Aeonium arboreum ‘Velour’ is a striking succulent known for its distinctive appearance. Its dark, velvety rosettes offer a unique visual texture, providing appealing contrast in garden settings or indoor displays.
Identifying Aeonium ‘Velour’
Aeonium arboreum ‘Velour’ features unique foliage coloration and texture. Its rosettes display fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves with a deep burgundy to almost black-purple hue, especially under ample sunlight. These dark outer leaves contrast with a brighter green heart at the center.
The leaves have a soft, velvety feel due to tiny hairs, giving the plant its ‘Velour’ designation. Unlike some Aeonium varieties, ‘Velour’ maintains a bushy growth habit with side stems rather than a single, bare trunk. It grows as a shrub-like plant, reaching 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and spreading 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) wide outdoors.
Caring for Aeonium ‘Velour’
Light
Aeonium ‘Velour’ prefers full sun to partial shade. At least six hours of direct sunlight daily intensifies the deep purple and mauve coloration of its leaves. Indoors, place the plant near a window that receives several hours of direct sun. Protect it from intense afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Watering
Aeoniums have shallower root systems, requiring more frequent watering than many other succulents. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. During its active growing season (winter and spring), water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, about every 7-10 days. During summer dormancy, ‘Velour’ needs minimal water to prevent root rot.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is important for Aeonium ‘Velour’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A succulent or cactus potting mix, amended with perlite or pumice for enhanced drainage, is ideal. Terracotta pots help wick away excess moisture. Ensure any container has drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium ‘Velour’ prefers moderate temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). It tolerates temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5°C), but protect it from prolonged freezing, as frost damages its water-filled leaves. The plant tolerates 30% to 80% humidity but prefers drier conditions.
Fertilizing
Aeonium ‘Velour’ is not a heavy feeder, but benefits from light fertilization during its active growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to three weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during summer dormancy to prevent nutrient burn or root damage.
Pruning
Light pruning maintains the plant’s shape and encourages a bushier growth habit. Remove dead or leggy stems to promote healthier branching. Beheading rosettes, by cutting off the top portion of a stem, encourages multiple new rosettes from the cut point, leading to a fuller appearance. Pruning also removes spent flower stalks, as the flowering rosette often dies after blooming.
Propagating Aeonium ‘Velour’
Propagating Aeonium ‘Velour’ is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with a rosette at the top, 4-6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, sterilized tools.
After cutting, allow the stem to “callus” or dry for two to three days in a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. This prevents rot once planted. Once callused, insert the cutting into a well-draining succulent potting mix. Place it in a bright area with indirect sunlight and water sparingly until roots develop, which occurs within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Aeonium ‘Velour’ is robust but can encounter issues, often from improper care. Overwatering is a common problem, leading to mushy stems, yellowing leaves, or root rot. If these symptoms appear, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries completely between waterings.
Conversely, signs of underwatering, like drooping or shriveling leaves, indicate the plant needs more consistent moisture during its growing season. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes spindly, losing its vibrant coloration. Moving the plant to a brighter location helps, but stretched growth will not revert.
Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while aphids are small, soft-bodied insects found on new growth. Treat these by dabbing affected areas with rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap.