Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is a captivating succulent, popular for its vibrant coloration. Its striking rosettes display a gradient of pale green to deep red and purple hues, making it a visually appealing addition to any collection. Its ability to ‘blush’ with intensified colors adds to its allure.
About Aeonium Blushing Beauty
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is a hybrid succulent, resulting from a cross between Aeonium canariense and Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, developed by Jack Catlin. This shrubby succulent develops rosettes of pale green, spoon-shaped leaves with a fine, velvety texture. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and wide, forming tight clusters of rosettes on stout stems.
The distinctive “blushing” characteristic refers to the intensification of red and purple tones on the leaf edges, a response to moderate stress from full sun exposure or drought. While the rosettes are primarily green during cooler, shadier periods, their color deepens significantly with increased light. Mature plants may produce pale yellow, star-shaped flowers in clusters on a spike, typically in spring. After flowering, the individual rosette that produced the bloom will die, but the plant generally forms new offsets at its base.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, essential for its vibrant “blushing” colors. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily helps achieve the most intense red and purple hues. In regions with intense afternoon sun or extreme heat, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching. Insufficient light results in less vibrant coloration and can lead to etiolated, leggy growth.
Watering
These succulents require a specific watering approach due to their relatively shallow root systems. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until water drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering is a common cause of issues, particularly root rot, so ensuring the soil is dry to the touch before rewatering is important. During their dormant period, watering frequency should be significantly reduced.
Soil
Well-draining soil is a fundamental requirement for Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is suitable, often amended with 50-70% mineral grit (e.g., coarse sand, pumice, perlite) to enhance drainage. Containers must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ prefers moderate temperatures, ideally ranging between 60-75°F (15.6-24°C) during its active growing season. The plant is sensitive to frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures, generally hardy only to USDA zones 9b-11b, or around 25-30°F (-3.9 to -1°C) for short durations. Normal indoor humidity is sufficient. Avoid overly humid environments to prevent fungal issues and stem rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is not strictly necessary but can support faster, more robust growth. During the active growing season, typically winter to spring, a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied once a month. Avoid fertilizing during summer dormancy, as this can weaken or burn the plant. Over-fertilization can harm succulents, so a conservative approach is beneficial.
Seasonal Care and Dormancy
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ exhibits a distinct growth cycle, being a winter-growing succulent that enters dormancy during the warmer summer months. During its dormant period, which occurs when temperatures rise, the rosettes may close tightly, and growth will significantly slow or cease. This is a natural protective mechanism to conserve moisture during hot, dry conditions.
Care adjustments are important during dormancy; water requirements decrease substantially, and the plant may need little to no water unless conditions are exceptionally arid. Conversely, during the cooler months of winter and spring, the plant actively grows, requiring more regular watering and occasional fertilization to support its development. The vibrant “blushing” colors are often most pronounced in late winter and early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy and experiences cooler temperatures and increased sun exposure.
Propagation and Pruning
Propagating Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is readily achieved through stem cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy rosette with a stem of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) and make a clean cut just below a leaf node using a sharp, clean knife. Allow the cutting to dry and “callus” for a few days in a warm, dry location; this forms a protective seal that prevents rot when planted.
Once calloused, plant the cutting in well-draining succulent soil, burying the cut end partially. Water sparingly until new roots develop, then gradually increase watering as the new plant establishes. Pruning maintains shape, encourages branching, and removes leggy or damaged growth. The best time to prune is during the plant’s active growing season, typically winter or spring, to allow for quick recovery and new growth. Regularly removing dead or wilted leaves also contributes to overall plant health and appearance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lack of intense ‘blushing’ coloration indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a sunnier location, especially during cooler periods, can help intensify colors.
Leggy growth (etiolation) also signals inadequate light. Providing more direct sunlight encourages a more compact habit.
Rotting stems or leaves often result from overwatering, especially during summer dormancy. Ensure the soil dries completely between waterings and provide excellent drainage.
While generally robust, Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ can occasionally encounter pests such as mealybugs. These can be treated by dabbing them with rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap. Leaf dropping can occur naturally during summer dormancy as the plant conserves energy. However, excessive or unexpected leaf drop may signal stress from either overwatering or insufficient water, necessitating a review of the watering schedule.