Volker's Aeonium (Aeonium volkeri)

Volker's Aeonium

Aeonium volkeri

A delicate, branching succulent from the Canary Islands, admired for its compact rosettes with striking red margins. Endemic ornamental.

Requires bright, indirect sunlight or partial sun; intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
0.5/week
Easy
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires bright, indirect sunlight or partial sun; intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
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Watering Drought tolerant. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, reducing frequency during its summer dormancy.
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Temperature Prefers mild temperatures; protect from frost and extreme summer heat.
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Characteristics

  • Leaves: Fleshy, spatulate to obovate, bright green with distinct red, ciliate margins, arranged in compact rosettes 4-6 cm across;
  • Stems: Slender, woody, highly branching, forming a small shrubby habit;
  • Flowers: Pale yellow, star-shaped, 7-9 parted, borne on small, lax cymose inflorescences in spring.
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Care Guide

Watering

Water moderately in spring; reduce significantly in summer as the plant enters dormancy.

Fertilization

Apply a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer once.. Fertilize once a month during the active growing seasons (spring and autumn).

Banana Peel Tea:Soak chopped banana peels in water for 24-48 hours, strain, and dilute 1:1 with water. Apply to the soil to support root health and rosette vigor. Avoid leaving peel residue on the soil surface to prevent fungus gnats.
Pruning
  • Remove dried, dead basal leaves gently to prevent rot and pest hiding spots;
  • Prune excessively leggy stems in autumn to encourage branching;
  • Cut off spent flower stalks after blooming.
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: Non-toxic to cats per ASPCA guidelines for the Aeonium genus.

Humans: Generally recognized as safe and non-toxic to humans.

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: In European succulent collections, Aeoniums are prized for their architectural, fractal-like rosette patterns, often symbolizing endurance and geometric perfection in nature.

Usage: Excellent for rock gardens, succulent bowls, and sunny windowsills.