Eonium (Aeonium) is a herbaceous succulent plant of the bastard family, which arrived in our homes from the Canary Islands, eastern Africa and the Mediterranean. This plant lives for a very long time, which is why it was called "eternal".
Aeonium can also be in the form of a bush. Stems can be single or branched. Like the leaves, they are very juicy. The older the aeonium becomes, the more its stems begin to resemble the trunk of a tree. Often, aerial roots begin to sprout on them. The height of the plant varies in a wide range: from a small bush 15 centimeters to a tree as long as a meter. The leaf is sessile, large and rather wide. Most often, a smooth leaf is found, but it also happens that it is covered with a short fluff. Their edges are either jagged or solid. The base is narrower than the edge. The leaves are collected in rather large rosettes sitting at the end of the stem.
During the flowering period, small yellow, white or pink flowers bloom, clustered in clusters. Under natural conditions, the plant blooms much longer and more often than in indoor conditions. When flowering comes to an end, the aeonium "discards" the shoot, which had flowers. It should be noted that aeonium, whose stems do not branch, is not viable.
Aeonium care at home
Location and lighting
To maintain the bright color of the leaves, the aeonium must be provided with natural light all year round. A sure sign that the plant does not have enough light is a decrease in the volume of outlets, thin elongated stems. A southeast or south window will suit him. In summer, the plant must be protected from too bright and hot rays.
Temperature
At any time of the year, except for winter, the aeonium does not require any special temperature for him, room temperature within +25 degrees is enough for him. In winter, it is recommended to reduce it by almost 2 times, to + 10-12 degrees. In summer, it will be good to take the plant out to the balcony or garden so that it takes on a brighter green color. You need to bring it back home with the onset of autumn.
Watering
In the summer, the aeonium requires moderate, not plentiful watering. The soil should dry out between waterings. In winter, watering should be reduced and watered only so that the soil does not dry out too much. It is strictly forbidden to pour water into the center of the plant or into the outlet, as this contributes to the emergence of a parasitic fungus there, which causes blackening of the leaves.
Air humidity
The humidity of the air for the plant is not so important, because it can tolerate a dry atmosphere well. It is not required to spray it from a spray bottle. To maintain a comfortable life for the aeonium, the room in which it stands must be ventilated from time to time, since it needs fresh air. If you notice dust on the leaves and rosettes, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The tree grows well in spring and summer, so during this period it needs a nutritious feeding for cacti every half a month. In winter, you do not need to fertilize it.
The soil
Providing the plant with good conditions, it is worth paying attention to the soil. A mixture of peat, turf and leafy soil, sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1 may be best suited. Like fertilizers, they can also be used with cactus soil. It doesn't hurt to add pieces of charcoal to the mixture.
Transfer
While the aeonium is young, it needs to be replanted once a year. The older he gets, the less often, but the rarest interval is 2-3 years. A drainage layer should be laid out at the bottom of the pot for a new plant so that the roots do not rot.
Reproduction of aeonium
There are 2 ways of propagation of aeonium: seeds and apical cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds just need to be scattered on top of the soil without burying them. Periodically, the container needs to be ventilated and the planted seeds should be sprayed. For successful seed germination, it is necessary to create greenhouse conditions, so the container is covered with glass. The optimum temperature for the seed to germinate is about +20 degrees.
Propagation by apical cuttings
To use this method of propagation, you need to carefully cut off the stem with a rosette. To prevent the plant from dying, the cut is rubbed with activated carbon and protected from bright light for several days, providing enough cool air. In the pot of a new young plant, you need to collect a mixture of sand and leafy earth in a ratio of 2: 1, watering moderately. The roots are formed after about half a month.
Diseases and pests
Mealybugs are the most common pest of aeoniums. They are located between the leaves in the outlet. Because of them, growth slows down, the appearance deteriorates. To get rid of them, you need to wipe the place where they sit with a sponge soaked in soapy water or alcohol.
