Aeonium smithii - 20 seeds
Aeonium smithii - 20 seeds
Aeonium smithii branches to form a small shrub up to 2 feet (60 cm) high. Its stems have whitish bristly hairs, giving them a shaggy appearance, though older stems tend to lose these hairs. During the winter-spring growing season, the rosettes of leaves are up to 6 inches (15 cm) across. The spoon-shaped or paddle-shaped leaves are velvety to the touch and glossy on the upper surface. They have wavy margins, with the waviness varying from slight to pronounced. The leaves also have lengthwise purple or brownish dashes, especially on the undersides, and these are thickened water-storing structures. The flower stalks are up 6 inches (15 cm) above the rosettes of leaves. They bear yellow flowers are 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.
1. Sowing of Aeonium, Greenovias is very easy. All species can be virtually grown in any substrate, which should be very well draining and rather pH-neutral. create a substrate mixing cactus mix and peat (equal parts). In general the substrate should be inorganic.
2. The best moment to plant is in spring. If you are going to plant it in another season of the year make sure that the temperature is warm and there is sunlight.
During winter you must use strong artificial lights preferably 15-16 hours a day.
3. Sow the dust-like seeds very thin and evenly on the substrate's surface. Do not cover seeds with soil. Be carefull, If too many seeds are sowed these numerous seedlings will suppress each other in growth.
4. Fill the container with soil and water it. Add plenty of water and leave the container, so that the water has some time to decant.
5. Gently spread the seeds all over the substrate. You must not bury the seeds or press them hard. Moist them a bit more with a fine spray.
6. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or put it in a plastic bag to keep air humidity. Do not open it until successful germination.
If there is enough humidity inside bags there will be no need to open it and water again.
6. Maintain temperature of 20°C-25°C (68°F-76°F) but during the night it can go down to 15°C (59°F). Temperatures above 25°C will inhibit germination for seeds will enter a heat induced
dormancy till they may eventually germinate with decreasing temperatures. Germination occursquite fast and evenly within some 7 to 21 days.
7. Keep the seed tray or the pot in a light shadowy place during the growing phase, never let dry out the soil completely.
8. Once the seedlings are accustomed to the sun (gradually) is time to transplant - only transplant the most vigorous and most robust
9. Buy seeds only on reputable sources, like www.rareplant.me. On Ebay, Wish, Ali you will usually find cheap and fake seeds.
Water: Aeoniums do not like really hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in very dry conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl, to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool (65–75˚F / 18–24˚C) and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot.
Soil: A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents, since Aeonium need some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot every 2 –3 years with fresh potting soil.
Fertilizer: Feed during the growing season with a half strength balanced fertilizern , every month or so. Do not feed while dormant.