Succulent Maintenance

Aeonium (Spring & Autumn Type) 🌱

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Aeoniums are drought-adapted succulents that thrive with bright light, excellent airflow, and fast-draining substrate. They display compact form and vivid color when two key rules are followed: rapid drainage and complete drying between waterings. Growth is most active in cool to mild seasons (spring & autumn).

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📊 Botanical Profile

  • Adaptations: Fleshy water-storing leaves, often with waxy coating (farina), and compact growth under high light.

  • Habitat: Native to rocky slopes and well-draining gravelly soils.

  • ID Tips: Observe leaf shape, margins (smooth or ciliate), farina presence, and rosette form. Label hybrids clearly in cultivation.

☀️ Light & Temperature

  • Indoor: PPFD 150–400 (≈ 12–35k lux).

  • Outdoor (acclimated): PPFD 300–800 (≈ 25–70k lux).

  • Etiolation: PPFD < 120.

  • Sunburn risk: > 700 PPFD if unacclimated.

  • Optimal range: 15–28°C.

  • Tolerance: Brief exposure to 5°C (dry) / 35°C (with airflow).

  • Dormancy: May slow in peak summer heat or winter cold.

  • Recommend: 6–10 hours bright light + good airflow; provide shade during intense heat.

💧 Watering & Substrate

  • Substrate: 60–90% mineral grit (pumice/perlite/lava), 2–6mm, pH 6.0–7.2.

  • Watering: Soak thoroughly → allow to dry completely (check weight/skewer).

  • Seasonal adjust: Water more in active growth (spring/autumn), reduce in summer/winter.

  • Pots: Use shallow, breathable containers with large drainage holes.

🌿 Fertilization & Growth Rhythm

  • Fertilize: Only in active growth with ¼-strength balanced/low-N formula.

  • Avoid feeding during hot/cold dormancy or in wet soil.

  • Growth rhythm: Variable; lengthen dry periods during rest, resume watering with new growth.

  • Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

✂️ Propagation

  • Stem/leaf cuttings: Callus 2–10 days → place in coarse, slightly moist media under gentle light (PPFD 50–120).

  • Seeds: Surface-sow on sterile fine grit; lightly cover; maintain 18–24°C.

  • Offsets: Detach cleanly, allow cuts to dry, plant shallowly to avoid rot.

⚠️ Troubleshooting

  • Faded color → Increase light gradually.

  • Leggy growth → More light; less nitrogen; cooler nights.

  • Soft/rotting leaves → Stop watering ↑ airflow; repot into gritty mix.

  • Black base/crown → Unpot, cut rot away, dry 5–7 days, re-root shallowly.

  • Not flowering → Ensure cool nights and seasonal light changes.

  • Cuttings not rooting → Ensure full callus; keep media barely moist & warm (20–24°C).

  • Brown leaf tips → Flush soil; protect from intense light/heat.

  • Pale new growth → Light micronutrient supplement.

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