Aeonium care: watering, light and repotting
Also called tree houseleek, aeonium zwartkop · Aeonium arboreum · Crassulaceae family
14 d in winter
How often to water the aeonium?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 14 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Unlike other succulents, it grows in autumn and spring and rests in summer: its rosettes close up then, which is normal.
What light does it need?
The aeonium loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in September, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from March to October, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 16–32 in (40–80 cm).
Common problems
Rosettes closed in summer
Cause: Summer rest. What to do: Water very little until autumn.
Stretching stems
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it as much sun as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the aeonium?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 2 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the aeonium?
The aeonium loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the aeonium?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the aeonium?
Every 2 years, ideally in September, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the aeonium safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the aeonium needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.