Last updated on September 7th, 2023 at 07:16 am
One of the most beautiful aeoniums is aeonium mardi gras. This aeonium has a unique branching pattern and a bright reddish-orange color that make it stand out in any garden. It also flowers quite heavily during the warmer months, which makes this a true Mardi Gras favorite!
The aeonium mardi gras is a popular plant during the Mardi Gras season. It blooms a bright, happy yellow and can be seen in many gardens around this time of the year. The aeonium mardi gras is a succulent that will grow best in a well-lit area with a lot of sun exposure, but it will also do well indoors as long as you take care to water it regularly.
If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras without going outside, then consider planting an aeonium mardi gras!
The Aeonium Mardi Gras is a perennial that has been cultivated for over 20 years by Aeonium International. Aeonium plants are known for their durability and ease of care, making them a favorite choice among gardeners. This article will review the Aeonium Mardi Gras features and discuss how to grow this plant in your garden!
Origin and description
The exact origin of this plant is unknown, but it most likely comes from the Canary Islands. It was first described in 1808 by botanist Carl Thunberg. The genus name “Aeonium” derives from the Greek word for everlasting or eternity since these plants seem to have no end in their growth and flowering periods.
The specific epithet “mardi gras” comes from the name of a French carnival that occurs just before Lent, which is very close to Easter.
Mardi Gras is an evergreen Aeonium that has green leaves with red edges and centers, but throughout the winter it turns a beautiful shade of purple. Its coloration makes Mardi Gras one of the most dramatic-looking succulents in your garden. This species differs from other Aeoniums in that it does not die back during the winter months.
Aeonium Mardi Gras is a stunning succulent plant. It has green foliage with yellow edging along with the leaves. This slow-growing evergreen shrub can grow to be anywhere from six inches high to three feet high and spreads out about two feet wide or less depending on how it’s pruned up as well as which cultivar it is. It’s considered a xerophyte which means that it naturally lives in dry environments where water availability fluctuates seasonally.
Aeonium mardi gras propagation
Propagating aeonium is easy. You can start by dividing the plant or cuttings from it, but note that this might not work depending on how old your plant is and if you are trying to propagate cultivars (more than one variety growing together). For example, I have found that dividing Echeveria agavoides does not work. However, it does work for Echeveria derenbergii ‘Lipstick’ and many other cultivars.
If you do not have a young plant to divide, take cuttings. Cut the stem with at least two nodes and let it sit for about one day before planting in small pots filled with cactus soil mixed with sand (usually 50:50). Water well until all excess water has drained out of the pot and then keep dryer for about one week.
During this time, the cuttings should form a callous over where it has been injured, meaning that there will be no rotting of the cutting. Keep dryer again for another week and then water well until excess water drains out of the pot (again). Repeat this process every other day or so during spring/summer and at least once a week in fall/winter.
Many people also choose to lay the cuttings outside exposed to full sun and let them form roots naturally on their own; however, I have not tried this method yet so I cannot say if it works or how well. In my experience with cacti and succulents propagating with cuttings, this has never worked.
Cuttings can also be started in water if you do not want to try rooting them directly in the soil. Make sure the cutting is at least one inch long and let it sit for about 24 hours before planting it in a well-draining mix of sand or cactus potting mix. If the cutting still has roots, plant it so that only half of the stem is covered. Keep moist but not wet and be sure to put it in a well-ventilated area where water will evaporate quickly because this type of propagation does tend to rot without proper airflow.
From here on out, you can follow standard potting procedures.
Aeonium Mardi Gras Care
Aeonium mardi gras is considered easy to care for, though it does require a little attention!. Water only when the soil has dried out completely before watering again, and fertilize once or twice a year with acid fertilizer diluted. Although it lacks an official USDA Hardiness Zone, this succulent should be hardy even in cold climates with temperatures around zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Light requirements
Mardi Gras Aeoniums are sun-loving plants that originated near the Canary Islands, meaning they like sunlight and warmth. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave them out in the full sun all day long; their leaves will burn if given too much UV light. They are best grown in bright filtered light or dappled shade.
Effects of too much sun/not enough sun
Aeonium Mardi Gras is a shade-loving plant, so if you are growing it indoors then you will want to avoid putting it near any windows or in direct sunlight. If cared for properly this succulent should not require more than several hours of indirect light per day.
Soil/potting mix
I use a well-draining cactus mix. In the past, I have used regular potting soil with sand added to it and that has worked fine for me. It is also important to note that there are many other options available when choosing what you will be using in your pots or planters. For example, if you were going to be planting directly in the ground, you could use regular potting soil (without sand) or even garden dirt. Another good option for growing succulents is to make your own soil using cacti mix and/or perlite which will help with drainage.
Watering schedule
The water requirements of Aeonium Mardi Gras vary depending on the climate. If you are growing this succulent in a humid or wetter environment, it is best to water them less often than if they were grown in dryer conditions. In general, I recommend giving your Aeonium Mardi Gras one thorough watering every week and then allowing the soil to completely dry out before watering it again.
Effects of overwatering/under watering
If your plant shows signs of rotting, you are likely overwatering it. However, if the leaves begin to curl or start turning grey then this means that their roots aren’t receiving enough water and they need more moisture in order to survive. If left untreated for too long these issues can be fatal.
