Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ is a popular succulent known for its striking, multicolored rosettes. These plants feature spoon-shaped leaves with a gradient of colors, typically green in the center, yellow margins, and often vibrant pink or red tips when exposed to bright sunlight. Propagation is creating new plants from existing ones, using parts of the parent plant. Propagating this succulent allows enthusiasts to multiply their collection, share plants with others, or rejuvenate an older, leggy specimen.
When and Why to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi
The optimal time for propagating Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ is during its active growing season. Unlike many succulents that grow in summer, Aeoniums typically enter a summer dormancy, with their most vigorous growth occurring in the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. Propagating during this active period ensures the best chance for successful root formation and overall plant establishment. Reasons for propagation extend beyond simply increasing your plant count. If an Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ becomes leggy, propagation can help restore a more compact shape. It is also a practical way to save an unhealthy plant by taking cuttings from healthy sections before the entire plant declines.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagating Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ from stem cuttings is a common and effective method. Begin by selecting a healthy, firm stem that has an unblemished appearance and a well-formed rosette at its top. A stem length of about 4 to 6 inches is often suitable, providing enough material for planting.
Use clean, sharp tools, such as scissors or pruning shears, to make a precise cut just below a leaf node. Sterilizing your tools with rubbing alcohol before each cut helps prevent the introduction of diseases. After making the cut, allow the severed end of the stem to dry out and form a protective callus. This callusing process, which typically takes 2 to 5 days in a cool, shaded area with good air circulation, is important for preventing rot once the cutting is planted.
Once the callus has formed, plant the cutting into a pot with drainage holes filled with a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. A suitable mix can be a commercial blend or a homemade combination of two parts potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite. Insert the callused end of the stem about 1 to 2 inches deep into the soil, gently firming the medium around the base to secure it.
Propagating from Offsets
Another straightforward method for propagating Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ involves using offsets. These are smaller rosettes that often grow from the side of the mother plant’s stem. Offsets can sometimes develop their own roots while still attached to the parent plant, simplifying the propagation process.
To remove an offset, carefully cut it from the main plant using clean, sharp shears. Ensure the offset has a small section of stem attached to it, as this is where new roots will emerge. Similar to stem cuttings, allow the cut end of the offset to callus for a few days in a dry, shaded location before planting.
Once callused, plant the offset into a pot with well-draining succulent soil. This method is easier than stem cuttings if offsets are available.
Post-Propagation Care and Tips for Success
After planting your Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ cuttings or offsets, providing the right environmental conditions is important for successful rooting and growth. Place the newly planted succulents in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense for fresh cuttings and may cause scorching before they establish roots.
Watering should be done sparingly during the initial rooting phase. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent rot. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially when the plant has not yet developed a robust root system.
Ensure the pots have drainage holes, and use a gritty, well-draining soil mix to facilitate proper water flow. A soil mix with 50% to 70% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, promotes excellent drainage. Monitor the cuttings for signs of new growth, such as fresh leaves emerging from the rosette or resistance when gently tugged, which indicates rooting has occurred.