Aeonium spathulatum (Aeonium spathulatum) approx. 15 seeds

Aeonium spathulatum - Aeonium spathulatum - 15 seeds

This species of aeonium, like other species, originates from the Canary Islands - Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In habit, this succulent corresponds to a subshrub and reaches heights of up to 60 cm. It grows mainly scattered to abundantly on dry rocks in forest areas, but also extends into the rocks of the subalpine zone.

The plant is relatively densely branched. The leaves are sticky and have red stripes on the underside. It blooms from March to June with yellow inflorescences. The plant can be grown not only as a rock garden succulent, but also as a houseplant.

How to Grow Aeonium

• The plant requires a bright location, full sun. We ensure sufficient light especially during winter months. During summer it can be placed in the garden, but in a location protected from rain and midday heat. It is not frost-resistant! If we grow Aeonium as a houseplant, we maintain optimal temperature in the range of approximately 20°C. In autumn the plant has a dormancy period, so we should keep it at a temperature of 10 to 12°C in a dry environment. The minimum temperature is 8°C. In summer we water moderately, in winter we water very sparingly.

• We sow the same way as with all succulents. We sow seeds on the surface of well-draining substrate. We place the sowing in a well-lit location and maintain constant substrate moisture and room temperature. We water from below. Larger seedlings can be transplanted.

• Aeoniums primarily need sandy substrate. We can create suitable substrate from 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts peat, and 1 part coarse sand. If we want to save work, we can use substrate designed for houseplants, which we mix 2:1 with sand, and create approximately 1 cm high drainage layer of pebbles, gravel, or decorative marble at the bottom of the pot. Substrates designed specifically for cacti and succulents are not very suitable for Aeonium. Unlike most succulents, Aeoniums have greater nutrient requirements, which these special substrates are poor in.

• During the growing season we fertilize 1-2 times monthly with cactus fertilizer, in winter we don't fertilize at all.

• During winter months, Aeonium, like most succulents, suffers from root rot, which is caused by excessive watering. We only water plants when the substrate is completely dry. We avoid watering the leaves, as with some species, water that gets into the leaf rosette can also cause rot and death of the entire plant.

  If the plant suddenly begins to lose leaves, the cause is very cold water or, in summer, lack of water. Conversely, wilted and faded leaves are a sign of excessive watering and overwatering.

  If brown soft (watery) spots appear on the plant leaves, this is fungal leaf spot. It is necessary to use a systemic fungicide and ventilate the room where the Aeonium is located very well. The opposite case is dry brown spots, which are a manifestation of insufficient watering, especially during summer months.