Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ plants, also known as Blushing Aeoniums, are beautiful succulent plants that are easily recognizable by their large striking rosettes of thick, glossy leaves with a bright green center and red margins.
Given its wide range of growing conditions and its ornamental value, it’s easy to see why Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ has earned an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ belongs to a beautiful genus of succulent plants known for their beauty and exotic-looking rosettes. The genus Aeonium is native to the Canary Islands, but many species have spread throughout and can now be found in many gardens worldwide.
Botanical Name | Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ |
Common Name | Blushing Aeonium |
Family | Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
Plant Type | Succulent, House plant, Perennial |
Origin | Canary Islands |
Maintenance | Low |
Height | 2-3 feet (60cm – 90cm) |
Width | 2-3 feet (60cm – 90cm) |
Light | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
Bloom season | Spring |
Bloom color | Yellow |
Water needs | Low/Moderate |
Soil | Well-drained; Loam, Sand |
Tolerant | Drought, Deer, Salt |
Toxicity | Non-toxic to Pets |
Hardiness (USDA) | 9-11 |
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ Plant Care
Like most other Aeonium varieties, Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is a succulent plant that requires little care once established. It is easy to maintain and can be grown in various conditions.
This perennial does not require much water but needs some supplemental moisture during extreme heat or drought periods. However, this relatively “hands-off” plant does have a few specific needs.
Light
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ does best in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate shade but will be less colorful if grown in this condition.
If you are growing Aeonium in partial shade, ensure it is not under the canopy of other taller plants or trees. The plant will also benefit from being placed near an east-facing window to enjoy the morning sun.
Soil
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ grows best in sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils that contain some grit or gravel for drainage.
Any regular succulent potting soil will work well. If using regular garden soil, it should be amended with sand or gravel.
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is a succulent plant with very little tolerance for standing water. Therefore, when growing Aeonium in pots, ensure that the soil drains well and does not get compacted over time.
Water
Aeoniums have a relatively small root system, and unlike other succulents, they need to be watered regularly. While drought-tolerant, aeoniums are not drought-proof. Water the plant when the soil is dry to touch, but don’t let it sit in water.
Watering Aeoniums ‘Blushing Beauty’ should be done in the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as hot. If you water your succulents in the heat of the day, their leaves may burn.
Watering too much can cause root rot and other issues, so make sure to only water enough to keep the soil moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). It will grow in warmer temperatures but may not flower as much under these conditions.
Humidity should be kept between 40 percent and 60 percent for optimal growth. On the other hand, too much moisture can cause stem rot, so be sure not to overwater it or keep it in areas that get overly humid.
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ prefers a Mediterranean climate with slightly cool and damp winters and hot summers.
Fertilizer
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ needs fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. However, Aeoniums may go dormant in summer and don’t need any fertilizer during that time.
If your plant is growing well, you can apply a balanced fertilizer at half strength, such as 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 (fertilizers with different ratios are often labeled for indoor and outdoor use).
Pruning
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ doesn’t need pruning to keep it healthy and thriving. However, if you want to maintain its shape or remove dead leaves, you can trim back the stems with sharp scissors or shears in the fall.
When aeoniums get long and leggy, you should cut off the tops of each plant. Leave an inch or two of stem on your cutting, then throw away the rest—roots and all! Replant these new cuttings in pots filled with well-drained potting soil.
The most effective time to do this is in the fall, when plants begin to emerge from their summer dormancy.
Propagating Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty‘
There are several ways to propagate your Aeonium, but the most common way is by taking cuttings. This simple process involves cutting off a piece of your plant and sticking it into some soil to grow.
Steps To Propagate Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ by Stem Cuttings:
- Using a sharp, clean cutting tool, clip off a piece of the leaf rosette from a younger stem.
- Place the cutting in a dry, warm location for a few days to allow it time to heal before transplanting.
- Place the cutting in a pot or container with high-quality, well-draining soil. Water your new plant weekly and place it in a sunny location where it can receive plenty of light but not direct sun exposure.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy until new growth appears.
- Once you see the new growth, water the plant less frequently.
Repotting Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty‘
You should repot your Aeonium when its roots are filling the pot or have begun to grow out of it. You may also need to repot if you notice that the plant has stopped blooming or isn’t growing as quickly as it once did. So even if your plant looks healthy, it may still need repotting!
Repot your Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ every two years during its fall or spring growth period. Use a container that is only one size larger than the current pot (for example, if the plant is in a 4-inch pot, use a 5-inch pot). This allows the roots some room to grow into their new home without becoming rootbound.
Make sure that drainage holes are not blocked by any rocks or soil in the bottom of your pot; if they are blocked, use perlite or sand as an alternative medium for drainage.
Any good commercial potting soil will work well as long as it drains well; avoid using soil from your yard because it may contain pests that are hard to get rid of.
Prepare:
Steps on how to repot:
- Put on your gardening gloves
- Remove the plant from its existing pot. Start by loosening the plant out of its pot. You can do this by turning it upside down and tapping on the bottom of the pot. The roots will fall out easily if you’ve done this correctly.
- Trim the roots. Examine the roots, looking for signs of disease or decay. If you see any, remove them using a small knife or pruning shears.
- Clean the root system. Gently shake out any loose material from the roots. If you want to clean the root with water, let it dry for several days before repotting so the roots don’t get too wet and rot.
- Put the plant in a new pot. Fill at least half of the new pot with good potting soil. Put the plant in place and lightly pack down around it. Add more soil until the root ball is covered. Make sure to keep leaves above the soil.
DON’T
- Do not repot if your plant is in bloom
- Do not repot when Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is dormant
- Do not overwater
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ Blooms
Aeoniums are monocarpic plants that bloom once in their lifetime and die after that. Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ will bloom when it is about five years old, which is why this plant is often sold as a houseplant instead of being planted outdoors.
The flowers are a pretty pale yellow color. If your plant is blooming, you should leave it alone and enjoy the show. After blooming, your plant will produce offsets that can be removed and repotted for new plants.
Common Pests
Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’ is susceptible to common pests like mealybugs, scales, and mites. You can remove these pests by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in neem oil or by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
Common Problems With Aeonium ‘Blushing Beauty’
Aeoniums are usually relatively easy to care for, but they do have some common problems. The most common problem is root rot due to overwatering.
Root Rot
Root rot can be a serious problem, especially if your plant is in a container. To prevent this, ensure the soil drains well so the water doesn’t sit at the bottom of the pot. You should also use a potting mix with plenty of perlite or vermiculite to help improve drainage.
Leaves turning brown
If you notice brown spots on the leaves, move your plant out of direct sunlight for a few days until they fade away.
If the brown spots don’t fade away or if they begin to spread, your plant may be getting too much water. You should also ensure you aren’t overwatering it by allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
Dropping Leaves
If your plant drops leaves for no apparent reason, you may have too much light or heat. The leaves may also be drooping and curling up, indicating that the plant is getting too much water.
If the leaves are dark green with a shiny appearance, they’re probably healthy—but if they start turning yellow or brown with spots on them, this could be an indication of disease.
Blushing Beauty Aeonium: Plant Profile and Care Tips (Video)