How to Propagate the Succulent Aeonium 'Kiusiu' by Cuttings, and Causes and Treatment of Leaf Drop
Aeonium 'Kiusiu' is a succulent plant. It is very small and compact, and endearing. It is very suitable for planting on its own or for creating a landscape on its own. If conditions allow, you can keep a pot at home and shape it into different bonsai forms. Aeonium 'Kiusiu' is robust by nature and can be propagated directly by cuttings. However, Aeonium 'Kiusiu' goes through an adaptation period while it settles into its pot, and during the early stage of settling in, some leaves may drop. But there is no need to worry; the editor has sorted out several factors behind leaf drop as well as ways to handle them.
How to Propagate the Succulent Aeonium 'Kiusiu' by Cuttings
1. You can use the cutting method for propagation. Cut off the rosette leaf disc and insert it directly into the soil, then keep the soil moist; in about 10 days it will grow new roots, but during this period it must not be exposed to sunlight.
2. The best time for cuttings is spring and autumn. The best temperature for propagation is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees; temperatures that are too cold or too hot will affect it.
3. It does not need to have its wound dried in the air like other succulents before the cutting can be done once the wound is dry.
Causes of Leaf Drop in Aeonium 'Kiusiu' and How to Handle Them
1. If it has just been bought or has just been repotted and shows slight leaf drop, it may be a normal reaction to settling into the pot. The roots need to use up a certain amount of nutrients to adapt to the new environment, and at this time the plant will discard some leaves to meet the growth needs of the roots. What falls off is generally some old leaves, and it does not affect the plant's growth. Once the roots are stable, new leaves will grow. As long as no leaves drop in the later stage of settling in, there is no problem.
2. If leaves keep dropping continuously after repotting, then the roots may have a problem. Take the plant out of the pot and check whether the roots are rotten, and deal with it promptly. Root rot may be caused by a wound created during repotting that becomes infected by bacteria; spray a fungicide promptly. Or there may be pests in the potting soil gnawing at the roots and causing rot.
3. If it has been planted for a long time and suddenly starts dropping leaves, consider whether the potting soil is the reason. Because the soil has not been changed for a long time, the nutrients in the soil are used up and its water retention decreases, causing the plant to be unable to absorb water and the leaves to dehydrate and drop. If the potting soil is not breathable, it will cause root rot. Therefore, when growing Aeonium 'Kiusiu', pay close attention to whether the soil is dry or wet, and ventilate often to avoid root rot.
How to Care for Aeonium 'Kiusiu' in Summer
1. Temperature
When the summer temperature is too high, Aeonium 'Kiusiu' enters a brief dormant period, which is very obvious. Just observe the leaves: if the leaves are curled and shrunken, that means the ambient temperature is too high, and you can lower the temperature appropriately to ensure it safely passes through the dormant period. Aeonium 'Kiusiu' enters dormancy at 33°C.
2. Light
In the scorching summer, with the fierce sun overhead, it is said that Aeonium 'Kiusiu' likes light, but it still cannot be fully exposed to the blazing sun; just ensure sufficient light. With sufficient sunlight, the leaf color of Aeonium 'Kiusiu' will change, and the purplish-red markings will become more and more obvious. And under different care environments, the leaf color of Aeonium 'Kiusiu' will also change, very charming.
3. Water and Fertilizer
For watering, just water thoroughly once the soil is dry. You can delay watering a little and appropriately extend the watering interval, which can make the leaves of Aeonium 'Kiusiu' firmer and the color brighter.
While reducing watering, appropriately increase misting, once in the morning and once in the evening; avoid sprinkling water at noon so that the high temperature and strong sun do not scorch the plant.
4. Propagation
Improper summer care often leads to root rot. What should you do? In a high-temperature environment, Aeonium 'Kiusiu' grows slowly, and propagating at this time is unwise, but it is also a choice made with no other option. Try to keep the propagation environment at around 25°C and mist water promptly to cool it down; at a suitable temperature, the propagation rate is also relatively high. If there is no emergency, it is recommended not to propagate in summer.
A Brief Introduction to Aeonium 'Kiusiu'
Other names: Meibejing, Japanese Komatsu; it is a succulent plant of the genus Aeonium in the family Crassulaceae.
Growth habits: it is relatively suitable for planting on its own; its own growth rate is relatively fast, and its branches grow like tree stumps, easily growing into a mass that covers other succulents.
Aeonium 'Kiusiu' is robust by nature and likes a warm, dry environment. It is suitable for outdoor growing or semi-outdoor growing; the more sufficient the light, the more pleasing its appearance.
In summer, Aeonium 'Kiusiu' enters a dormant period, and its leaves curl and shrink slightly.
Flower language: longevity. A kind-hearted person is naturally beautiful.
One thing that makes Aeonium 'Kiusiu' different from other succulents is that it is relatively suitable for planting on its own, because Aeonium 'Kiusiu' itself grows extremely fast and easily shades other succulents. Special attention should be paid to the fact that in summer Aeonium 'Kiusiu' enters a dormant period, and it still needs extra care so that it safely passes through the dormant period.