to prevent the crown and lower leaves from being in direct contact with the soil.

For planting in a pot

This solution will allow you to shelter your aeonium as soon as the cold and frost arrive. To do this :

• Choose a terracotta pot, as it will allow better aeration of the roots and better water drainage.
• Here too, it is important to install a bed of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot.
• Then place part of the substrate of your choice, either cacti soil or a mixture prepared as explained a little above.
• Set up your aeonium, then finish filling the pot.
• Tamp lightly, then water.
• It is advisable to put a thin layer of sand or small gravel on the surface of the substrate in order to insulate the base leaves from humidity.

Repotting

It is a plant that will adapt to the place you give it. If you choose a small pot, it will remain moderate in size. If you repot it often or place it in a large pot, it will be more vigorous. When planting, you can slightly bury the main stem to facilitate the appearance of new roots. This will strengthen the plant.

How to multiply aeonium?

To multiply aeonium, nothing could be simpler: just take a rosette with a piece of stem. Place it in potting soil mixed with sand to ensure drainage. Be sure to keep the substrate moist, but ensure that it is not soggy. You will quickly enjoy a new plant.

How to prune aeonium?

It is possible to cut the stem to see new rosettes form. During this operation, you can take the opportunity to take cuttings from the cut stem.

Cleaning the plant

Aeonium requires little maintenance. In fact, it comes down to removing wilted flowers and dried leaves. Your plant will thus maintain its beautiful appearance.

Species and varieties of the Aeonium genus: there are several kinds

The Aeonium genus has several dozen species which differ by their size, the color of their leaves or their flowers, etc. Among these we can cite:

• aeonium arboreum;
• aeonium ciliatum;
• aeonium canariense;
• aeonium haworthii ;
• aeonium tabuliforme;
• aeonium lindleyi;
• aeonium nobile;
• aeonium sedifolium;
• etc.

The species, for their part, bring together different varieties, each with their own particularities.

The 4 points to remember about aeonium

• Aeonium is an easy to grow plantprovided it is installed in well-drained soil and in a bright location.
• This succulent plant with rosettes of leaves develops mainly in autumn and multiplies easily.
• Be sure to check the hardiness of your aeonium or protect it in winter.
• This succulent plant can be grown in pots or in the groundfor example in a rock garden, in a clump, etc.