The succulents of the genus Aeonium have conquered gardeners and collectors alike thanks to its original shapes, its easy maintenance and its ability to adapt to small spaces.

With their symmetrical rosettes, fleshy leaves and colors ranging from lime green to deep burgundy, these plants add a touch exotic and elegant both indoors and outdoors.

In addition to being resistant and decorative, many varieties of Aeonium They reproduce easily, which makes them an ideal option for those who want to multiply their collection without complications. Their drought tolerance, low nutrient requirements and slow growth make caring for them a real pleasure, even for people with no prior gardening experience.

The five most beautiful Aeonium varieties

Below we present the five of the most popular varieties and how to care for them so that they look splendid.

1. Aeonium arboreum

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This species, known as arboreal immortelle, can develop as bush up to 1-1.5 m in pot or soil.

Needs intense light or direct sun, although it tolerates semi-shade. Watering should be moderate when the top layer of the substrate is dry. Avoid waterlogging the pot to avoid causing root rot.

grows in light, well-drained soil. It is lightly fertilized during the growth period, using soft fertilizers. In winter, it can withstand up to about 0 °C, but if it is in a pot it is better to protect it from frost or indoors.

2. Aeonium canariense

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This giant native to the Canary Islands, also called góngaro or bejeque, has wide rosettes with wide, flat leaves up to 30 cm.

Prosper with full sun or light semi-shade, avoiding intense midday sun. They grow well in dry to medium soils, with efficient drainage.

They are monocarpic, each rosette blooms and dies after a flowering that can take years. However, the plant produces lateral shoots that allow its continuity.

Water moderately in growth and reduces a lot in summer if there is intense heat.

3. Aeonium haworthii

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This species presents small rosettes 6-11 cm with reddish edges. It adapts both indoors and outdoors, always with good light, avoiding drafts and strong frosts.

Water when the substrate is dry about 2 cm deep, and reduce watering during hot weather or winter. It is easily propagated by rosette cuttings, just cut off a head and replant it after drying the wound.

4. Aeonium kiwi

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It is an attractive variety for its green leaves dotted with pink to the sun. Easy to grow in a pot, it requires bright, indirect light indoors, or soft direct sun outdoors.

Does not tolerate excess water, so you should water it moderately, allowing the soil to be dry between waterings to avoid root rot.

Kiwi develops best in soils with good drainage (mixture of substrate, perlite or coarse sand). It is fertilized every 4-6 weeks in spring and autumn, suspending the contribution in summer when it usually goes dormant.

5. Aeonium tabulaeforme

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Known as góngaro pastel de risco and also native to the Canary Islands, it stands out for its flat rosettes and spread 5–45 cm in diameter.

Prefers exposure to sun or light shade, and development in very well-drained substrates, coarse sand or cactus mix.

It grows on flat surfaces as a creeping rosette. Water sparingly during growth and reduces almost completely in summer, especially if outdoors in hot climates. In winter, maintain minimum humidity to prevent wilting.

General care for all varieties

Most aeoniums grow best with intense light for 4-6 hours a day indoors near a window facing south or west, or outdoors with some shade in the most intense hours. They do not tolerate frost, so in cold climates it is crucial to protect them or move them indoors.

Irrigation should be moderate and They allow enough drying between applications. During growth (autumn to spring) it is watered every 1-2 weeks; in summer and winter, every 2-4 weeks.

Drainage and sandy substrate They prevent rot. Avoid water on the rosettes, as it can cause fungus or stains.

They are paid with balanced fertilizer for succulents during the growth period, every 3-4 weeks.

They can be divided and propagated sporadically by cuttings from the rosettes, which give new plants easily.

These succulents are exposed to pests such as scale insects, aphids or mites. Check them regularly and remove any pests with soapy water or natural treatment as necessary.

Integration in small pots and small spaces

Aeoniums are perfect for small spaces such as balconies, windows or terrariums. By adapting its size to that of the container, compact and well-formed plants are obtained.

Choose pots with at least 10-15cm diameter and good drainage. You can combine different species to create colorful and structured compositions thanks to their tree-like, flattened or branched shapes.

With adequate care of light, irrigation, substrate, pruning and propagation, These plants offer a spectacle of shapes and colors for years. Even in small pots, they look admirable without requiring much care or space.