Aeonium davidbramwellii — a hard houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Aeonium davidbramwellii

Aeonium Davidbramwellii

Updated · 18 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Tree aeonium has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It is prone to illness when humidity is high and can develop root rot during its dormant period. Regarding care, Tree aeonium tolerates drought but requires increased watering in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during dormancy. Tree aeonium is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, especially during dormancy. It is particularly well suited to those who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Aeonium Davidbramwellii.

Light

Tree aeonium thrives in places with ample sunlight but can also grow where sun exposure is moderate. Its native habitat conditions shape this preference and support robust health. Too much sun can cause scorching, while too little may limit growth. The required light level can change during different growth stages.

Water

The tree aeonium thrives in arid climates due to its high drought tolerance. It requires minimal watering, about once every three weeks. Preferring full sun exposure, this plant efficiently conserves water by closing its stomata during the hottest part of the day, making it perfect for dry conditions.

Temperature

Tree aeonium originates from regions where temperatures range from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). These plants prefer warmer conditions and can tolerate temperatures above 100 °F (38 ℃). In cooler seasons, it is recommended to keep indoor temperatures above 68 °F (20 ℃).

Fertilizer

For tree aeonium, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Avoid fertilizing in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer on repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages flowering.

Pruning

To maintain the best shape for large succulent plants like the tree aeonium, it is ideal to prune them in the spring and fall. Focus on removing any redundant or densely packed branches. To propagate, cut stems with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the cut area, and plant them once the wound has healed. For optimal results, make sure the soil is slightly moist.

Pot & Repot

To ensure healthy growth, repot your tree aeonium every two years during the spring. Use a wide, shallow container for repotting. After repotting, place the plant in bright, indirect light and be careful not to overwater it. This helps prevent root rot and allows the tree aeonium to adjust to its new environment.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Aeonium
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
10 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Bronze
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Winter, Spring
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What should I do if I give my Tree Aeonium plant too much water or too little water?

Tree aeonium and other succulents can go without water for a long time, so it's uncommon for them to suffer from underwatering. However, if you forget to water your Tree aeonium for a month or more, it may start to look thirsty or show signs of damage from lack of water. An underwatered Tree aeonium will appear dull and wrinkled, with some leaves dried up or brown and crispy. The soil will also be completely dry. To revive an underwatered Tree aeonium, give it plenty of water by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes. When the soil feels moist on the surface, watering is complete. Overwatering is dangerous for Tree aeonium and can be fatal. Excessive moisture leads to root rot, which prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients and water. Root rot occurs when fungi and bacteria thrive in wet soil and feed on the roots. If your Tree aeonium is overwatered, you should change the growing conditions, improve air ventilation, and adjust watering frequency. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent organs. If the problem persists, the plant may turn brown or black and lose leaves easily. Check the soil to confirm if overwatering is the issue, as other problems can cause similar symptoms. Saving an overwatered plant is difficult but not impossible. Catching the problem early is key to minimizing damage. Start by removing the plant from its pot and examining the roots and soil. Gently remove wet soil and rinse the roots in room-temperature water to eliminate any lurking fungus and assess their health. Dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy roots indicate root rot. If most of the roots are affected, it might not be possible to save the plant. In that case, remove any healthy stems and use them to propagate a new Tree aeonium. If only a portion of the roots is affected, there is a chance of saving the plant. Use a sterilized cutting tool to remove unhealthy roots, dip the remaining firm, pale roots in a fungicide, and then repot the Tree aeonium in fresh, well-draining soil. Although not always successful, this method often allows the plant to fully recover and grow new foliage in the next growing season.

How much sunlight does the Tree aeonium need to grow?

To ensure the healthy growth of Tree aeonium, it is recommended to provide it with at least 6 hours of sunlight every day, with more being preferable. The actual minimum number of hours may vary based on sunlight intensity and other environmental factors. However, it is unlikely for Tree aeonium to receive too much sunlight, as they can handle up to 14 hours of sun per day without any issues.

What temperature is best for your Tree aeonium?

To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to maintain specific conditions for the Tree aeonium. Ideally, temperatures between 75-90℉ (25-32℃) are considered suitable. During the early winter season, it is important to avoid temperatures below 75℉ (25℃) for the Tree aeonium. Moving it indoors offers better protection against extreme temperatures. However, it is worth noting that the Tree aeonium is capable of surviving in some extreme temperature conditions. Occasionally, it can endure low temperatures around 50℉ (15℃), although this is not ideal. If winter conditions are anticipated outside, it is advised to bring the Tree aeonium inside.

How often do I need to water my Tree aeonium plant?

To determine how often to water Tree aeonium, it is best to check the soil and only water when it has completely dried out. You can check the soil by either sticking your finger in the pot or using a moisture meter to gauge the moisture level below the surface. If you have planted the tree in a deep pot, you can use a stick or chopstick to check the moisture. If the soil feels even slightly damp, wait a few days and check again. Generally, watering Tree aeonium every two weeks in summer and once a month in winter is sufficient for most people. However, there are other factors to consider that may affect the watering frequency. The following section highlights some considerations that can help determine how often to water.

What kind of sunlight does Tree aeonium need?

