Aeonium canariense (Giant Velvet Rose) – Succulent plants

Aeonium canariense (Giant Velvet Rose) is an attractive, succulent plant that grows up to 30 cm) tall when not in bloom, with rosettes up to 20 cm in diameter. Each rosette is monocarpic, which means it dies right after its flower. The bright green leaves become tinged with red when grown in the spring sun. Blooming stems packed with cream-yellow flowers emerge in summer, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm).

Scientific Classification:

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aeonium

Scientific Name: Aeonium canariense (L.) Webb & Berthel.
Synonyms: Sempervivum canariense
Common Names: Giant Velvet Rose, Tree Aeonium

How to grow and maintain Aeonium canariense (Giant Velvet Rose):

Light:
It thrives best in full sunlight to part sunlight in a sheltered spot, but the bright light enhances the rich hues of the darker Aeoniums.

Soil:
It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, any good potting mix soil.

Temperature:
It prefers ideal temperatures of 65ºF – 75ºF / 18ºC – 24ºC and no lower than 50ºF / 10ºC.

Water:
Water moderately but consistently during the growing season, Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter reduce watering to a minimum.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize your plant once every 2 weeks during the active growth period with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed while dormant.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed or by stem cuttings. Sow seed at 19-24ºC in spring. Take cuttings of rosettes in the spring and kept at 18ºC and barely moist until rooted.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Slugs can do some damage and the occasional bird may take a bite.