Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Aeonium smithii is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira archipelago. It was originally discovered by C.R.Smith in Tenerife in 1852. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family which has about 1,000 species worldwide and about 200 in the Mediterranean region alone.
Aeonium smithii is typically grown as an ornamental plant in container gardens because of its attractive foliage and its ability to survive in shaded areas with little water.
Aeonium smithii thrives best when it receives partial shade from the sun, making it an ideal houseplant or patio plant. Once it becomes acclimated to its environment, it’s very easy to care for and propagate.
If you love the look of succulents but don’t have the time to care for them, an aeonium smithii may be right up your alley. These plants don’t require much water, and they can survive in low-light environments with just some basic care.
Origin and distribution
Aeonium smithii is a beautiful succulent that originates from the Canary Islands. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can be propagated easily from stem or leaf cuttings. Aeonium smithii grows best in full sun to partial shade and enjoys well-draining soil.
When watering, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. If you live in a cold climate, it’s best to grow this plant indoors during winter months and bring it outside when temperatures warm up.
Aeonium smithii propagation
Aeonium smithii is easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate from stem cuttings, cut a 2-4 inch piece from a healthy plant and allow the cutting to callous over for a few days. Once the cutting has been calloused, insert it into well-draining soil and water lightly.
Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Leaf cuttings are also an easy way to increase your collection of this fascinating succulent plant; use sharp shears to make cuts in the fleshy leaves that have grown on mature plants with brown tips. Insert these cuttings into a moist potting mix and keep them in the bright shade until they take root, then move them out into direct sunlight.
You can also place individual rosettes from the mother plant into small pots filled with well-draining soil. Be sure to give these young rosettes plenty of bright sunlight once they’ve established themselves, as aeoniums love warm weather and full sun.
Aeonium smithii care information
Aeonium smithii is a beautiful succulent that’s easy to care for. Here are a few tips to keep your plant healthy and happy
Light requirement
Aeonium smithii is a sun-loving succulent that does best in bright, direct light. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to fade or even burn. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to grow Aeonium smithii in partial shade. It also needs protection from the strong afternoon sun and prefers morning and evening hours of sunlight.
When moving plants outside during the summer months, remember to gradually acclimate them by exposing them to more time outdoors each day for a week before placing them directly into full sunlight.
Soil/potting mix
Aeonium smithii are drought tolerant and can be grown in most well-draining soils. They prefer a sandy, loamy mix that is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is heavy, add some organic matter to lighten it up. Aeoniums can be potbound, so don’t worry if they seem snug in their pots.
As long as the roots aren’t constricted, you can leave them in the same container for many years without transplanting. Just make sure you give them enough room for the roots to grow; once every two or three years is usually enough.
Watering
Aeonium smithii plants are drought tolerant and only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry. They can be sensitive to overwatering, so it’s important to err on the side of underwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
If you want your plant to grow faster, then water more often or increase the amount of water given. It’s a good idea to use a pot with drainage holes that are positioned at the bottom for this type of plant because they don’t like sitting in standing water.
Fertilizer
Aeonium smithii is a beautiful succulent that’s easy to care for. When it comes to fertilizer, less is more. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and damage the plant. A light feeding every other month is all that’s needed. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not fertilize at all.
Temperature
Aeonium smithii prefer warm weather and will do best in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can also tolerate cooler temperatures, down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off.
Humidity
Aeonium smithii plants are native to the Canary Islands, which means they’re used to a fairly humid climate. In terms of home care, you can create a humid environment for your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or misting it regularly. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may want to consider investing in a humidifier.
The ideal humidity range is 35-45% RH. Be sure to watch your aeonium closely for signs of root rot if you live in a dry climate or a low-humidity home environment. If you don’t want to use supplemental humidity, it’s best to choose plants that are native to more humid climates.
Pruning
Aeonium smithii are best pruned in the spring after they have flowered. Cut back any dead or damaged leaves and stems. To encourage bushier growth, cut back the main stem by one-third. If your plant is leggy, you can also cut back side stems to the desired length.
Aeonium smithii can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Remove a four-inch (10 cm) piece of stem with at least two sets of leaves from the base of the plant.
Remove all but the top set of leaves from this cutting, then place it into a container filled with potting soil. Allow this cutting to rest for two weeks before placing it into bright light and maintaining adequate moisture levels.
When to repot
Aeonium smithii is a slow-growing succulent, so it will only need to be repotted every few years. The best time to repot is in the spring after the plant has had a chance to rest. To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off any excess soil.
Place the plant in a new pot that is only slightly larger than the old one, and fill it with fresh succulent soil. Make sure the plant’s root ball is well supported by the soil and pat down firmly around it.
If you are planting more than one variety of succulents in your container, space them out so they have plenty of room for growth.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Aeonium smithii is a winter-dormant succulent, meaning that it requires a period of rest in order to thrive. During this time, the plant will stop growing and may even lose some leaves. It’s important to provide your Aeonium smithii with the right conditions during its dormancy period in order to ensure a healthy plant come spring.
Flowers & fragrance
The Aeonium smithii produces lovely yellow flowers that have a sweet fragrance. They are native to the Canary Islands and thrive in warm, sunny climates. When caring for this plant, be sure to provide plenty of bright light and well-drained soil. These succulents are drought tolerant and can be propagated by stem cuttings.
Growth rate
Aeonium smithii is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 12 inches in height. It typically takes about two years for an Aeonium smithii to reach its full size. If you want your plant to grow faster, you can provide it with additional light and water. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Toxicity
Aeonium smithii is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. However, as with all plants, it is best to keep it out of reach of small children and pets who may nibble on its leaves.
The sap of the plant can cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes, so it is best to wear gloves when handling it. Aeonium smithii is not known to be invasive, but it can be a bit of a nuisance in the garden if left unchecked.
USDA hardiness zones
Aeonium smithii thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. These succulents are not frost tolerant, so if you live in a zone below 8 it is best to keep them indoors. The plants require full sun to thrive and need plenty of water and protection from frost.
Pests and diseases
Aeonium smithii are generally pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale. If you see any of these pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or with a strong spray of water.
If the infestation is severe, you may need to treat the plant with an insecticide.
Aeonium smithii plants are also susceptible to root rot, so make sure to plant them in well-draining soil. They will benefit from regular watering, but don’t overdo it. It’s best to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
