Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is a captivating succulent, known for its color-changing foliage. Its striking appearance features rosettes with a bright green center, transitioning to vibrant reddish-pink margins. This distinctive “blushing” gives the plant its appealing name.
Understanding Aeonium Blushing Beauty
This succulent forms shrubby rosettes of thick, spoon-shaped leaves. Leaves are pale green, reddening at the edges under specific conditions. The intensity of this color increases with ample sunlight or mild environmental stress.
Aeoniums exhibit a distinct growth cycle. They are winter growers, thriving during the cooler months (autumn through spring). Conversely, they enter a period of dormancy during summer. During summer dormancy, the plant’s growth slows significantly, rosettes may tighten, and some outer leaves might dry out or drop.
Caring for Your Blushing Beauty
Adequate light maintains the vibrant color of ‘Blushing Beauty’. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade; direct sunlight encourages the most intense “blushing” on its leaf margins.
Watering practices for this aeonium are tied to its growth cycle. During its active growing period in winter and spring, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. During summer dormancy, water significantly less or not at all, as the plant conserves moisture and is more susceptible to rot.
A well-draining soil mix is needed for ‘Blushing Beauty’. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, amended with grit, provides necessary drainage and aeration. It prefers 65-75°F. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected when temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.
Fertilization needs are minimal for this aeonium. If fertilizing, apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer during its active growing season, once every two to three weeks. Avoid fertilizing during summer dormancy, as the plant is not actively absorbing nutrients and excess fertilizer can cause issues.
Propagating Blushing Beauty
Propagating ‘Blushing Beauty’ is achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the plant’s active growth phase in spring. Select healthy shoots that are 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring each cutting includes a rosette of leaves.
After making a clean cut, allow the severed end of the cutting to dry and form a callus for days before planting. This callusing process helps prevent rot. Plant the callused cutting halfway into a well-draining succulent potting mix. Keep soil barely moist in a bright, indirect light location until roots develop, which occurs within a few weeks.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Fading or absence of the characteristic “blushing” color indicates insufficient light exposure; moving the plant to a brighter location with more direct sun will encourage vibrant hues. Leggy growth, where stems stretch and rosettes become sparse, also signals inadequate light. Increasing light intensity can help compact growth.
Soft, mushy leaves or stem rot are signs of overwatering, particularly during summer dormancy. Allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings and reducing water during dormancy can prevent this issue. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab (neem oil) or spraying with a mild soap solution.
During summer dormancy, the plant may shed some of its lower leaves. This leaf drop is a normal part of its growth cycle and is not an indication of a problem, provided the core rosette remains firm.