How To Grow Canary Island Aeonium, A Statement Succulent That Flowers!

Friends, don’t be fooled by this photo, these are not your typical smallish succulents, but rather giant versions that make a huge statement in your garden, and can be virtually neglected, assuming you can grow succulents where you live. So learn how to grow Canary Island aeonium, and maybe you can even score some cuttings from a friend? In no time you’ll be the one to gift cuttings of this plant, and it may just become your favorite succulent, as when it blooms the flower stalk is tall and truly dramatic. I’m actually taking care of the aeoniums shown here for a neighbor that moved, but whether or not she comes back from afar to claim her plants, I’ll certainly take lots of cuttings as the pots are brimming over! Okay, lets learn more about Canary Island Aeonium!

These two pots of Canary Island aeoniums are currently residing on my balcony in Northern Israel, with a view of Mount Meron, lucky guys! The flower bracts have actually lasted at least two months plus, which I haven’t seen with my sumaller succulents, a great aspect of this plant!

Succulents are indeed interesting in general, and this one does not disappoint!

To successfully grow the Canary Island aeonium (Aeonium canariense), provide it with full to partial sunlight and a well-draining succulent mix soil and moderate water during its active growing season. These large-leaved rosette shaped succulents grow actively in fall and spring, and require winter protection from frost and summer dormancy. (That said, I know for a fact that these succulents were never brought indoors during the few zero celcius days we had last winter. I do bring in mine though!)

Key Care Requirements

Soil & Potting: Use a high-quality, fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. You can amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to prevent water logging and root rot. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Sunlight: They thrive in bright, direct to indirect sunlight. Morning sun is ideal, but they also tolerate partial shade. A few hours of daily sun will bring out beautiful reddish-pink tinges on their normally soft, fuzzy green leaves.
Watering: Aeoniums have shallow roots and require slightly more water than other succulents. Water moderately when the top few inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch. Always allow the compost to dry out almost completely between waterings.
Temperature & Hardiness: They are not frost-tolerant and thrive best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C). Protect them from freezing temperatures and cold drafts. If you live in a climate with cold winters, overwinter them indoors in a bright window.

Seasonal Cycles & Maintenance

Growing Season (Fall and Spring): This is when your aeonium is actively growing. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month.
Dormancy (Summer): In hot weather, the plant may go dormant and drop some leaves. During dormancy, severely cut back on watering—only give them a tiny sip occasionally to keep their foliage from completely shriveling.
Flowering: Aeoniums are monocarpic, meaning the specific rosette that flowers will die after blooming. However, the main plant offsets freely, so new baby rosettes will continue to grow.