Aeonium Garnet is a striking succulent known for its relatively straightforward care, making it a popular choice for many plant enthusiasts. Its distinctive coloration and unique growth habit enhance its appeal in various garden and indoor settings. This guide helps you cultivate a thriving Aeonium Garnet.
Understanding Aeonium Garnet
Aeonium Garnet, also known as Aeonium ‘Irish Eyes’, is a captivating succulent that forms a dense mound of branches topped with glossy rosettes. This hybrid, created by Jack Catlin, resulted from a cross between Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ and Aeonium tabuliforme. Its leaves display a rich garnet or deep bronze-burgundy color, often with a green center, especially in warmer months.
This multi-branched, shrub-like succulent typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. Its fleshy, broad rosettes contribute to its lush appearance. In spring, older rosettes may produce small, star-shaped yellow flowers in conical clusters on stalks up to 8 inches tall. These rosettes typically die after flowering. Its vibrant coloration and architectural form make it a popular choice for containers, rock gardens, or as a landscape specimen.
Caring for Aeonium Garnet
Light
Aeonium Garnet thrives in bright light; full sun to partial shade often enhances its colors. Indoors, it needs ample bright, indirect light. Insufficient light causes leggy, elongated stems and a loss of vibrant reddish hues, turning the plant greener. A south-facing window provides optimal conditions for indoor plants.
Watering
This succulent requires more water than many other varieties, especially during its active growing seasons in spring and fall. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. During summer dormancy, Aeonium Garnet needs significantly reduced watering, often only once a month or none. Overwatering, particularly during dormancy or in poorly draining soil, can lead to root rot.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is crucial for Aeonium Garnet to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Standard succulent or cactus mixes work, but a sandy loam or regular potting mix amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand is often preferred as it retains a bit more moisture, which Aeonium Garnet appreciates. Pots must have drainage holes. Repot every two to three years, or when the plant outgrows its container, ideally in spring during its active growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium Garnet prefers temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18 to 24°C). It tolerates lows of 30°F (-1.1°C) but is sensitive to frost and needs protection in colder climates. Prolonged exposure above 85°F (29°C) can cause stress, leading to leaf drop or sunburn. It does not require high humidity; a moderate level, around 40% to 60%, is sufficient.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Aeonium Garnet sparingly, only during its active growing seasons in spring and fall. A balanced, half-strength liquid fertilizer applied once a month is usually adequate. Avoid fertilizing during summer or winter dormancy, as roots are not actively absorbing nutrients, which can lead to toxicity or root issues. Slowed growth or pale coloration may indicate a need for fertilization.
Propagating Aeonium Garnet
Propagating Aeonium Garnet is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most common and effective method. The best time to take cuttings is during its active growth phase in spring or cooler months. Select a healthy stem with a rosette, 4 to 6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, sterilized shears.
Allow the severed end to dry and form a callus, which typically takes 2 to 3 days, but can extend to 5 to 10 days depending on humidity. This callusing prevents rot. Once callused, plant it in a well-draining potting mix, burying about half the stem. Place the potted cutting in a warm, well-lit area away from direct scorching sun, and water sparingly until roots develop, which can take a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and widely spaced leaves, indicates insufficient light exposure, as the plant is reaching for more sun. Gradually increase the plant’s light exposure by moving it to a brighter location over several days to avoid shocking the plant. Severely leggy plants can be pruned by cutting off rosettes, which can then be rooted as new plants, promoting a more compact form on the original plant.
Overwatering can lead to mushy leaves and root rot, especially during summer dormancy. If leaves become mushy, reduce watering frequency and ensure well-draining soil. Shriveled leaves can indicate underwatering, though it is also a natural sign of dormancy. Assess soil moisture to determine if watering is needed.
Aeonium Garnet can be susceptible to pests, particularly mealybugs. These small, white, cottony insects gather at leaf bases or new growth. A common solution involves dabbing mealybugs directly with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. For widespread infestations, neem oil can be used cautiously to avoid potential damage.