These dramatic and often statuesque succulents are finally having their moment in the sun – which is just where they like it. Words Nick Bailey, photographs Annaïck Guitteny
Perhaps the best known of all aeoniums in cultivation today is the dramatic Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’. Translated from Afrikaans, this name means black head, which is an apt title for certainly the darkest aeonium I’ve ever grown. Its deeply pigmented leaves are, in truth, a very dark red, but are near black, especially following months of summer sunshine.
Its mini shrub-like form of up to 1m sees it produce numerous side branches, which can be selectively removed to enhance its shape. It is best grown in a pot so it can be stored frost-free over winter, where I’ve found its colour fades somewhat, only to return again when the sunshine does. Like many of the arboreal aeoniums, this plant gets top heavy, so it’s essential to have an even weightier pot to avoid it toppling over under its own heft. I’ve even used large stones in the top of the pot to keep plants stable.
Aeonium kiwi is a beautiful and popular succulent prized for its colorful foliage. This hybrid succulent believed to be derived from Aeonium haworthii, has leaves with a yellow center surrounded by green and tipped with red when exposed to ample sunlight.
Propagating aeonium kiwi is a great way to expand your collection or share this stunning plant with friends. Luckily, aeonium kiwi propagates readily from cuttings, offsets, and leaves. With a little know-how, you’ll be propagating this succulent with ease in no time.
When to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi
The best time to propagate aeonium kiwi is during the growing season in winter or spring Aeonium kiwi goes dormant and stops actively growing in summer, so propagation is less successful during the hot summer months
Propagating in winter or spring when the plant is actively growing gives the cuttings, offsets, and leaves the best chance to root and establish themselves. Just make sure not to propagate during or right before the dormant period.
How to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi from Cuttings
Propagating from stem cuttings is the most reliable way to propagate aeonium kiwi. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose a Healthy Stem
Select a mature, healthy stem to take your cutting from Look for one with robust leaves without signs of discoloration or damage. The stem should be 3-5 inches long
Step 2: Sterilize Your Tools
Before making any cuts, sterilize the blades of your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
Step 3: Make a Clean Cut
Make a smooth, diagonal cut just below a leaf node using sharp, sterile pruning shears.
Step 4: Allow to Callus
Place the cut end of the stem in a dry spot out of direct sunlight and allow it to callus over for 2-3 days.
Step 5: Prepare a Pot
Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix designed for succulents and cacti.
Step 6: Plant the Cutting
Stick the cutting 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Firm the soil gently around the stem.
Step 7: Water Lightly & Provide Warmth
Water the planted cutting lightly and place it in a spot with indirect light and temperatures around 70°F.
Step 8: Wait for Roots
Check for root formation after 3-4 weeks. Once rooted, begin normal watering based on the succulent’s needs.
How to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi from Offsets
Aeonium kiwi will naturally produce offsets or pups around the base of the mother plant. These offsets can simply be separated and potted up.
Use a sterile, sharp knife to detach an offset with roots from the mother plant. Allow it to sit for 2-3 days until the cut calluses over. Plant the offset in cactus/succulent soil. Water sparingly until established.
How to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi from Leaves
Aeonium kiwi can also propagate from single leaves. Here’s how:
Step 1: Remove a Healthy Leaf
Gently twist or pull a healthy leaf off the mother plant. Choose a mature, undamaged leaf.
Step 2: Allow Leaf to Callus
Place the leaf in a dry spot out of direct sun for 2-3 days until a callus forms over the end where it was attached.
Step 3: Prepare Container & Soil
Fill a small container with well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix. Mist the soil.
Step 4: Bury Bottom of Leaf
Bury the bottom 1⁄3 or 1⁄2 of the leaf in the soil, keeping the tip exposed.
Step 5: Water Lightly
Water lightly around the buried leaf. Avoid soaking the soil.
Step 6: Provide Warmth & Indirect Light
Place the pot in indirect sunlight around 70°F.
