The tree houseleek grows in the Canary Islands. It is a popular succulent. Its other name is Aeonium Arboreum. It has a striking shape. The leaves are fleshy and spoon-shaped. They can be green, dark red or purple.
Aeonium Arboreum works well in containers. It needs little care. It likes warm and dry climates. It likes bright light.
Like other succulents it stores water in its thick leaves. You don’t need to water it often. For it to grow well give it the right soil, sunlight and water.
In spring and summer you can easily grow it from cut stems. You can grow more plants by taking cuttings from existing ones. Aeonium Arboreum also produces offsets or ‘pups’. You can remove these and repot them.
If you don’t care for them properly the plants can have problems. They may get sunburnt. They may get fungal diseases. They may get pests. But generally they are hardy. Good air circulation helps. Don’t let them get too wet. Inspect them regularly. This prevents issues.
Aeonium Arboreum is easy to care for. It adds color and texture. It works well indoors and outdoors.
This guide explains how to grow and care for the plants. It covers sunlight, soil, water, propagation and troubleshooting problems.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Takeaways | Actionable Steps |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Provide 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. |
| Watering | Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. |
| Soil and Pots | Use fast-draining cactus/succulent soil with pots featuring drainage holes. |
| Fertilization | Lightly fertilize during the growing season, avoiding fertilizer in winter. |
| Pruning | Prune leggy growth for compact, shapely plants. |
| Propagation | Easily propagate from stem cuttings and offsets in spring and summer. |
| Sunburn Prevention | Provide shade from hot afternoon sun to prevent sunburn. |
| Display Tips | Showcase in containers, succulent gardens, and sunny indoor spaces. |
| General Care | Follow proper care guidelines for light, soil, and water for optimal health. |
This guide explains how to grow and care for Aeonium Arboreum. It includes tips on sunlight, soil, watering, propagation, and troubleshooting problems.
Growing Conditions for Aeonium Arboreum
Aeonium Arboreum thrives in warm temperatures and full sun to partial shade exposure. This succulent needs enough light and heat to grow strong and make colorful foliage.
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Sunlight
Aeonium Arboreum grows best with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may need some shade from hot afternoon sun in warmer zones.
In ideal conditions, provide at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun.
With too little light, the plant may become leggy and greener in color. The more sun exposure, the more vivid the leaves will be.
Soil
Well-draining soil is critical to prevent rotting. Use a cactus/succulent potting mix or make your own blend of equal parts soil, coarse sand, and perlite/pumice.
Soil should dry out in between waterings. Dense, moisture-retentive soil will lead to root rot.
Aeoniums grow well in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils that drain freely. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water only when the soil is fully dry to the touch.
During the growing season, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. In winter, reduce watering frequency.
Overwatering is the most common cause of decline. Check soil moisture before watering.
Temperature & Climate
Aeonium Arboreum grows best with daytime temps of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and above 50°F (10°C) at night.
It can tolerate brief light frosts but does best in USDA zones 9-11. Provide frost protection when temperatures dip below freezing.
Move potted plants indoors or under cover during cold winters. Outdoor plants may go dormant until spring.
Humidity & Air Flow
Aeoniums prefer relatively low humidity. Ensure good air circulation around plants.
Stagnant air can lead to fungal issues. Space plants appropriately and use fans to keep air moving if needed.
To have healthy Aeonium Arboreum plants with vibrant foliage, follow these guidelines for sunlight, soil, water, and climate. Adjust conditions as needed based on your environment.
Key Tips for Care
To care for Aeonium Arboreum, make sure it gets enough sunlight, water, and good drainage. Following best practices will keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
Sunlight
Aeoniums need full sun to partial shade to thrive. Provide at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun. Provide some shade if afternoon sun is very intense.
With insufficient light, the plant may stretch out and lose its compact shape and vivid colors.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water only when soil is fully dry.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Then allow it to dry out again.
Take care not to overwater, as it can lead to rotting. Check soil before watering.
Soil & Drainage
Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Dense, moisture-retentive soil will cause root rot.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly in the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Dilute to half strength and fertilize monthly during active growth periods.
Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Prune off any leggy, stretched out growth to encourage compact shape.
Prune just above leaf nodes to allow new branches to grow.
Following these care tips will result in a healthy, compact Aeonium Arboreum with vibrant colored foliage. Adjust conditions as needed for your environment.
Key Tips for Care
To care for Aeonium Arboreum, make sure it gets enough sunlight, water, and good drainage. Following best practices will keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
Sunlight
Aeoniums need full sun to partial shade to thrive. Provide at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun. Provide some shade if afternoon sun is very intense.
With insufficient light, the plant may stretch out and lose its compact shape and vivid colors.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water only when soil is fully dry.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Then allow it to dry out again.
Take care not to overwater, as it can lead to rotting. Check soil before watering.
Soil & Drainage
Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Dense, moisture-retentive soil will cause root rot.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly in the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Dilute to half strength and fertilize monthly during active growth periods.
Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Prune off any leggy, stretched out growth to encourage compact shape.
Prune just above leaf nodes to allow new branches to grow.
Following these care tips will result in a healthy, compact Aeonium Arboreum with vibrant colored foliage. Adjust conditions as needed for your environment.
How to Propagate Aeonium Arboreum
Aeonium Arboreum is one of the easiest succulents to propagate. You can grow new plants from cuttings or offsets.
