Aeonium arboreum is a delightful succulent that can grow up to 5 feet high as a bushy shrub. The rosettes have fleshy green leaves on elongated stems. When it flowers, it produces a mass of small yellow blooms on the ends of long stems primarily in spring.
How to Grow Aeonium arboreum
A. arboreum can be grown successfully outside if you live in a temperate climate without freezing cold winters. Although they prefer full sun, a little protection from the afternoon sun during summer will be appreciated.
How to Propagate Aeonium arboreum
The simplest way to propagate this Aeonium is to use the rosettes on the end of the stems. Cut a few smaller rosettes off the plant leaving a short piece of stem attached around 5 inches in length. Leave these cuttings in a dry spot to cure.
Once the stem ends have become callused, dip the ends in some hormone powder or liquid and place them in a potting mix that is free-draining. Keep the cuttings in a warm spot at around 64 degrees Fahrenheit out of direct sunlight and the soil should be just moist until roots start to appear.
Care and Maintenance
A. arboreum is one of the easiest succulents to take care of. In fact, it can almost thrive on neglect. The only thing you have to worry about is remembering to water it when the soil gets dry.
Soil
A. arboreum prefers loamy or sandy soil that is well-drained with a neutral pH. If you’re growing this plant in a pot, either indoors or out, use a quality potting mix and add some perlite to it to assist the drainage.
Alternatively, you can mix 2 parts succulent mix with one part potting mix for your potted plants.
Water
A. arboreum requires a moderate amount of water while it’s in its active growth stage. Just add water if the top inch of soil is dry. When the plant is dormant during summer, it only needs to be watered around once a month.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, give your Aeonium a well-balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. This should be applied at half strength. Stop fertilizing once the plant goes into dormancy in summer.
Sunlight
A. arboreum prefers to grow in full sunlight but in a sheltered position in your garden. If growing indoors, place this Aeonium near a north-facing window so that it gets enough light throughout the day.
Temperature and Humidity
A. arboreum doesn’t handle temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, if you get really cold winters, you’ll need to bring your plant indoors or give it some protection from frost and snow.
Pruning
These Aeoniums don’t require regular pruning except to keep a nice uniform shape.
Pest and diseases
This type of Aeonium is not susceptible to any major diseases. The only pests that might attack your plant are mealybugs and aphids. You can either wash these off or use a mild spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
Common Hybrids
There are many types of Aeoniums, A. arboreum has a number of hybrids that have been produced over the years. These include:
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Albovariegatum’ – has variegated leaves with a white margin
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’ – can develop dark purplish-red leaves when it’s grown in full sun.
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Luteo Variegata’ – another variegated hybrid with a light yellow margin around the leaves and some pink tints on the edges.
- Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’ – has dark purple, glossy leaves especially when grown in bright light.
Conclusion
Aeonium arboreum are easy-care succulents that thrive on neglect as long as you remember to water them when the soil dries out. Otherwise, you can enjoy their beauty without giving them a heap of attention.
