Aeonium arboreum Tip Top

Aeonium arboreum Tip Top

Aeoniums – Learn, Buy & grow Aeoniums in the UK

Aeoniums are from the huge Crassulaceae family. They are some of the fleshiest succulents native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. Some species are native to Central and North Africa.

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The natural habitat of aeonium is completely Mediterranean so the plant can adapt easily to other regions with similar weather conditions. Depending on where they have grown and the particular species, there will be some slight variations to their light, water, and temperature needs. Moreso, they are a flower-producing plant but their ornamental attraction is variegated foliage and unusual plant shapes.

They are partially hardy plants that are moderately tolerant to frost, drought, and heat. Most species require bright light or full sunlight to thrive. They can be easily distinguished from other members of the Crassulaceae family because of the unique way their leaves are attached to the stem- they are wrapped around the stem with a fibrous attachment in such a way that when the leaf is pulled off it doesn’t hurt the stem but rather leaves behind a line showing where the lead was formerly attached.
Aeonium arboreum
This species of aeonium is one of the most common that is readily available for sale in the UK. It is regarded as a classic species. It is a bright green plant with thin spoon-shaped leaves, moderate-sized rosettes held up by a branching stem. Growing this plant is very simple and can be easily planted by stem propagation. It grows up to 6m high. It is moderately sensitive to cold and heat. The leaves melt in frost and curl up in heat. Generally, it has a good recovery rate. Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’ is the same plant but with purple leaves.

This species has several hybrids that are cultivated such as:

Aeonium zwartkop

Aeonium Schwartzkopf

Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ is a branching evergreen succulent form that produces fantastic, almost black leaf rosettes at the ends of its branches.

The name ‘Zwartkop’ (syn. ‘Schwarzkopf’), means ‘black head.’ It is a very popular Aeonium and deservedly so, as it has rich purplish-black, narrow, spoon-shaped, polished leaves, much darker than ‘Atropurpureum’. The stronger the sun, the blacker it becomes.

During the cold winter months, they must be stored in a frost free location and watered sparingly if at all; because they are adapted to dry conditions. Like other cacti and succulents, their leaves store water for the plant to use during hot dry periods.

They are wonderful plants bedded out for the summer months also working well in containers with other dessert plants.

Latin name: Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
Common Name: Black Tree Aeonium
Ease of growing: Easy, though not hardy
Position: Full sun – very dry and hot, though they do like a good summer rain as well

Also a hybrid of aeonium arboreum, it has nearly black leaves in the hot summer but fades to purple when placed in a shade or during winter. It is the most ornamental of all the aeonium species because its leaves are an attractive aesthetically-pleasing addition to any garden or landscape.

Where to buy Aeoniums in the UK?

Aeonium tabuliforme: Also called flat-topped aeonium because it produces rosettes that are flat as a saucer. It is a perennial plant with overlapping fleshy green leaves with hairy edges. After several years, it blooms tiny, stary yellow flowers. It is a tiny plant that grows only 2-6 inches tall and 10-18 inches in diameter. It is propagated by cuttings of the rosettes or by seed.

 

How To Grow And Care For Aeoniums

The best season for growing aeonium is in the spring and autumn when the light and heat conditions are moderate and ideal.

The natural habitat of aeonium is hot and dry with occasional rainfall so when cultivating this plant, you need to replicate this so that they can thrive as garden plants and potted plants.

Soil: Aeonium needs soil that has good drainage abilities such as sandy soil or a gravel garden to grow successfully. This keeps the roots and stems dry in between watering periods. When planting in a pot, consider using a terracotta pot – it is porous and will allow the soil to dry out easily between watering. 

Water: Their thick and fleshy leaves and roots store water so they can survive for long periods without water. When growing aeoniums indoors, leave the soil to dry out and then water heavily, this is a better method than watering little and constantly. As an outdoor plant, allow the plant to get all the water it needs from rainfall. If aeonium plants are constantly in wet soil, the root and stems will rot. Reduce watering during summer and winter when the leaves become tighter and begin to dry out and fall off because the plant has stored all the water it needs for that period.

Light: Aeoniums need a lot of sunlight to thrive so grow aeoniums outdoors where they will get sufficient sunlight. As an indoor plant, place your potted aeonium plant close to a window in a brightly lit room.

Winter Care For Aeoniums

Aeoniums are moderately hardy plants and can survive in a fairly windy climate but they should be protected from winter frost. As long as their soil is not wet, they can survive in temperatures as low as 5 degrees celsius. Aeonium care in the UK winter is not difficult. All you need to do is feed them with plant food at least once a month till the end of spring to ensure that they have all the nutrients to survive during winter.

 

FAQ

How do you care for aeoniums in the UK?

Caring for aeonium in the UK is not difficult once you can replicate the conditions of the natural habitat of aeonium and take note of the water requirements in spring, autumn, summer, and winter.

What are the types of Aeonium?

There are several types of aeonium some of the most popular species are Aeonium arboreum, Aeonium zwartkop, Aeonium tabuliforme, Haworth aeonium, Aeonium undulatum, Canary aeonium.

How do you overwinter Aeonium? 

If your plants are potted, you can choose to move them to a warmer spot inside your house or a greenhouse. The temperatures indoors will be more favourable to your aeonium succulent. The most important thing is to make sure your plants stay dry throughout the winter.