Aeonium care

KeenOnGreen

I am relatively new to Aeonium's, but have successfully over-wintered them, and made cuttings, and gotten single stem plants to branch into multi-stems.  I have read that their main growing season is in Winter, and want to make sure I give them optimum water and feed during this time.  Currently I only water sparingly about once a month (they are in an unheated greenhouse).

Do you give yours feed, and if so, what?  How often do you water them in Winter?  I always assume that if the leaves are drooping, then that means they need more water, is that correct?  I have a few that are heavily infested with aphids, what do you do to get rid of these?  Picking them off by hand is difficult, and sticky.

fidgetbones

I keep mine on the dry side in winter. If you can bring them indoors in really cold weather do. They will not survive freezing.  Mine only grow in summer, keep in gritty compost and feed and water in summer.

punkdoc

Mine live indoors from November.
Try not to water at all during winter.
They go outside again in late May, fed maybe twice during summer.

KeenOnGreen

That's helpful.  My experience is that mine mainly grow during our Summer, which is when I water and feed them.  I'll reduce watering to almost zero now.  We don't have the space to bring them into the house for Winter, but they have always survived in our unheated greenhouse.

What do I do about the aphid problem?  Do I need to pick them off by hand, or is there something I can spray on (preferably organic)?

pitter-patter

It’s helpful for me as well. I too read that their main growing season is in the winter.

Spraying means getting the plants wet and it might create other problems if they can’t dry quickly. Try brushing the aphids off with an artist’s paintbrush. Or if you do spray, bring them inside for a while so that they can dry.

KeenOnGreen

Thanks @pitter-patter  I tried taking them off by hand, which has been the most successful way so far, although it's very messy.  I tried laying the pots on their side and watering them with a small watering can, to try to wash the aphids off, but it was a real faff.  I think when people talk about their main growing season being the Winter, they mean in their native habitat.  We have seen them many times in the levadas of Madeira, and it is quite amazing to see them there, often growing in very wet locations.
  

madpenguin

Just remembered mine is still outside!
Not sure where to put it as it has quite large this year.
May have to cover in fleece or stick in the garage overnight if frost beckons!

parrotfeather*

I leave mine in the greenhouse which is kept just above freezing and they have been fine.

KeenOnGreen

I was looking at some old photos of a trip to Madeira 10 years ago, and found this picture taken at the botanic gardens.  I didn't know what the plants were at that time, but it's thousands of Aeoniums.  How I would love to have a display like that at home.

Inglezinho

Aeoniums are Canary Island plants. Hot dry summer, cool (not cold) wet winter..  To get them to grow well in England you have to be creative. Reverse the seasons. Keep them absolutely dry but frost free in winter, only start to water when it really warms up and then sparingly.

KeenOnGreen

Most of my Aeoniums are looking fine, but two are in a very sad state.  I'm sure much of that is down to Aphids, but could it be lack of water?  When the leaves are really droopy, I usually see that as a sign that they need watering.  I'd hate to lose these two, and would welcome any advice on how to revive them.  I feel like the walk of shame even showing these photos!