Step 7: Wait for Roots and Growth
Keep the soil lightly moist. Roots and a new succulent plant will begin emerging in a few weeks.
Caring for New Propagations
Whether propagating by cuttings, offsets, or leaves, the new propagations need attentive care:
- Keep in warm temperatures with indirect sunlight.
- Water lightly about once a week, making sure the soil dries between waterings.
- Pot up rosettes into succulent soil once they’re established.
- Gradually introduce to direct sun 1-2 weeks after potting up.
- Avoid overwatering and soakings that can lead to rot.
With proper care, your new aeonium kiwi propagations will flourish! In a few months, the new plants will reach maturity and begin showing their signature colorful foliage.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Propagation doesn’t always go smoothly. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Rotting: If cutting, offset, or leaf rots, it’s usually from overwatering. Use very well-draining soil and don’t water until propagation is rooted and established.
Drying Out: If cutting or leaf dries up, increase watering frequency slightly. Propagations need more frequent water than adult plants.
No Root Formation: Cuttings that don’t root may need more warmth and humidity. Move to warmer spot, mist more frequently, and ensure soil stays lightly moist.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient sunlight causes leggy growth. Gradually introduce to brighter light.
Pests: Mealybugs and aphids can bother propagations. Wipe pests away with cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use insecticidal soap spray.
Final Thoughts on Aeonium Kiwi Propagation
With striking coloration and unique foliage, it’s no wonder aeonium kiwi is a coveted succulent. Propagating this plant expands your collection and allows you to share it with other gardeners.
Follow the straightforward techniques covered here for propagating from stem cuttings, offsets, and leaves. Pay close attention to proper care like moisture, light, and warmth. With a little practice, you’ll be an aeonium kiwi propagating pro!
How to care for aeonium
Aeoniums are generally easy plants to care for, provided you pot them in a well-drained soil and allow them to dry out between waterings.
Aeoniums are winter-growing plants that are triggered into growth once the winter solstice has passed, and become all but dormant during summer. During hot periods, their rosettes close up to help conserve water. In winter in the UK, they will need frost-free protection (ideally in a greenhouse) with good air circulation, but in summer they are happiest outside.
How to water aeonium
Don’t water aeoniums while dormant in summer. They really don’t like water when they are in their summer dormant phase and may require protection from rainstorms to prevent them rotting. At Chelsea Physic Garden, we used plastic sheets to protect plants in this situation.
Water aeoniums only when you bring them back indoors (or move back into the greenhouse), in October, by plunging the pot into water until the soil is completely saturated. Once this initial soak has dried out, repeat the soak and dry out process until the end of February. From March until the end of April, you can feed plants with a half-strength, broad-spectrum liquid feed, such as Miracle-Gro, every two weeks. This will boost both flowering and growth.
Heres more on how to water succulents
Succulent Propagation – Aeonium Kiwi Cuttings
FAQ
Can you grow aeonium from cuttings?
You can propagate aeoniums easily by taking cuttings, which should root in a few weeks. Take cuttings in spring. Select young, slender shoots as propagation material. These will root more easily and have more vigour than older, thicker shoots.
How to propagate kiwi from cuttings?
The bottom half of cuttings should be immersed in a plant hormone solution for five seconds and then placed into a rooting bed or small pots for 60 days or more. During this initial period of callous and root development, cuttings should be in a greenhouse (or shadehouse) that only allows about 50% light penetration.
How to grow aeonium kiwi?
Place the Aeonium Kiwi plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Water the plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining soil mix to plant the Aeonium Kiwi. Ensure the plant has good air circulation to prevent disease and pest infestations.
How do you propagate leggy aeonium?
Got leggy succulents? Off with their heads! When aeoniums get leggy, cut off the rosettes, leaving an inch or two of stem, and throw the rest of the plant away, roots and all. Replant each rosette as a cutting: Insert it into the soil so the lower leaves are just above the ground.