Aeonium spathulatum – Succulent plants

Aeonium spathulatum is a beautiful, branching succulent shrub that grows up to 90 cm tall, with spoon-shaped leaves up to 3 cm long, that is slightly sticky to touch. It will go slightly red in color when exposed to strong light and will flower within a few years. The blooms are star-shaped and golden yellow in color.

Scientific Classification:

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

Scientific Name: Aeonium spathulatum (Hornem.) Praeger
Synonyms: Sempervivum spathulatum (basionym), Aeonium bentejui, Aeonium cruentum, Aeonium strepsicladum, Aldasorea strepsiclada

How to grow and maintain Aeonium spathulatum:

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.