The aeonium plant is one of the most popular succulents for use in gardens. Growing your own plants can be rewarding and you will always have fresh cuttings to share with friends. However, its propagation can be easier said than done as some varieties simply do not root well. It may require a bit of trial and error before you achieve success, but with a little patience, it can be done.
So how do you propagate the aeonium plant? The most common way to propagate an aeonium is by rooting cuttings taken from the tips of the branches. For best results, use young shoots that are not yet flowering. Cut off a section about four inches long and remove the lower leaves. Make a diagonal cut just below a leaf node and insert the cutting into moist soil. It is best to use a well-draining succulent mix or cactus potting soil. Water sparingly until the cutting has rooted, then water regularly according to the individual plant’s needs.
Aeonium is a popular houseplant that you can’t afford to miss in your home garden. We take a look at best practices when propagating this succulent.
Types of aeonium propagation
There are three main ways to propagate aeonium plants:
1. By rooting cuttings taken from the tips of the branches
2. By division
3. Seeds
Propagation by cuttings
Propagating aeonium by cutting is by far the most common method. This explains why so many gardeners are surprised when they have difficulty propagating it. Some varieties simply do not root well, so you should be prepared to try several times before success is achieved. With practice, however, you will be able to propagate most aeonium varieties.
Steps for propagation by cuttings
Step 1:
The first step is selecting the right part of the plant to cut from. Look for young shoots that have not yet flowered and are four inches or less in length. Remove the lower leaves before making a diagonal cut just below a leaf node.
Step 2:
Cure the cutting by placing it in a warm, dry spot for about one week before planting. This helps the cutting to form a callus and reduces the chances of it rotting. Do not allow the cutting to wilt or stay wet during this time.
Step 3:
Insert the cutting into moist soil. It is best to use a well-draining succulent mix or cactus potting soil. Water sparingly until the cutting has rooted, then water regularly according to the individual plant’s needs.
Step 4:
Caring for your newly propagated aeonium cuttings is vital to their success. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet and do not overwater. Too much moisture will rot the cutting. Provide plenty of bright light but avoid direct sun exposure. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every other week.
It may take several weeks before you see any signs of new growth. Once the cutting has rooted, it will start to grow and eventually produce flowers. Enjoy your newly propagated aeonium plant.
Propagation by division
If the aeonium plant is an older one, then cuttings may not root easily and it will be necessary to divide them instead. This technique is fairly easy as long as you take the plant apart carefully.
Steps to propagating aeonium through division
Step 1:
Use a sharp knife to separate off smaller divisions from around larger ones until you have several healthy shoots each with its own roots and stems. Ensure the knife is clean and sterilized to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Step 2:
Remove as much soil as possible from the divisions before replanting them into a fresh succulent mix. This helps stop the spread of disease and fungus. It also ensures the divisions have plenty of room to establish new roots before becoming crowded.
Step 3:
Water well and place in a bright location until you see signs of new growth. Once they are growing, treat them as cuttings for best results. Propagated aeoniums grow quickly when given proper conditions and can flower within six months.
Propagating aeoniums by seeds
Aeoniums produce small black seeds that are easy to germinate. The plants will not flower from seed, but the process is a fun project for kids or anyone who wants to try their hand at growing aeoniums from scratch.
Steps to propagate aeonium by seeds
Step 1:
Collect the ripe black seeds from the spent flowers of the plant. To collect the seeds, break open the flower heads and scoop out the insides. Place them in a paper envelope for one day to allow them to dry before storing until planting time.
Step 2:
Fill small pots with a moist cactus mix or potting soil that is well-drained. Plant two or three seeds into each pot, pressing them into the soil but not burying them.
Step 3:
Water well and place in a bright location until you see signs of new growth. Once they are growing, treat them as cuttings for best results. Propagated aeoniums grow quickly when given proper conditions and can flower within six months.
Alternatively, you may opt to prepare a nursery bed outdoors in the garden. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and keep moist until germination, which should occur within two to four weeks. Aeoniums do not transplant well, so it is best to wait until they are a couple of inches tall before transplanting them into the garden.
It may take several weeks before you see any signs of new growth. Once the seeds have become seedlings, treat them as cuttings for best results and enjoy your newly propagated aeonium plant!
Why propagate Aeoniums?
Aeoniums are easy to propagate and grow quickly when given the proper conditions. This makes them a great plant for beginners, as well as anyone who wants to have a large number of plants without spending a lot of money.
When propagated correctly, aeoniums will produce beautiful flowers that add color and interest to any garden or patio. Aeoniums are also easy to split, so they can be divided up among friends and family as gifts for special occasions or just because you love them.
Aeonium flower colors include yellow, orange, red, pinkish-red, and purple with white highlights that appear in the center of the petals. Plants produce blooms in the spring and summer, with colors that range from pale yellow to deep purple.
Propagating aeoniums is also fun for kids who may find it easier than growing other plants or flowers. The seeds are small but easy to handle, so even very young children can participate in the process of germinating them before watching their tiny aeonium plants grow into big beautiful flowers.
Can Aeonium propagate in water?
Aeoniums can be propagated in water, but the success rate is not as high as when they are propagated by cuttings, division, or seeds. To propagate aeoniums in water, cut off a stem that has at least two leaves and place it in a glass of water. Change the water every day and wait for new roots to form. Once the roots have formed, transplant the aeonium into soil and water well.
It may take several weeks for new roots to form, so be patient. When propagating aeoniums in water, it is important to use fresh clean water every day. You will also need to change the water frequently if you are propagating several plants in one glass.
While propagating aeoniums in water is possible, it is not the best method for beginners or anyone who wants to quickly increase their collection of this lovely plant.
The dos and don’ts when propagating aeoniums
When propagating aeoniums, there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results. These will help you ensure that your plants grow quickly and produce beautiful flowers.
Do:
- Always use fresh, clean water.
- Be patient when waiting for new roots to form in water or soil.
- Cut off a stem that has at least two leaves and place it in a glass of water. Change the water every day and wait for new roots to form before transplanting into soil.
- Root stimulator is beneficial when propagating aeoniums by cutting or division.
- Sunlight is important for new growth.
- Water in the morning to allow leaves time to dry before nightfall.
- If you are new to propagating aeoniums, start with cuttings or divisions and use all your skills to create beautiful gardens full of the color and texture that only these lovely plants can provide.
Don’ts:
- Do not propagate aeoniums in water if you don’t change the water every day and clean it frequently, as this will lead to root rot that kills your plant.
- Do not keep propagating new plants too close together, as this will inhibit their growth.
- Propagate aeoniums by seeds if you live in a cold climate, as they may not germinate correctly.
- When using seeds, do not bury too deep as the seeds will not germinate.
- When using the water method, do not keep propagating new plants too close together as this will inhibit their growth.
- Don’t use root stimulators when propagating aeoniums by division or cuttings, because it can kill your plant if used incorrectly.
Final Word
The Aeonium plant is one of the most popular succulents for use in gardens. Growing your own plants can be rewarding and you will always have fresh cuttings to share with friends. However, its propagation can be easier said than done as some varieties simply do not root well.
It may require a bit of trial and error before you achieve success. With patience, however, it can be done by rooting cuttings taken from the tips of the branches on young shoots that are not yet flowering or using leaf nodes on mature stems.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
