Aeonium hierrense is a species of succulent flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae that is endemic to the island of El Hierro in the Canary islands.: 167 It has whorls of strongly ciliate leaves borne on a stem up to 1m in height. The leaves takes on an attractive purple colour during the summer, being quite green in the winter. It produces whitish pink flowers that have 8-fold symmetry.
El Hierro Giant Houseleek has moderate disease resistance and is fairly sensitive to humidity. It is prone to illness when humidity levels are high and can develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, it is drought tolerant but requires more frequent watering in the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely while it is dormant. El Hierro Giant Houseleek is best suited to growers with some experience, as it can be hard to look after, especially during its dormant period. It is particularly appropriate for those who can spend time tending it through the winter months.
How to keep Aeonium Hierrense.
Light
El Hierro Giant Houseleek prospers with abundant light. Its vitality depends heavily on ample illumination, and a shortage of light can cause stunted growth. Although it comes from areas bathed in strong sunlight, it cannot tolerate excessive exposure and may be harmed by too much light.
Water
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek is well-suited to subtropical climates and showcases impressive drought tolerance. It requires minimal watering, with irrigation recommended only once every three weeks. Ideal for rock gardens, the El Hierro Giant Houseleek can endure dry conditions due to its moisture-retaining fleshy leaves.
Temperature
El Hierro Giant Houseleek originates from climates where temperatures range from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38 ℃), matching the conditions of its native habitat. In different seasons, el Hierro Giant Houseleek may require careful adjustment to maintain this temperature range.
Fertilizer
For the El Hierro Giant Houseleek, give light fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and helps encourage blooms.
Pruning
To maintain the shape of the El Hierro Giant Houseleek, you may need to prune it in the spring and fall to remove any dense or unnecessary branches. For propagation, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the cut, and plant it after the wound has healed. Make sure the soil is slightly moist.
Pot & Repot
Repot the El Hierro Giant Houseleek into a spacious, shallow pot every two years during spring. Use well-draining soil and place it in bright, indirect light to help it recover. After the plant acclimates, typically within a week, resume regular watering to promote healthy growth and prevent root rot.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Aeonium
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 76 cm
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
Reader questions.
What should I do if I give my El Hierro Giant Houseleek too much or too little water?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek is a type of succulent that can survive without water for long periods of time. However, if you forget to water it for a month or more, you'll notice that it looks thirsty and may have some damage. An underwatered El Hierro Giant Houseleek will appear lackluster and wrinkled, with some leaves dried up and brown. The soil will be completely dried out. To remedy the situation, you should give it plenty of water by submerging the pot in water for about 5-10 minutes until the soil feels moist on the surface. On the other hand, overwatering can be fatal to the El Hierro Giant Houseleek. Too much moisture leads to root rot, which hinders the absorption of nutrients and water from the soil. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves that may burst open. If not treated, the plant may turn brown or black and leaves may fall off easily. To save an overwatered plant, catch the issue early by removing it from the pot, checking the roots and soil, and gently rinsing the roots in room-temperature water. If most of the roots are affected by rot, it may not be possible to save the plant. However, if only a portion of the roots is affected, removing unhealthy roots, dipping the remaining healthy roots in a fungicide, and repotting in fresh, well-draining soil can help the plant recover.
Why should I fertilize my El Hierro Giant Houseleek?
Fertilizing El Hierro Giant Houseleek is beneficial for its growth. While it does store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season promotes healthy growth and encourages mature specimens to produce blooms.
How much sunlight does the El Hierro Giant Houseleek need in order to grow?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but more is preferable. The exact minimum requirement may vary based on sunlight intensity and other environmental factors, but it's unlikely that the plant will receive excessive sunlight. In fact, it can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun per day without any issues.
What temperature should your El Hierro Giant Houseleek be kept at to thrive?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek prefers to be kept within a specific temperature range. Ideally, temperatures should be between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). During early winter, it's important to ensure the temperature does not drop below 75℉ (25℃) for the plant's well-being. If needed, bringing it indoors can provide better protection from temperature extremes. While the El Hierro Giant Houseleek can tolerate some extreme temperatures, such as lows of 50℉ (15℃), it is not ideal. If winter conditions are anticipated outside, it is recommended to bring the plant inside.
How frequently should I water my El Hierro Giant Houseleek plant?
