Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a hybrid Aeonium with variegated leaves. The leaves have dark gray-green centers that are edged in a creamy white. The leaves also have a pale pink tinge around the edges.
This is an attractive Aeonium to add to your collection as it adds a little color and forms symmetrically shaped rosettes. When it flowers, the plant produces a long stem with clusters of creamy flowers that ‘burst’ open at different times.
How to Plant and Grow Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ can be grown in a pot either indoors or outdoors as long as it gets some shade from the hot afternoon sun. It also does well when planted in the ground in a rock garden. Once again, shade from the hot sun is required during the summer.
How to Propagate Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
This Aeonium is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Just remove a stem with the rosette intact at the tip. Leave this to cure until calluses form on the cut end of the stem.
Once the stem end is dry and callused, dip the end in some rooting hormone and plant into a moist compost that has been enriched with coco fiber. Keep the cuttings in a warm environment above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Care and Maintenance
Like most succulents, this Aeonium is fairly low-maintenance. It just requires watering when the soil is dry and a little fertilizer during its main growth period. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to Aeonium care.
Soil
Sunburst succulent requires well-drained soil with a fairly neutral pH in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. For potted plants, use a good quality potting mix with some added perlite or coarse builder’s sand to assist in drainage.
Water
Like many other species of succulents, this plant likes the soil to dry out in between watering. Use a moisture meter to check if the soil is dry or push your finger into the top 1 to 2 inches to test. If the soil is dry, water the plant well but make sure that any excess water can drain away freely.
Do not let your Aeonium sit in water as this can promote root rot.
Fertilizer
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ should be fed during its growing season which is winter to spring. During this time, you should apply a half-strength balanced fertilizer.
The plant will go dormant in summer and should not be fed during this time.
Sunlight
Sunburst succulent prefers to grow in full sun but can handle bright shade. Especially in the afternoon when the sun is really hot.
If growing your Aeonium indoors, it’s best placed in or near a north-facing window. This should provide enough light for your plant but protect it from the heat of the afternoon sun.
Temperature and Humidity
This Aeonium is not frost-hardy and needs to be moved indoors or into a greenhouse if your outdoor temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
This succulent grows best in temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not like very hot weather and the leaves will curl up to prevent moisture loss.
Pruning
This Aeonium doesn’t require pruning unless you want to take some cuttings to propagate new plants.
Pest and diseases
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is prone to stem root rot, especially if the roots stay wet for any length of time. If this happens to your plant, cut off the top pieces of the stems that have not been affected and use these cuttings to produce new plants.
Aeoniums grown indoors may also be attacked by mealybugs and aphids. Use an insecticidal spray to kill these pests.
Conclusion
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a charming plant to add to your collection with its colorful variegated foliage. The plant is low-maintenance and as long as you provide some shade from the hot afternoon sun in summer, it should grow quite happily both indoors and out.
Check our website for more Aeonium types.
