How to care for Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' (purple aeonium) in winter? A detailed guide to overwintering care methods

Hearing the name "purple aeonium," you might think of purple wool, but it is actually a cultivated succulent. Because its leaves change color over time, it is highly ornamental, and since its lower leaves dry up quickly, it easily forms an old stem, so after being grown for a period of time it takes on a distinctive character and is loved by many succulent enthusiasts, especially fans of Aeonium plants. So how should this succulent, purple aeonium, be cared for in winter? Below, Qinnong Net will introduce it to everyone.

1. Light

Purple aeonium does not have high light requirements; a moderate amount of light is enough. But it is worth noting that purple aeonium cannot be exposed to intense sunlight for too long, otherwise it will cause the leaves to scorch and water to evaporate too quickly, so even in winter under the sun it should be given appropriate shade. Likewise, in winter, if it receives insufficient light, its leaves will not grow well, which may cause the stems and leaves to become leggy, with the leaf color tending toward green and not attractive enough. It is best to arrange it in a semi-shaded environment so that it can grow compact leaves and the color will be charming and beautiful.

2. Soil

In fact, the influence of soil on purple aeonium is not only in winter; it has a great impact on the plant's growth throughout all four seasons. Generally, we can choose to buy special succulent potting soil directly from a store, first because this kind of soil has very good air permeability, and second because this soil also has very good drainage ability. Especially in the winter in the south, it is not only cold but also very humid. If it grows in soil with poor air permeability, water accumulation may worsen the degree of freezing damage to the plant. At the same time, pay attention to the application of fertilizer for plant care; it must be sufficient, and for decoration and cultivation, it is best to spread a layer of sand on top of the soil used for growing it.

3. Temperature

Now that we are talking about winter care, the most important thing is temperature. Because low winter temperatures affect most plants, and many plants that are not cold-tolerant may even freeze to death, how well does purple aeonium adapt to temperature in winter? Purple aeonium likes a relatively warm growing environment and is neither cold-tolerant nor heat-tolerant, so in winter, even in southern cities, we can place it indoors for care. If it does not grow well, there is no need to lose heart; at this time we can try to adjust the ambient temperature to one suitable for its growth, and as long as it is appropriate, it will return to normal.

The above is what Qinnong Net has introduced about winter care methods for purple aeonium. Qinnong Net will also take this opportunity to tell everyone that the growth rate of purple aeonium may not be as fast as that of most succulents, but if grown properly it will also show you characteristics different from other succulents. In winter, purple aeonium also does not have high water requirements; watering it once a week is enough.