Propagating from Cuttings
Take 3-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Cut below a rosette.
Allow the cut end to callous over for 1-2 weeks before planting. This prevents rotting.
Dip the calloused end in rooting hormone to speed up root growth. This is optional.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, like cactus soil. Bury about 2 inches of the stem.
Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy until new roots establish. This takes 2-3 weeks.
Once rooted, water deeply to saturate soil and then allow to dry out between waterings.
Propagating from Offsets
Aeoniums produce offsets or ‘pups’ at the base of the plant. These can be removed and repotted.
Use a clean, sharp knife to detach offsets from the parent plant.
Allow offsets to sit for 2-3 days until the cut callouses over.
Repot the offsets in cactus mix using a container with drainage holes. Bury about 2 inches of stem.
Water sparingly at first until established. Then follow typical watering routine.
With proper care, cuttings and offsets will root quickly to produce brand new Aeonium Arboreum plants. Take advantage of how easily it propagates to expand your collection!
Common Problems and Solutions
Growing Aeonium Arboreum is relatively easy, but these plants can encounter issues if care guidelines are not followed. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common cause of decline in Aeoniums. It leads to rotting of the roots and stem.
Allow more time between waterings for soil to fully dry out before watering again.
Check soil moisture before watering – if still damp, hold off.
Use fast-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
Sunburn
Leaves may scorch if exposed to intense afternoon sun in summer.
Provide some shade from hot midday sun, especially in very hot climates.
Gradually introduce to more sun to acclimate it.
Mist leaves to cool the plant.
Leggy Growth
Insufficient sunlight causes leggy, stretched out growth.
Prune back any elongated stems to encourage compact shape.
Provide at least 5-6 hours of direct sun daily.
Rotate plant to ensure even sun exposure.
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids, scale and fungus gnats may occur.
Isolate and treat infested plants immediately.
Remove heavily infested parts. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Improve air circulation and avoid excess moisture.
Catching issues early and making adjustments to care is key to keeping Aeonium Arboreum healthy and looking its best.
Popular Varieties to Grow
There are many striking cultivars of Aeonium Arboreum that make excellent additions to any succulent garden. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
Features nearly black foliage that is dark purple to black in color.
Leaves have a glossy texture and spoon shape.
Can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide but often smaller in containers.
Needs full sun to maintain its dark color.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’
Foliage is a deep reddish-purple color.
Rosettes are smaller than ‘Zwartkop’, reaching 1-2 feet wide.
Needs full sun for best color but can tolerate some shade.
Aeonium arboreum var. albopictum
Has striking two-toned foliage – green on the inside and white on the edges.
Grows to 2 feet tall and can spread to 3 feet wide.
Variegation is brightest in partial shade.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
Features a pinwheel of yellow, green, and pink variegated leaves.
A hybrid between A. arboreum and A. decorum.
Grows 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Aeonium ‘Kiwi’
Has a cream, yellow, and green variegated leaf pattern.
Can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Needs protection from hot sun to prevent leaf scorch.
With their unique colors and forms, these Aeonium Arboreum cultivars make excellent accent plants in containers and succulent gardens. They are easy to grow and propagate, making them a great addition to any plant collection.
Tips for displaying Aeonium Arboreum plants:
In the Garden
Use as a striking accent plant in succulent or rock gardens. The architectural shapes stand out against lower-growing plants.
Mass in groups for high visual impact. Aeoniums look great planted en masse.
Mix with other drought-tolerant plants like agaves, aloes, yuccas, and sedums. Their colors and textures complement aeoniums.
Plant along borders, pathways, and slopes. Aeoniums can cascade down walls or trail along hardscaping.
In Containers
Show off aeoniums as specimen plants in pots and planters. Choose containers that complement their colors.
Combine with other succulents like echeverias, senecios, crassulas for mixed planters.
Use as thriller plants in the center of large pots, surrounded by smaller succulents.
Plant in hanging baskets to display cascading rosettes.
Indoors
Place in bright, sunny rooms near south or west facing windows.
Group together on sunny windowsills or display singly on accent tables.
Add to dish gardens, terrariums, vertical gardens and other indoor displays.
Provide grow lights if insufficient natural light indoors. Rotate plants for even growth.
Aeoniums are beautiful succulents that deserve to be shown off prominently in any setting! Take advantage of their striking forms and colors when displaying them.
Conclusion
Aeonium Arboreum is a striking succulent that can be grown successfully both indoors and outdoors. This architectural plant thrives in warm temperatures and bright light, requiring minimal watering.
To keep Aeoniums healthy, use well-draining soil, give them sunlight, and let the soil dry between waterings.
Aeoniums propagate readily from stem cuttings and offsets, allowing you to expand your collection with ease. Take advantage of this by propagating some of the many interesting Aeonium cultivars available.
Popular varieties like ‘Zwartkop’, ‘Atropurpureum’, and var. albopictum offer unique foliage colors and patterns.
Display Aeonium Arboreum as a focal point in containers and succulent gardens. Their sculptural shapes stand out beautifully against other plants.
These succulents thrive in sunlight and need less water to avoid rot. As a result, they produce vibrant colors and visually striking rosettes that last for years. Follow the tips provided in this guide and you’ll have success growing these eye-catching plants.