How often should I water my Aeonium?

Water only when the top inch of soil is completely dry.

Do they need direct sun?

They prefer bright, indirect light but can handle some direct morning sun.

Plant guide

Aeonium.

Aeonium

Pronounced ee-OH-nee-um

Also known as tree houseleeks

Aeonium arboreum — Photo by Sheelagh Halsey (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Aeoniums are beautiful succulents known for their rosette shapes that look like flowers. They thrive in mild climates and grow best when they get plenty of sunshine. These plants are quite easy to care for if you keep them in well draining soil.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 10 to 21 days
Mature size: 30 to 100 cm
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late winter to spring

Care

Keep your aeonium in bright light to maintain its compact shape and color. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for shriveling leaves which indicate the plant needs a drink.

Watering: Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out entirely between sessions.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Snip off dead or damaged rosettes to keep the plant looking tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.
Soil: Well draining cactus mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 5 to 30°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant has become top heavy and unstable.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but the sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Pets: Aeoniums are generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion or damage to the succulent leaves.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild contact dermatitis for people with sensitive skin.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: While not considered highly toxic, ingestion is not recommended as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in pets and humans.

How to identify it

succulent rosettes on woody stems
fleshy leaves arranged in spirals
often displays vibrant purple or red
small star shaped yellow flowers

Height: 0.15 to 1m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, purple, red, variegated, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, white, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Root rot — This occurs when the soil stays too wet for too long, causing the roots to decay.
Mealybugs — These small white insects hide in the crevices of the rosettes and suck plant sap.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, offsets
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors before the first frost, as they are not frost tolerant. Place them in a bright window and reduce watering significantly during the winter months.
In containers: They thrive in containers with excellent drainage, requiring at least a 6 inch pot for most common varieties.

Stem Cuttings

Cut a healthy rosette from the main stem with a clean knife.
Let the cutting dry in a shaded area for 3 to 5 days until the end callouses over.
Place the calloused end into well draining succulent soil.
Keep the soil barely moist until roots develop.

Group succulents with similar water needs together to ensure no single plant stays too wet.

Grows well with

Echeveria — They share similar water and light requirements for a cohesive succulent display.
Sedum — These low growing plants act as a great ground cover beneath taller Aeonium rosettes.
Aloe — Their contrasting textures and similar care needs make them excellent partners in containers.

Similar species

Echeveria — They look very similar but Echeveria rosettes are typically more compact and do not grow on woody stems.
Sempervivum — Often called hens and chicks, they share the rosette form but are much more cold hardy.

Science

Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Aeonium
Order: Saxifragales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Canary Islands, Madeira, and parts of North Africa.
Conservation: Most species are not currently under threat, though some rare island endemics are protected in their native habitats.

They store water in their fleshy leaves to survive long periods of drought in rocky, volcanic soils.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: container gardening, rock gardens, drought tolerant landscaping

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Aeonium?: Water only when the top inch of soil is completely dry.
Do they need direct sun?: They prefer bright, indirect light but can handle some direct morning sun.

Where the name comes from

The name comes from the Greek word aionios, which means everlasting. It reflects the plant's ability to survive in harsh, rocky environments.

Good to know

Many species are monocarpic, meaning they die after flowering.
They are native to the Canary Islands and parts of North Africa.
The rosettes often close up during the heat of the day to conserve moisture.
They are closely related to Sedum and Echeveria.

Is your aeonium looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.