How to care for Aeonium arboreum 'Velour' (purple aeonium) to survive winter safely

When you hear 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 has strong ornamental value, and since its lower leaves dry up quickly, it easily forms an old stem, giving it a distinctive look after being grown for a while. This has made it popular among many succulent enthusiasts, especially fans of the Aeonium genus. So how should this succulent be cared for in winter? Qinnong.com will introduce it below.

1. Light

Purple aeonium does not have high light requirements; a moderate amount of light is enough. However, it is worth noting that purple aeonium cannot be exposed to harsh sunlight for too long, otherwise it will cause leaf scorch and overly rapid water evaporation, so even in winter it should be properly shaded under the sun. Likewise, in winter, if it receives insufficient light, its leaves will not grow well, which may lead to leggy stems and leaves, and the leaf color will be on the green side and not attractive enough. It is best to place it in a semi-shaded environment so that it can grow compact leaves and develop a charming, beautiful color.

2. Soil

In fact, soil does not only affect purple aeonium in winter; it has a major 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. Especially in 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 frost damage to the plant. At the same time, pay attention to fertilizer application 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 growing soil.

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 non-cold-hardy plants 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 be discouraged. At this time, we can try adjusting it to a suitable ambient temperature for its growth; as long as it is appropriate, it will return to normal.

The above are the winter care methods for purple aeonium introduced by Qinnong.com. Qinnong.com would also like to mention here that the growth rate of purple aeonium may not be as fast as that of most succulents, but if cultivated 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.