Crested Aeoniums are distinctive succulents known for their unusual fan-like or wavy growth patterns. Unlike typical aeoniums, which form uniform rosettes, crested varieties exhibit an altered development that creates a striking visual appeal, making them highly sought-after.
Understanding Fasciation in Crested Aeoniums
The unique appearance of a crested aeonium results from fasciation, a phenomenon where the plant’s apical meristem, or growing tip, elongates and flattens. This process produces ribbon-like or convoluted tissue instead of typical cylindrical growth, leading to flattened stems and tightly packed leaves that form the characteristic crested shape. Fasciation is a natural mutation, not a disease, though various factors can trigger it. Triggers include genetic predispositions, hormonal imbalances, environmental stressors like extreme temperatures, or physical damage from insects, chemicals, or mechanical injury.
Caring for Your Crested Aeonium
Crested aeoniums thrive in bright, indirect light. While they tolerate full sun, protect them from intense afternoon rays, especially in hotter climates. Insufficient light causes stretching and leggy growth (etiolation), while too much direct sun can scorch leaves. Optimal conditions are a sunny south-facing window indoors or morning sun with afternoon shade outdoors.
Water crested aeoniums carefully, especially during summer dormancy. During their active growing season (fall through spring), use the “soak and dry” method, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Aeoniums become dormant in hot, dry summer weather, requiring less water; their rosettes may close to conserve moisture. Overwatering, particularly during dormancy, can cause root rot, as water may get trapped in their tight crevices.
A well-draining soil mix is essential for these succulents. Amend sandy loam or regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Unlike many succulents, aeoniums can prefer a mix that retains slightly more moisture than a typical arid blend, but good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging.
Crested aeoniums prefer moderate temperatures, ideally 55°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They are not frost-tolerant; protect them if temperatures drop below 30°F to 40°F (-1.1°C to 4.4°C). Low humidity and good air circulation are beneficial. Fertilizing is not always necessary, but a light feeding with diluted water-soluble succulent fertilizer can be applied monthly during their active growing season. Avoid fertilizing during summer dormancy to prevent weak growth or root issues.
Propagating Crested Aeoniums
Propagating crested aeoniums is primarily done through stem cuttings. Take a healthy crested stem cutting, ensuring it includes a portion of the crested form.
After cutting, allow the severed end to callus or dry for several days in a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. This callusing prevents rot when the cutting is planted.
Once callused, plant it in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix, burying enough stem to keep it upright. Water sparingly until roots establish, which can take several weeks. New growth from these cuttings should also exhibit the crested form. Propagation from seeds is rare for crested varieties, as the fasciation trait does not reliably pass on through sexual reproduction.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Crested aeoniums may face issues with pests like mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf axils or on stems, while aphids cluster on new growth, causing distortion. Treat small infestations by wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil for widespread problems.
Overwatering is a common cause of rot, especially in crested forms where water collects in tight leaf formations. Signs include mushy stems or wilting. Improve soil drainage and adjust watering schedules to allow the soil to dry completely between applications. Etiolation, or stretched, pale growth, indicates insufficient light; correct this by moving the plant to a brighter location. Occasionally, a crested aeonium may revert to normal, non-crested growth. These sections can be pruned off to encourage the crested form.