Fertilizer
It is very important not to fertilize your succulent unless you are certain that it needs it and if so, what type of fertilizer should be used. For example, Aeonium Mardi Gras does best when given a half-strength dose of cactus food once every few weeks during their growing season.
Temperature
Aeonium Mardi Gras, like most succulents, prefers to be outdoors in the warmer months and indoors during winter. If you are growing your Aeonium outside all year round, try to keep it somewhere with filtered sunlight or shade, as direct heat can damage leaves easily. It is important that your house temperature falls within the range of 15-20°C (59 to 68°F) for most of the year.
Aeonium Mardi Gras prefers warmth over cold, so your house temperature should be within the range of 12-16 °C (54 to 61 °F) during December and January when they are dormant.
Humidity
As with all succulents, Aeoniums are not drought-tolerant plants. They require humidity to thrive and will usually be found growing in pockets of soil surrounded by rocks or other natural debris that retain moisture for longer periods of time. For the best results, you should try to replicate this environment in your own home.
One way that people have been able to do this is by using a humidity tray under their potting soil. To create one of these trays all you need are some pebbles or rocks and either sand or gravel filled with water so it won’t evaporate. You should also place the tray on top of a water-tight saucer to collect any excess moisture and be sure it is elevated above ground so that you can catch any drips underneath.
Another way to increase humidity around your plant is by creating an enclosed glass dome or greenhouse effect over its pot with either clear plastic wrap or a glass jar. Just be sure to punch a few holes in the top so that it can breathe, or you could suffocate your plant!
If these humidity methods are not an option then just misting your succulent with water is better than nothing at all. Be careful however when watering especially after they have recently been repotted as they may be more sensitive to watering and can get root rot.
The ideal humidity range is 40-60%.
Pruning Aeonium Mardi Gras
When you prune aeonium mardi gras, it’s going to be okay. You don’t have to worry about hurting the plant! It is one of my favorite succulents because I can cut off pieces and they will root themselves in no time at all. The older leaves dry up and turn white or brown as well, so you can also use them in dried flower arrangements or for other craft projects.
I like to leave the rosettes (which are technically called phylloclades) alone, but if they get too large and start falling over, then it’s time to prune! To do this, grasp one of the leaves at its base with one hand and then use the other to pull down slowly. You’ll hear a satisfying popping sound as it comes off!
The leaf will leave behind a nice, calloused bare spot where you can start new growth from. If there is still some green on it, don’t worry about ripping all of that off. The more healthy green leaves are left behind, the faster it is going to grow back.
When to repot
You can repot your aeonium mardi gras in the springtime. I like to wait until around Mother’s Day, but you don’t have to be so precise about it! It won’t make much of a difference if you do it early or late in that window.
The best time for planting succulents is after the last average frost date for your area, so you can check that on the internet or in a gardening book.
Just remember: if it’s not going to kill them by repotting now, don’t worry about waiting! They will be fine as long as they have enough water and sun.
Dormancy
It is good to let your aeonium mardi gras go dormant for some time. You can do this in the wintertime and then bring it back into the light when spring comes around again.
You don’t have to worry about cutting off any of the leaves because they will all drop off on their own. Just make sure you keep it on the dry side while it is dormant.
Flowers & Fragrance
Aeonium Mardi Gras is a fabulous addition to the garden, not only for its foliage beauty but also because of its flowers. The plant’s large rosettes are stunning in their own right with their shape and coloration being different from other Aeonium species. However, when one blooms it becomes even more spectacular as the stems are lined with clusters of bright orange flowers.
Growth rate
Aeonium Mardi Gras is a low-growing shrub that can reach up to one foot in height. The plant’s leaves are typically deep green but may turn yellow or red during periods of stress, such as lack of water or cold weather. This succulent has tuberous roots with a texture and coloration similar to potatoes.
Mardi Gras grows best in exposed locations where there is at least some sun. It thrives with hot, dry conditions but will become dormant during periods of cold or prolonged drought. This succulent can be propagated by seed or cuttings and has low water requirements once established. The plant’s slow growth rate means it can take years to fill out its rosette, making this succulent a great addition for xeric or desert-themed gardens.
Toxicity
Aeonium Mardi Gras is toxic to cats and dogs. They can experience lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems if they ingest even a small amount of this plant. If you notice your cat or dog eating Aeonium Mardi Gras (or any part of the plant), contact your veterinarian immediately.
If you have children in your home, make sure to keep Aeonium Mardi Gras out of their reach as well. Children are naturally inquisitive and like to taste everything they see (remember that “curiosity killed the cat”). It is difficult to determine how toxic a plant is to humans, so it’s best not to take any chances and keep all poisonous plants out of reach.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Aeonium Mardi Gras is an evergreen succulent native to the Canary Islands. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones nine through eleven, where it can be grown outdoors year-round or cultivated indoors during winter months.
Pests and diseases
Aeonium Mardi Gras is not prone to many pests and diseases, with the exception of occasional mealybug outbreaks. Mealybugs are easily eliminated with a strong jet of water or by dabbing them individually with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Spider mites can also pose a problem for indoor growers; it’s important to treat them early.
For outdoor plants, the most common pest is probably snails and slugs; these pests can be deterred with a barrier of diatomaceous earth or slug bait.
Conclusion
Aeonium Mardi Gras is an excellent addition to any sunny garden. It thrives in drought conditions after it becomes established and requires very little water once its roots are fully developed.
