Aeonium aka Aeonium 'Emerald Ice'

Taxonomy

Aeonium, also known as the tree houseleeks, is a genus of approximately 35 species of attractive, evergreen succulent plants. They belong to the family Crassulaceae and are native to various regions including the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, Morocco, East Africa, and Yemen. These plants are popular in horticulture and are commonly used in landscaping, particularly in desert settings. Aeoniums are characterized by their bushy, branching mound formation, with fleshy-leaved rosettes in shades of dark copper-purple, yellow, and green, arranged in a lollipop shape. They are well-suited for xeriscapes and can also be grown indoors in containers, as long as they receive ample light. With approximately 40 species, along with various cultivars and hybrids, Aeonium plants are known for their ageless nature, as new rosettes continuously replace those that bloom and die. The genus name, derived from the Greek word "aionos," meaning "ageless," reflects this characteristic. Referred to as "Tree Houseleek," these plants typically grow on stalks or trunks, distinguishing them from similar succulents that grow close to the ground.

Common names

Aeonium 'Emerald Ice', Moonburst Aeonium, Giant Red Aeonium, Aeonium Green Platters, Aeonium 'Kiwi'

How to care for Aeonium 'Emerald Ice'

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Aeonium 'Emerald Ice' is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Aeonium 'Emerald Ice'’s native range is Macronesia, and East Africa to Yemen.


More info:
Wikipedia