The native habitat for Aeonium are warm tropical islands off the coast of North Africa that have similar temperatures and dry summers similar to the rest of the Mediterranean region. The succulent leaves of Aeonium have adapted to store water for long periods between rainfalls making them similar to desert plants like cacti. The main difference is the modification each plant uses to store water.
Cacti have needles are leaves modified to reduce the amount of moisture loss during transpiration and succulent leaves retain moisture in their fleshy leaves. During active growth in the spring and fall, Aeonium needs the most consistent attention to watering, although this is still far less than other tropical houseplants making these showy foliage plants some of the most low-maintenance types for beginning gardeners to grow successfully.
How To Tell If Aeonium Needs Water
Aeoniums typically have sturdy and colorful rosettes of leaves that form from the inside out, making the outer leaves also the oldest. Over time the outer leaves tend to die back, turning brown and withering away while growth at the middle of the the rosette remains healthy. This is totally normal and not specifically an indication that watering is needed. On the other hand, if the leaves start to lose their rigid appearance and bend easily then that is a good sign that the plant is in need of watering.
Aerial roots growing from the stems can be another sign that your plant wants more water while also possibly indicating that the plant may be ready for repotting into a larger container. Make sure to check the soil moisture by either feeling with your finger or looking to see if the potting mix has pulled away from the inside of the pot. Although succulents like Aeonium prefer to let their potting mix dry completely between waterings, overly dry soils can be particularly difficult to rehydrate, especially peat-free mixes that rely on coconut coir.
Other signs that are confused for underwatering are actually signs of overwatering in succulents. Stems that are limp, possibly darker in color or even black at the base, leaves falling off the plant that are brown all over not just at the edges, and sowed growth during its regular active period in spring or fall all indicate either too many waiting sessions by the gardener or a potting mix that does not have the right amount of drainage or is too heavy for Aeoniums.
How To Water Aeonium
The best way to water Aeoniums is a drench and dry method that mimics the native climate in the Mediterranean and North African regions. Filtered tap water or rainwater is the most beneficial water as it tends to have fewer chemical additives than straight, municipal water from the kitchen sink. Allowing tap unfiltered tap water to sit in a watering can for 24 hours or more before watering also allows a certain amount of chlorine to dissipate.
Water the potting mix thoroughly, allowing excess moisture to drain from the bottom. Watering from the bottom of the pot can be used for smaller containers. This ensures complete soaking of the potting mix without disturbing any of the top growth. Use a plastic basin or the kitchen sink to set your potted Aeonium in a few inches of water. Let the plant stand in the water until all of the soil is moist. Allow the pot to drain well before replacing it back in its regular growing location.
Misting or providing high humidity is not needed for Aeonium. Although they prefer drier air year round they should be placed away from drafts and central heating vents which will sap the moisture from their leaves very quickly. During the active growing periods in the spring and the fall, watering every 7-10 days is typical and varies only if the plant is indoors or has been moved to a patio or deck for the summer. Watering during the winter should be reduced to once every 3-4 weeks to reduce the chance of overwatering which increases the susceptibility of pests and disease outbreaks.
Aeonium Watering Tips
- Thoroughly drench the soil at watering time and allow it to dry almost completely between waterings.
- Use an appropriate potting mix for succulents to reduce the risk of overwatering.
- Water every 7-10 days during active growing periods
- Reduce watering to once a month during the winter months.
Sources: “Growing Succulents Indoors”. Iowa State University. yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
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Author Robbin Small - Published 12-27-2024 |