Tree immortelle (Aeonium arboreum)

El Aeonium arboreum It is one of the most popular succulents in the world, and no wonder: it is very, very easy to care for and multiply, and it is also beautiful. It is a grateful species, which needs only minimal care to be perfect.

Perhaps the only drawback is that it requires direct exposure to the sun, but otherwise it will surely give you many joys.

Origin and characteristics of Aeonium arboreum

It is a species native to the Atlantic coast of Morocco and the Canary Islands, where it grows in open fields, which is called the air plant, arboreal evergreen, aeonium, or aeonium. Reaches a maximum height of 90 centimeters, with quite branched stems from which rosettes of leaves of 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter sprout. Said leaves can be green, brown, brown with a green center, or variegated depending on the variety and / or cultivar.

It blooms at the end of winter, developing an inflorescence of about 15 centimeters with yellow-cream flowers. After the wilting of these, the branch dies.

Varieties

There are two well-known varieties:

• Aeonium arboreum var atropurpurea
• Aeonium arboreum 'Scharzkopf'

They are characterized by having the dark purple leaves, which is accentuated by the sun.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

El Aeonium arboreum is a plant that needs a lot of sun to be well, so it must be kept outside, in an area exposed to the rays of the sun so that it can grow healthy.

Earth

Being a relatively small species, you can have it both in a pot and in the garden, so the type of soil will vary:

• Flower pot: since it is not demanding, fill it with universal substrate (for sale here). Now, it is highly recommended to mix it with 30% perlite.
• Garden: grows in well-drained soils. Tolerates limestone.

Irrigation

Irrigation must be sparse, but regular. Bill Aeonium arboreum It can withstand more or less long periods of drought (from experience I will tell you that, as long as it has been on land for more than a year, it can hold up well for 3 or 4 months without receiving any water), although it is better not to put it through that if it wants it to be beautiful all year long. So, taking this into account, during the summer 2 or a maximum of 3 irrigations a week will suffice, and the rest of the year it will be watered once every 7 to 10 days.

Of course, every time it is watered, it must be watered well, that is, moistening the entire substrate or soil. In addition, it is important that the watering is done at dusk, since if it is done in the morning or at noon the water would evaporate quickly and the roots would hardly be able to take advantage of it.

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Throughout the growing season, that is, from spring to late summer (or even fall if the weather is mild) It is advisable to fertilize it from time to time with fertilizers for succulents (on sale here).

If you prefer to use natural products, guano is highly recommended, for example, which is nothing more than seabird or bat manure (you can buy it here). Regardless of what you choose, read the directions specified on the product packaging so there is no risk of overdose.

Multiplication

El Aeonium arboreum multiplies by seeds, and above all by cuttings in spring or summer. Let's see how it is done:

Seeds

The seeds They should be sown in pots or trays with holes filled with soil for succulents. (on sale here) for instance. Then they are covered with a thin layer of substrate, and watered.

Finally, the seedbed is placed outside, in semi-shade, and the substrate is kept moist. In this way, they will germinate in about 20 days.

Cuttings

It is the fastest and most efficient method of obtaining new copies. For it, just cut a branch, let the wound dry for a week, and then plant it (do not nail it) in a pot with a well-draining substrate, such as the pumice.

The use of rooting hormones is not necessary, although they do not hurt either 😉. Place the pot outside, in semi-shade, and water 2-3 times a week.

After about two or three weeks it will emit its own roots.

Plagues and diseases

It is quite resistant both insects that cause pests and microorganisms. But with the passing of the seasons, if there is an error in the cultivation, it can be affected by mealybugs, especially cottony, and also Red spider.

Both pests can be treated with diatomaceous earth (for sale here), and even with water and mild soap.

Planting or transplanting time

The time to plant it in the garden or move it to a larger pot is in spring, when the risk of frost has passed.

Rusticity

It resists frosts of up to -4ºC.

What uses is given to Aeonium arboreum?

It is a plant that it is used as an ornamental garden, patios, balconies, terraces. Its cultivation and care is simple, and as it resists a little frost it is without a doubt very interesting.

Do you have a copy? 🙂