Tree aeonium is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright sunlight. It can do well with direct light or bright indirect sun. While some types of aeonium can tolerate partial sun, they generally prefer more sunlight for optimal growth.

How do I change the temperature for my Tree aeonium as it grows?

Tree aeonium goes through different growing phases. First, the dormant seed grows and becomes a seedling. To properly germinate, the dormant seeds require specific conditions, such as a temperature between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). For optimal growth, it is best to ensure a temperature of around 85℉ (30℃), which is most suited in the summer. During this season, you can place your Tree aeonium in a spot where it can receive sufficient sunlight by adjusting its position from indoors to direct sunlight.

What do I need to think about when watering my Tree aeonium?

To properly water your Tree aeonium, you need to consider various environmental factors such as container size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. The container and soil you use determine how often and how much water to give. Use a container with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Smaller containers will hold less moisture and need more frequent watering, while larger pots retain more water and require less frequent watering. Avoid using oversized pots as they can easily lead to overwatering. When repotting, opt for a slightly larger container and use shallow containers since Tree aeonium has shallow roots. Watering frequency also depends on the season. During the winter, when growth slows down, the plant requires less water as it uses less energy. Additionally, cooler winter air reduces water evaporation, allowing the soil to stay wet for longer. The climate in your location also affects watering needs. If you live in a humid area with abundant rainfall, you'll need to water less frequently compared to a dry, arid climate. Remember that conditions can vary within the same geographic location, influenced by seasons and indoor heating or air conditioning. For outdoor planting, once Tree aeonium establishes a root system in the ground, it generally doesn't require additional watering beyond what it receives from precipitation and dew. However, during extended dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary. In areas where Tree aeonium can only be grown in containers, you can move the plant outside during spring and summer, ensuring proper temperature conditions, and bring it back indoors when temperatures begin to drop. Keep in mind that potted Tree aeoniums kept outside typically need more water due to increased sun exposure, even on a shaded porch.

Should I keep Tree aeonium away from the sun to protect it?

Tree aeonium, a plant that thrives in extremely hot and sunny places, does not require protection from the sun due to its natural adaptation to such environments. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when introducing a Tree aeonium to a highly-sunny location it is not accustomed to. It is important to allow the plant sufficient time to adjust to new conditions. To facilitate this adjustment, gradually increase the plant's exposure to the sun, starting with a few hours per day and gradually lengthening the duration. Once acclimated, most varieties of Tree aeonium can comfortably thrive in full sun without the need for protective measures.

How do I keep my Tree aeonium warm during cold seasons?

To protect your Tree aeonium from harsh winter conditions, it's recommended to bring it indoors. Some people use grow lights to provide sufficient sunlight for the plant, but if your home isn't extremely dark, buying these lights isn't necessary. Instead, place your plants where they will receive the most sunlight possible, as this should be enough to keep the Tree aeonium thriving in winter. If you have multiple Tree aeoniums, rotate their positions to ensure they all get enough sunlight. If you live in colder northern areas, be careful not to place your Tree aeonium too close to the window, as extreme cold may damage them.

How do I water Tree aeonium?

The best way to water Tree aeonium is to thoroughly soak it and then let it dry out before watering again. This plant can tolerate drought, so you can let it get quite dry before watering. It's always better to give this plant too little water than too much. When you water, make sure to soak the entire pot's soil, rather than pouring water in just one spot. Try to go around the rim of the planter so that all sides of the plant get wet. The amount of water you need will depend on your container size and the soil's absorption. Water your Tree aeonium until it drains out from the drainage holes, and ideally, let the drained water sit in the saucer for 20-30 minutes to be absorbed by dry soil pockets. Then, discard any excess water to prevent waterlogging. Bottom-watering is also helpful for Tree aeonium as it ensures the soil is thoroughly moistened. Place the pot in a saucer of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. You'll know it has enough water when the top layer is moist. This method takes longer but provides an even distribution of water. In its natural habitat, Tree aeonium experiences dry conditions with occasional heavy rain that thoroughly moisten the soil. You can mimic this by bottom-watering when the soil is completely dry. Providing deep soil bathing is better than frequent light watering for Tree aeonium.

What happens if Tree aeonium doesn't get enough sunlight?

Insufficient sunlight is detrimental to the growth of Tree aeonium. Notable signs of inadequate sunlight are pale coloring, wilting leaves, and leaf drop. Additionally, Tree aeonium may display etiolation, also known as legginess, which happens when the plant stretches towards the light source, resulting in a sparse appearance and weak stems.

What occurs to my Tree aeonium when it gets too hot or too cold?

To help your Tree aeonium thrive, it is best to provide it with warm temperatures of around 90℉ (32℃) during the summer. However, it is important to protect it from extreme hot weather. During the winter, it is recommended to keep the plant dry. In general, Tree aeonium prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 75-90℉ (25-32℃). While a brief exposure to higher temperatures (90-95℉ or 32-35℃) can enhance the colors of the plant, caution should be exercised as this can also cause stress and damage if not done carefully. In the summertime, when the temperature reaches extreme levels, it is advisable to relocate the plant to a shaded area or use a shade cloth to shield it from the intense heat and prevent stem and root damage.

PLATES
Aeonium davidbramwellii leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Aeonium davidbramwellii leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Aeonium davidbramwellii habit
PLATE 03 · habit
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