Aeoniums, succulent plants native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and parts of Africa, are cherished for their striking rosette forms and vibrant foliage. These plants, often called tree houseleeks, exhibit a lifecycle that culminates in a distinctive flowering process. While their rosette shapes and colors provide visual interest, a flower stalk signals an important event in an aeonium’s life.
Understanding Aeonium Flowering
Aeoniums typically flower after reaching maturity, a process that can take three to ten years depending on the species and growing conditions. Blooms generally appear from late winter to spring. A flower stalk emerges from the center of a mature rosette, elongating and often towering above the plant. These stalks bear conical or pyramidal clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The color of the blooms varies by species, commonly appearing in shades of yellow, white, pink, or red.
Many aeoniums are monocarpic, meaning the specific rosette that flowers will die after blooming. This occurs because the plant dedicates all its energy to producing the flower and seeds. Not all aeoniums are monocarpic, and even among monocarpic varieties, only the flowering rosette perishes. If an aeonium has multiple rosettes or produces offsets, the non-flowering parts will continue to live and grow. A monocarpic bloom is identified when the flower stalk emerges directly from the center of the rosette; if flowers appear from the side or a separate stem, the main rosette will not die.
Caring for an Aeonium in Bloom
When an aeonium is actively blooming, its energy is largely directed towards the floral display. Providing adequate light is necessary during this period; aeoniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, and insufficient light can hinder their growth. If grown indoors, a south-facing window or a spot with filtered light is ideal.
Watering practices during bloom should align with the plant’s typical needs during its active growing season, generally cooler months. Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. While the plant is flowering, it requires regular watering, but avoid overwatering, especially if it enters a dormant phase during hot summer months. For taller flower stalks, especially on larger varieties, providing support can prevent them from toppling due to the weight of the blooms.
Post-Flowering Management
After an aeonium has finished flowering, management depends on whether the blooming rosette was monocarpic. For monocarpic varieties, the rosette that produced the flower will gradually wither and die. Once the flowers fade and the rosette begins to decline, the spent flower stalk should be pruned. Cut the stalk as close to the base of the rosette or where it branches off, using clean, sterilized pruning shears. This removal prevents potential diseases and allows the plant to redirect energy.
Even if the main rosette dies, aeoniums often produce new growth from the base of the plant or from offsets along the stem. For branching varieties, the remaining rosettes will continue to grow. To encourage new growth or to propagate the plant, stem cuttings from offsets are a common method. Cuttings should be allowed to callus for a few days before being planted in well-draining soil, where they can root and establish new plants. For non-monocarpic varieties, the rosette will continue its normal growth cycle after the bloom subsides, and the spent flower stalk can be removed to maintain the plant’s appearance.