18 gardener saves
Aeonium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Aeonium varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlack Rose Aeonium
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
#2 most savedNoble Aeonium
Aeonium nobile
#3 most savedJack Catlin aeonium Tree aeonium
Aeonium arboreum 'Jack Catlin'
Sunburst Aeonium
Aeonium decorum 'Sunburst'
Tree Houseleek
Aeonium escobarii
How to grow Aeonium
What the Aeonium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Aeonium year
- FertilizeFebruary, March, April, May, June, September and October100% of varieties
Use diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Winter PrepSeptember and October100% of varieties
Move containers indoors to a cool, bright location before first frost
- PropagateApril–July80% of varieties
Propagate via stem cuttings or offsets during warm months
- Check for PestsApril, May, September and October60% of varieties
Check for mealybugs in the center of rosettes, especially when moving plants.
- PlantApril and May40% of varieties
Plant outdoors in containers or ground after all danger of frost is past
Do
- Water only when soil is completely dry
- Protect from frost in colder zones
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight ☀️
- Use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering
- Use a cactus fertilizer during the growing season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not expose to freezing temperatures
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soils that retain moisture
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight that may scorch leaves
What goes wrong with Aeonium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on leaves and stems | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Tiny brown or black bumps on plant surface | Use horticultural oil or remove manually |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot in dry soil |
| Fungal Leaf Spots | Spotted or discolored patches on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide |
Making more Aeonium
cuttings
- Select healthy rosette and cut a 4-inch stem.
- Allow cutting to callus for 3-5 days in a dry, shaded area.
- Plant in well-draining soil and water lightly.
- Keep in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Roots typically develop in 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings
- Select healthy rosette or stem segment
- Allow cutting to callus over for 2-3 days
- Plant in well-draining soil and water lightly
- Keep in bright, indirect sunlight
- Roots develop in approximately 6 weeks
Aeonium questions
How many types of Aeonium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Aeonium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 18 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Aeonium grow in?
Across its varieties, Aeonium covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aeonium bloom?
Most Aeonium varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, late spring to early summer, late winter to early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aeonium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Aeonium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Aeonium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
