‘Aeonium Voodoo’ is a captivating succulent known for its striking deep red-purple foliage and distinctive rosette formations. Its unique visual appeal makes it a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts.
Understanding Aeonium Voodoo
‘Aeonium Voodoo’ is a hybrid succulent, a cross between Aeonium undulatum and Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’. It typically forms large rosettes, up to 12 inches in diameter, atop thick, branching stems that can reach heights of 4 to 5 feet. Leaves emerge lime green, then deepen to a rich, dark purple or reddish-bronze with ample sunlight. This intense coloration gives the plant its evocative “Voodoo” name.
Originating from the Canary Islands, ‘Aeonium Voodoo’ is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Its growth cycle differs from many common succulents; it actively grows during the cooler months, from fall to spring, and enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer. It is monocarpic; individual rosettes will flower once, producing yellow, star-shaped flowers, and then die back. However, the plant persists through the growth of offsets.
Caring for Aeonium Voodoo
Light Requirements
‘Aeonium Voodoo’ thrives in bright conditions, benefiting from full sun to partial shade exposure. More direct sun exposure, ideally 3-4 hours daily, intensifies foliage color. In hot climates or intense afternoon sun, provide some shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for ‘Aeonium Voodoo’, especially given its unique growth cycle. Use the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly drench the soil, then allow it to dry completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing soft, mushy stems and yellowing leaves. During its active growing season from fall to spring, watering every 7-10 days is typical, but reduce frequency significantly during its summer dormancy.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A succulent or cactus mix is suitable; amend with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for enhanced drainage. A good mix is 50% potting soil, 25% coarse sand, and 25% perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Aeonium Voodoo’ prefers mild temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (15.6°C to 23.9°C), reflecting its Mediterranean origins. It is frost-tender and should be protected from temperatures below 25-30°F (-3.9 to -1.1°C), which means bringing potted plants indoors during colder months. While it appreciates some humidity, it does not require high levels; moderate humidity around 40-60% is generally suitable, and it does not need misting.
Fertilizing
Fertilization is not strictly necessary for ‘Aeonium Voodoo’ but can support more vigorous growth during its active season. If fertilizing, apply a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength during its active growing period (fall to spring). Monthly applications during this time can be beneficial, but it’s important to avoid fertilizing during its summer dormancy, as this can lead to root burn or weak, spindly growth.
Dormancy Period
‘Aeonium Voodoo’ enters a summer dormancy period, a crucial aspect of its care that distinguishes it from many other succulents. This dormancy is a natural response to hot, dry weather conditions, helping the plant conserve moisture. During this time, rosettes may close or shrink, and some bottom leaves might dry and drop, which is normal. Watering should be reduced or even withheld during summer dormancy; only water if the leaves show signs of shriveling from extreme dryness. Fertilizing should also be stopped completely to prevent root damage.
Propagating Aeonium Voodoo
Propagating ‘Aeonium Voodoo’ is most effectively done through stem cuttings, ideally during its active growing season, from fall through spring. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut, ensuring the cutting has at least a few inches of stem below a rosette. After cutting, allow the wound to “callus” or dry for several days, or even up to a week, to prevent rot when planted. This callusing process allows the cut surface to heal.
Once the cutting has callused, insert it into a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. You can bury a significant portion of the stem to encourage more root growth and better anchor the plant, especially since they can become top-heavy. Do not water immediately after planting; wait a few days to a week before the first light watering to allow roots to begin forming. Keep the soil only slightly moist until new roots establish, which can take several weeks.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Leggy growth in ‘Aeonium Voodoo’ is a common sign of insufficient light, a condition known as etiolation. When the plant stretches towards a light source, stems become elongated with increased spacing between leaves, compromising its compact form. To correct this, gradually move the plant to a brighter location, and prune leggy stems by cutting them back below the stretched section to encourage bushier growth.
Rosettes shrinking or closing up is often a normal indicator of summer dormancy, where the plant conserves moisture during hot periods. However, if this occurs outside of dormancy, or if leaves become soft and mushy, it typically points to overwatering and potential root rot. In such cases, reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is in well-draining soil; for severe rot, repotting into fresh, dry soil may be necessary.
Pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can sometimes affect ‘Aeonium Voodoo’. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often found on leaf undersides or at the base of rosettes, while aphids are tiny insects that can cause leaf yellowing and curling. Spider mites create fine webbing and can lead to yellowing leaves and leaf drop, especially in hot, dry conditions. Organic control methods include physically removing pests, spraying with a strong stream of water, or applying insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil solutions. For caterpillars, which can also cause damage, manual removal or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays are effective.