Analysis of why the Black Aeonium succulent grows into a big tree with casual summer care

Many lotus lovers are fond of aeoniums: the small, cute round-leaved Black Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop') and the elegant green-leaved aeonium. Different colors give people different visual experiences. Don't think that only young people like growing succulents. Recently I met an uncle who is about to retire, has plenty of time, and usually loves growing these flowers and plants. Look at the picture below. This is the Black Aeonium he grows, and it has grown into a tree. Isn't it beautiful?

Over the weekend, I specially asked the uncle about the key points for caring for aeoniums. Summer is a disaster for many succulents, and it also brings trouble to many succulent growers: either black rot or turning to mush. It is really a headache. But the uncle's Black Aeonium is still growing vigorously. The uncle is in Tianjin. Let's see how he cares for it.

First, let's look at the growth habits of aeoniums: they like fertile soil with good drainage, prefer a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight, are drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, and fear waterlogging. Spring and autumn are the main growth stages.

1. Water control. For Black Aeonium, the most important care factor in summer is watering. In summer, aeoniums enter a brief semi-dormancy, so we need to reduce the frequency of watering and observe the plant's condition according to the temperature. Watering once a month is enough. You can use a plant monitor to help. As long as it is inserted into the soil, you can see changes in soil moisture, fertility, air humidity and temperature. It is very simple and convenient.

2. Ventilation. Now the temperature in most areas has reached above 35 degrees, and it is very hot both indoors and outdoors. If you put the aeonium directly under the sun, it will definitely get over. If it is placed in a ventilated indoor place, it will also be affected to a certain extent. It is best to put the aeonium in a cool, ventilated place outdoors, such as under a tree. If you do not have such conditions, you can pull up a shade net and avoid direct sunlight.

3. Soil. Think about it: in what environment did succulents grow before? In the desert. Even if you use all granular soil for care, they will still grow very well. Many beginner succulent growers use nutrient soil for growing, and after watering it easily becomes waterlogged and compacted, and then the roots rot. The uncle uses granular soil for care, and when watering he uses the soaking method, so the water is watered thoroughly and will not cause waterlogging.

4. Using granular soil and a red clay pot for care has a characteristic: it does not hold fertilizer well and it is not easy for the plant to reach its best condition. The uncle uses it together with an organic nutrient solution specially for succulents. About every half month, take 1 ml of nutrient solution and dilute it with water at 3000 times, then fertilize by soaking the pot. The succulent absorbs it well and grows plump. In summer, once a month is enough.

If you want to get into growing Black Aeonium, you can first try the green-leaved aeonium. This is an aeonium that is relatively easy to keep alive and also grows the fastest. As for the care methods for Black Aeonium, what else do you think needs attention? Everyone is welcome to leave comments actively.