A compact, succulent, evergreen subshrub to around 70cm in height, with a branching habit and large rosettes of variegated fleshy leaves, patterned irregularly with lime green and purple-black stripes. No two leaves are the same, making it an interesting houseplant. Mature rosettes produce spikes of small, star-shaped, pale yellow flowers in summer
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra grit. Position in a sunny spot for the best leaf colouration; aeonium will tolerate some shade but the leaves become green. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times during the growing season. In winter move plants to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagate by seed sown at 19-24ºC in spring or by cuttings of rosettes kept at 18ºC and barely moist until rooted
No pruning required
May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil grubs and mealybugs
Generally disease-free