To determine how often you should water the El Hierro Giant Houseleek, there is no fixed rule. The best way is to check the soil and only water it when it is completely dry. To do this, you can either stick your finger in the pot or use a moisture meter to assess the soil beneath the surface. If you have planted it in a deep pot, you can also use a stick or chopstick for this purpose. If the soil feels even slightly moist, it is advisable to wait a few days and check again. Generally, most people will need to water the El Hierro Giant Houseleek every two weeks during the summer and once a month in the winter. However, the frequency of watering can be influenced by various factors. The following section provides some considerations to help you determine how often to water.
When is the right time to put fertilizer on my El Hierro Giant Houseleek plant?
El Hierro Giant Houseleek, like all plants, benefits from added nutrients, but it only requires a small amount of fertilizer throughout the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize your El Hierro Giant Houseleek 1-2 times a year, specifically during spring and autumn. It's important to avoid fertilizing during winter and summer when the plant is dormant. When repotting, be mindful and reduce the amount of fertilizer. It's also advisable to wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.
What kind of sunlight does the El Hierro Giant Houseleek need for its growth?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek requires plenty of bright sunlight to thrive. These plants can do well with direct light or bright indirect sun. While some types may tolerate partial sun, it is generally best to provide them with more sunlight.
How do I change the temperature for my El Hierro Giant Houseleek at different times it's growing?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek has different growing phases. First, the dormant seed grows and transforms into a seedling. These seeds require specific conditions to germinate, such as a temperature of 75-90℉ (25-32℃). To promote vigorous growth, it is best to cultivate the plant during the summer when temperatures are around 85℉ (30℃). During this time, you can move the plant from indoors to a sunny spot to ensure it receives adequate sunlight.
What do I need to think about when watering my El Hierro Giant Houseleek?
To properly water your El Hierro Giant Houseleek, you need to consider various environmental factors such as container size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. The size of the container and the type of soil will determine how often and how much water you should use. It's important to use a container with good drainage to prevent overwatering. Smaller containers hold less moisture, while larger pots retain water and require less frequent watering. Avoid using oversized pots as they can lead to overwatering. When repotting, choose a container that is only slightly larger than the current one. Shallow containers are better suited for El Hierro Giant Houseleek, as it has shallow roots. The watering frequency for El Hierro Giant Houseleek will vary depending on the season. During winter, when growth slows down, watering should be reduced as the plant doesn't require as much water. In cooler temperatures, the soil retains moisture for longer periods. The climate of your location also affects watering needs. Humid and rainy regions require less watering compared to dry and arid environments. Keep in mind that conditions can vary within the same location, depending on the season and indoor heating or air conditioning usage. For outdoor planting, once the El Hierro Giant Houseleek has established its root system in the ground, it typically doesn't need additional watering, relying on natural precipitation and dew. However, during extended dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary. In areas where it can only be grown in containers, the plant can be moved outdoors during spring and summer, as long as temperatures are suitable, and then brought back inside when temperatures begin to drop. Keep in mind that potted El Hierro Giant Houseleek kept outside may require more water due to increased sun exposure, even in shaded areas.
When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my El Hierro Giant Houseleek?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek, like other plants, goes through a dormant period when it's best to avoid fertilizing. During summer and winter, when the plant stops growing, it's recommended to halt fertilizer application. Additionally, after repotting in the spring, it's advisable to wait a couple of months before resuming fertilization.
Do I need to keep the El Hierro Giant Houseleek away from the sun?
The El Hierro Giant Houseleek is typically found in extremely hot and sunny areas and is well-suited to that kind of environment. As a result, it doesn't require sun protection. However, if your El Hierro Giant Houseleek isn't accustomed to intense sunlight, it's important to introduce it gradually. Give the plant some time to adjust by exposing it to the sun for a few hours each day, then slowly increase the duration. Once acclimated, most varieties of El Hierro Giant Houseleek will thrive in full sunlight without any need for protection.
How do I keep my El Hierro Giant Houseleek warm during cold seasons?
To protect your El Hierro Giant Houseleek from harsh winter conditions, it is recommended to bring it indoors. Some people choose to use grow lights to provide enough sunlight for the plant, but if your home is not very dark, it is not necessary to purchase these lights. Instead, place your plants where they will receive the most sunlight possible. This should be enough to keep the El Hierro Giant Houseleek thriving during winter. If you have multiple plants, rotate them so they all get sufficient sunlight. If you live in northern areas with frigid weather, avoid placing your El Hierro Giant Houseleek too close to the window, as the cold can damage them.