Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’ or Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ is the most common and undemanding succulent species of the genus Aeonium. This variety is undemanding, florists like it very much because of its exclusive floral color of the leaves, ease of care. We have prepared some tips for growing Eonium kiwi indoors and are ready to share with you.
Classification and description of the species Aeonium Hawortha ‘Kiwi’
Synonyms: Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium haworthii ‘Variegata’, Aeonium ‘Keweonium’, Aeonium ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium haworthii ‘Tricolor’
Common name: Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ or Aeonium ‘Tricolor’
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
genus: Aeonium
You can buy Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’ online, under the name Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ or ‘Tricolor’. This succulent is considered a hybrid of Aeonium haworthii, but its origin is still unknown.
Aeonium Kiwi is a graceful succulent that is strongly branched. It reaches up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height and volume. The plant itself is quite decorative, of all the varieties of Aeoniums, it stands out for its incredibly colorful succulent wspoon-shaped leaves that are brilliantly colored. Their color is closer to light green, but with a slight grayishness. The leaves are edged with a pink stripe around the edges. The center of the rosette is a deep green color.
As an adult, the leaves are up to 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) long and up to 1 inch (3 cm) wide. The leaves form a loose, lush rosette. The main distinguishing feature of the variety is considered to be the presence of an aerial root system on the branches. Aeonium kiwi grown in the shade usually does not have the reddish edges that a plant grown in the sun has. Young rosettes form in a circle around more mature rosettes and eventually begin to branch.
However, it is worth remembering that the Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’ is a monocarpic succulent, after flowering the rosette fades.
Flowering of Aeonium Kiwi begins in late winter or early spring, depending on the age and location of the plant. A cluster of yellow flowers will grow from the center of the rosette. Flowering lasts for about a month, after which the rosette that produced the flowers will die off. The peduncle along with the withered rosette can be cut off completely.
How to take care of Aeonium Hawortha ‘Kiwi’ indoors
This hybrid variety is not particularly difficult to grow. But some rules must be followed if you want a beautiful succulent.
Soil
Standard potting soil may not be the best solution for these succulents. The substrate should be formed with enough fertile soil with the addition of sand. The percentage ratio is 1 to 3. The substrate can be supplemented with fine gravel.
Light
Sunlight is a crucial criterion for the leaves to get their signature red or pink-tipped coloring, but don’t overdo it. A couple of hours of sunlight a day is enough. The pot with the succulent should be placed on the sunny side, but necessarily with shading from bright sunlight on a hot afternoon. If you place the plant in full shade, it can lead to a deterioration of its growth and less bright color rosettes. If you notice brown spots on the leaves, move the pot with the succulent to a more shaded location.
Remember, six hours of direct sunlight is the maximum for Aeonium Kiwi.
Temperature
This succulent does not like heat, as well as dry air. Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’ leaves begin to curl and lose their decorative appearance. Aeonium Kiwi prefers a temperature of 65 – 75 ºF (18 – 24 ºC). Do not keep the plant indoors where the temperature drops below 50 ºF (10 ºC). During the hot summer the plant will go into hibernation.
Information about succulents
Watering
The season of active growth of Aeonium Kiwi plants is from fall to spring. During this period, water them regularly, but do not overdo it. The optimal mode is once a week. The soil should always be slightly moist. Before watering it is worth checking the soil by sticking your finger in it to make sure it is dry.
With the onset of summer heat succulent goes into hibernation. At this time it does not need much water (unless there is a heat wave). The need for watering can also be determined by the appearance of the leaves. Wrinkled leaves signal that the plant needs moisture.
Fertilizer
For full growth and development of the succulent, you should feed the plant with a quality composition for cacti and succulents. Fertilize once a month during the spring and fall.
Repotting
If the plant has outgrown its pot it is worth thinking about transplanting. the procedure is best done in the spring and fall once every 2 years.
How to properly repot:
- prepare a spacious, deep pot, one size larger than the previous one;
- place a layer of drainage at the bottom;
- remove Eonium kiwi from the old pot as carefully as possible, so as not to destroy the root system;
- inspect the roots for rot, remove the damaged parts of the roots;
- the plant is transferred to the new container, covered with soil.
If the bush is large, it should not be repotted. Instead, it is recommended that the top 2 inches (5 cm) of substrate be gently removed and filled with the new potting soil.
It is worth remembering that after transplanting, the root neck of the aeonium should be at the same level as in the old soil.
How to propagate Aeonium Kiwi
The plant can be propagated both vegetatively and by seeds. Let’s consider each of them in more detail.
By seeds
This method is quite troublesome, as the resulting seedlings do not always retain the properties of the mother plants. For sowing, use neutral, well-drained soil. Spread the fine seeds of Aeonium on the surface of the soil. Spray the substrate with water. Keep the container with the seeds in a room with an air temperature of 68 ºF (20 ºC). Keep the soil slightly moist. The first shoots should appear in 5 to 10 days.
When the seedlings are older, transplant them into individual pots.
Propagation of Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’ by cuttings
This is the easiest and most effective method of propagation. Stem cuttings root at any time of year, but in the summer or spring months they take root much better and the risk of them developing rot is minimal.
- Take a sharp knife, cut off the side shoots with part of the stem and plant them in a container filled with well-drained soil.
- Place the container in a bright room.
- Water the plants as needed.
- Root germination can be observed within 4 weeks.
Problems in the care of the succulent
Sometimes brown spots or lines can be seen on the leaves of Aeonium Kiwi. Experienced florists say this problem can be caused by heat stress, sunburn, frequent overwatering of the soil, high humidity and fungus.
It is difficult to keep a plant completely clear of these brown spots, especially if the succulent is outdoors. But if cared for properly, that brown spots tend to disappear on their own.
However, the presence of fungus is already a big problem. In this case, plants can be sprayed with a natural fungicide.
To prevent spots caused by heat and sun, keep the plants indoors on the hottest days or place them under light shade.
Pests
Aeonium Kiwi when grown in pots, is susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs can hide between the leaves or attack the root system.
Interesting facts about Aeonium haworthii ‘Dream Color’
This variety of succulent is not poisonous, it does not emit harmful substances into the air. Therefore, it can be actively used to decorate the nursery or bedroom. If you believe Feng Shui, this succulent is a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Therefore, it can not only decorate the interior, but also improve the mood, inner strength of the inhabitants of the apartment. It is believed that Aeonium is able to attract love and harmony to the house.
Also Aeonium havorta has medicinal properties. The juice is used externally to treat herpes, and also for skin inflammations, abscesses. It contains many antiseptic substances that help fight pathogenic bacteria.
Photo flickr.com
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