Tree Houseleek Aeonium

Aeonium is a genus of small to medium sized, evergreen, succulent plants native to Macaronesia, Southwest Morocco, Northeast and East Africa and the Southwest Arabian Peninsula. The genus name, Aeonium, is from the Greek word, aionos, which means "ageless."  There are 36 accepted species in this genus. They grow as colorful rosettes of thick, waxy leaves. Depending on the species the rosette size varies from a couple of inches to 1 foot wide. Some are tall while Aeonium tabulaeforme and Aeonium smithii remain compact. As for color, the leaves come in medium green, light green, variegated with white, cream, creamy yellow, bronze purple or dark purple. They are members of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). 

These plants are found in mild and dry climates and are winter-hardy in zones 9 to 11. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil of loam or sand with an acidic to neutral pH. For container plants it is best to use a cactus mix to insure adequate drainage. The plants in this genus are drought and salt-tolerant and deer-resistant. To preserve these plants, they should be brought indoors before the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Restrict the water to just enough to stop the leaves from fading over the winter months. Remember they love the sun, so keep them in a well-lit place. Slowly acclimate them to the sunlight before putting them out in the late spring. Propagate these plants in the spring or summer by seed, division, or cuttings.

Some species are shrub-forming and can grow up to 5 feet tall while others are much smaller and compact. They have showy flowers rising from the rosette and usually bloom late winter or spring. They may form a panicle or make a 'popsicle' at the top of the stem. They are generally small, star-shaped blooms, and depending on the species they may be creamy white, yellow, gold, pink, or red. Some species can take 3 to 5 years to flower. The fruits are small and papery, and they will split open when ripe. Most aeoniums are monocarpic which means that the flowering rosette will set seed once and die after blooming. In branching species, the plant will continue to grow after flowering; however, unbranched species must be propagated by seeds. 

In North Carolina these succulents must be planted in pots to be brought inside in the winter or treated as annuals. Use them to make a poolside 'desert' landscape in a shallow container. Perhaps plant them in traditional terracotta pots and group them near the front door. The dark varieties are spectacular against a pale background such as a fence (blue, silver or grey-leaved plants, white flowers and a top dressing of sand). Try contrasting the rosette with the color of the pot you use, such as a dark pot with a light colored plant; light pot with a dark leaved variety. These plant are perfect as an ornamental houseplant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Typically, these plants have no serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale and ants. Overwatering can cause root rot. The leaves will scorch if the plant receives too much sunlight. 

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.