Aeoniums are one of the more popular succulent plants. Perhaps because their fleshy leaves are arranged in a pattern that reminds us of a flower. These interesting plants are easy to grow in containers and are a nice addition to any plant collection.

Aeoniums do not have to be container grown, but will only do well in the ground in temperate Mediterranean-like climates, where temperatures never get extremely cold or hot.

Growing Aeoniums in Containers

Growing Aeoniums in containers is ideal for the rest of us who live in climate zones with more extreme temperatures. This way that plants can be moved inside when temperatures dip towards freezing or rise towards scorching. There are a few varieties of Aeoniums that can take light frost. However, in general it is best to protect them from cold temperatures. They are also intolerant of extremely hot weather and should be moved inside if temperatures rise toward 100 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a day or two.

Water, Soil, and Sun for Aeoniums

Aeoniums are not as drought tolerant as many other succulent plants and should be thoroughly watered when soil is dry to the touch.

They have shallow root systems and therefore should not be planted in too large of a container. Regular potting soil is fine for Aeoniums, as long as the container has adequate drainage. They can be grown in full sun to part shade, but generally perform best in bright filtered sunlight. If placed in full sun, some protection from direct hot afternoon sun is desirable.

In the right conditions, Aeoniums will send up a flower from the center of the leaf rosette. Most varieties are monocarpic, or will die after flowering, but most will also have produced side stems or plantlets along the stem that will continue to grow or can be propagated after the mother plant dies.

Aeoniums are generally pest free, but it never hurts to keep an eye out for mealybugs or other pests. Fertilization is not really necessary, but a spring and fall feeding with a very diluted water-soluble fertilizer won’t hurt either.