Aeonium ‘Pink Witch’ is a striking succulent with unique coloration. This cultivar forms compact rosettes featuring a variegation of pink, green, and white shades. Its spoon-shaped leaves deepen in pink intensity with adequate light, making it a popular choice. It can grow up to 18 inches tall, often producing offsets that create a full, clumping display.
Essential Care Requirements
Ample sunlight intensifies pink hues, encouraging compact growth. Outdoors, provide full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours daily). Indoors, place near a bright window (southern or western exposure); supplemental grow lights can be used if natural light is insufficient. Gradually introduce to stronger light to prevent sunburn.
Use the “soak and dry” method, allowing soil to dry completely between applications. During its active growing season (cooler months), water thoroughly every 7-10 days, ensuring the top two inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent water retention. Use a succulent or cactus potting mix, amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for aeration and drainage. Good drainage is crucial for root health. Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh soil and provide more growing space.
Optimal temperatures range between 60-77°F (15-25°C). It prefers low to moderate humidity (40-60%). Protect from temperatures below 40°F (4.4°C), as it does not tolerate frost.
Fertilization is minimal, occurring only during the active growing season (spring and early summer). Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength sparingly, about once a year, to stimulate growth. Avoid fertilization during dormancy, as the plant does not actively absorb nutrients then.
Seasonal Care and Dormancy
Aeonium ‘Pink Witch’ actively grows during cooler months (fall through spring). During this period, care aligns with general guidelines for light, water, and fertilization. Consistent watering, allowing soil to dry between applications, supports robust development and lush rosettes.
The plant enters summer dormancy when temperatures rise (hot, dry conditions). During dormancy, growth slows, rosettes may close, and some lower leaves might drop. This is a natural protective mechanism to conserve moisture and nutrients.
Watering must be drastically reduced during summer dormancy to prevent root rot, as water absorption decreases. Water sparingly, perhaps once every 3-4 weeks, or only when leaves show signs of shriveling, providing just enough moisture for survival. Protect the plant from intense afternoon sun by providing shade or moving it indoors to prevent sunburn and stress.
Propagation and Pruning
Propagate Aeonium ‘Pink Witch’ through stem cuttings during its active growing season (spring or autumn). Cut a healthy stem about 1 cm below a rosette. Allow the cut end to callus for several days until a protective layer forms, preventing rot and encouraging rooting.
Once callused, plant the cutting in well-draining succulent or cactus soil, burying enough stem for stability. Lightly water after about a week, or once roots begin to form (slight resistance when gently tugging). Maintain slightly moist soil until new roots are established, typically within 2-4 weeks.
Pruning maintains shape, encourages branching, and removes leggy growth or spent flower stalks. Use clean, sharp tools for precise cuts. For leggy plants, beheading promotes new rosettes from the remaining stem, and the severed top can be rooted as a new plant.
Common Issues and Solutions
While generally robust, Aeonium ‘Pink Witch’ can encounter issues. Pests like mealybugs and aphids may appear on new growth or leaf axils. Manage them by wiping affected areas or applying insecticidal soap.
Overwatering is the primary cause of problems, often leading to root rot. Signs include mushy stems, yellowing leaves, or excessive leaf drop. Prevent root rot by ensuring proper drainage and adhering to the “soak and dry” watering method, allowing the substrate to fully dry.
Leggy growth indicates insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter location. Loss of vibrant pink coloration results from inadequate light or stress; optimal light helps restore color.