The Kraken Plant, Aeonium tabuliforme ‘Kraken’, is a succulent known for its unique, flattened rosette form. This particular cultivar is highly sought after by collectors due to its unusual appearance. Its distinctive growth habit makes it a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts and adds an architectural element to any plant collection.
Understanding the Kraken Plant
The Kraken Plant, Aeonium tabuliforme ‘Kraken’, forms a remarkably flat, dinner-plate-like rosette. This succulent creates a large, compact disc of tightly packed, lush green, fleshy leaves, up to 18 inches in diameter and six inches long. Its unique appearance makes it a striking addition to any collection. Native to the Canary Islands, where its parent species grows on cliff faces, it remains very low to the ground, unlike many other Aeonium varieties. It is monocarpic, meaning the main rosette flowers once and then dies after producing seeds. However, new offsets often form around the base.
Kraken Plant Care Essentials
Light Needs
The Kraken Plant thrives in bright light, which helps maintain its compact, flat rosette. It tolerates full sun, but in hotter climates, partial shade or morning sun prevents leaf scorching. Indoors, a south or east-facing window is ideal. Insufficient light causes etiolation, making the plant stretch and lose its characteristic flat shape.
Watering Practices
Water the Kraken Plant carefully to prevent root rot. During its active growing season (spring and autumn), water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow excess water to drain completely. The plant enters dormancy in hot summer months; reduce or withhold watering during this period to avoid rot.
Soil and Potting Considerations
A well-draining soil mix is essential for the Kraken Plant. Use a specialized cactus or succulent mix, amended with gritty materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. For optimal drainage, consider a mix of 50% potting soil with 25% coarse sand and 25% perlite, or a commercial succulent mix. Terracotta pots are preferred as their porous nature helps soil dry efficiently. When planting outdoors, consider tilting the pot slightly to encourage water to drain away from the central rosette.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
The Kraken Plant prefers mild temperatures, ideally 65-75°F (18-24°C). It tolerates occasional dips to 40°F (4°C) but is sensitive to frost. Bring outdoor plants indoors if temperatures drop below freezing. It adapts well to average household humidity, but high humidity increases fungal disease risk, so good air circulation is beneficial.
Fertilizing Tips
The Kraken Plant thrives with minimal fertilization. During its active growing seasons (spring and autumn), apply a balanced, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength to prevent over-fertilization. Fertilize infrequently, perhaps once a month, and withhold entirely during summer dormancy and winter.
Propagating Your Kraken Plant
The Kraken Plant can be propagated through seeds, offsets, or leaf cuttings.
Offsets
The plant often produces offsets or “pups” around the base of the mother plant. These offsets can be carefully separated from the parent plant once they are well-formed and have developed roots. Allow them to callus for a few days in a shaded place before planting in well-draining succulent soil.
Leaf Cuttings
Select healthy, mature leaves, ideally from the lower part of the rosette. Allow the leaf cutting to callus for three to four days in a shaded area to prevent rot. After callusing, place the leaf on top of or slightly into moist, well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots and new growth appear.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected after the plant has bloomed and dried. Sow them on a well-draining soil mix in a shallow tray. Keep the soil moist and provide warm, humid conditions for germination, which can take some time.
Troubleshooting Common Kraken Plant Problems
Overwatering is the most frequent problem, leading to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing, mushy leaves, a soft, discolored stem, and wilting. If root rot is suspected, gently remove the plant, inspect roots for dark, mushy sections, and prune affected parts before repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage to prevent recurrence.
Etiolation is another issue, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy, losing its compact form. This is caused by insufficient light. To remedy this, gradually move the Kraken Plant to a location with brighter, more direct sunlight. While stretched growth will not revert, new growth should develop more compactly.
Mealybugs are a common pest, appearing as white, fuzzy masses in leaf axils or on leaf undersides. They are sap-sucking insects that cause distorted or wilting leaves. Small infestations can be removed manually with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For severe cases, horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be applied, but test on a small area first as succulents are sensitive. Aphids can also affect new growth, causing distortion and yellowing, and can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap.